New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos: Bailey Zappe Among ‘3 To Watch’ on Christmas Eve
“You better watch out … you better not cry … you better not pout, I’m tellin’ you why… “
The New England Patriots are coming to Mile High for a Week 16, Christmas Eve matchup with the Denver Broncos at 8:15 p.m. ET from Empower Field.
The Pate will play on Christmas Eve for the eighth time in team history, sporting a 5-3 record in those games. As for their history against the Broncos, the two teams will meet for the first time since an 18-12 Denver win at Gillette Stadium in Oct. 2020. The contest also marks New England’s first trip to Denver since a 41-16 Patriots in Nov. 2017.
While the Patriots (3-11) enter this game on the heels of a 27-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Broncos (7-7) also suffered a 42-17 demoralizing defeat at the hands of the Detroit Lions.
Though many Patriots players are expected to garner some attention during Sunday’s matchup, here are three players that might raise an eyebrow when the Pats take the field against the Broncos.
“… so, be good for goodness sake.”
Bailey Zappe
While Zappe has yet to set the stat sheets ablaze, he has exhibited greater confidence and success as a playmaker than that of his predecessor, Mac Jones. In seven appearances this season, the Western Kentucky product has made three starts, while compiling 719 yards on 123 attempts for four touchdowns and four interceptions. Despite strong first-half showings in each of his last two starts, the 24-year-old’s struggles with both pre-and-post snap recognition have led to second-half regressions. Still, Zappe has played serviceable football in relief of Jones.
New England Patriots QB Bailey Zappe
Cred: USA Today Sports Images
However, his ability to move the ball is likely to be hampered by the loss of his favorite option, tight end Hunter Henry, to a knee injury. As a result, Zappe may require an additional second to locate his target — ironically, a second he cannot afford to take. In addition to generating pressure from both the middle and the edge, Denver’s secondary will look to keep the Pats pass-catchers from breaking for big plays. During the team's five-game winning streak, the Broncos forced 16 turnovers and consistently set up their offense on short fields. Accordingly, Zappe must capitalize on opportunities created by the running game while spreading the ball to his receivers, as well as his tight ends.
Mike Gesicki
With Henry out of action, Gesicki is the most-likely candidate to assume the top tight end spot on the field in Week 16. The veteran’s skill set, in theory, translates well into coordinator Bill O'Brien's offense. Typically, O’Brien has preferred schemes which create space and mismatches for his bigger pass-catchers. Gesicki at 6-6, 247 certainly meets the criteria. In fact, his ability to power his way into contested-catch situations may be particularly useful in the red zone on Sunday night. Accordingly, he should be expected to build upon his 22 catches for 189 yards and one touchdown season stat sheet against the Broncos, if utilized correctly.
Alex Austin/Shaun Wade
With the Patriots secondary devoid of its top two options at on the perimeter [Christian Gonzalez, J.C. Jackson] New England faces a nearly insurmountable task in containing Denver’s dynamic duo of receivers in Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy. While top back Jonathan Jones is the team’s most versatile option at the position, his skill set (along with a lingering knee) makes him the best option to defend Jeudy in the slot/z-receiver role.
As a result, the burden defending Sutton will be placed on the shoulders of both Shaun Wade and rookie Alex Austin. In his Pats debut last Sunday against Kansas City, Austin compiled three tackles, while committing two costly penalties which provided the Chiefs with additional opportunities. Still, Austin showed solid movement and has the ability to stay with his target. Wade was noted for keeping his receivers within arms length at all times during his standout days at Ohio State. Still, this promises to be a touch matchup for the Pats pair of corners. At 6-4, 216 pounds, Sutton is a big target who consistently wins contested catch battles. He ranks third in the NFL with ten receiving touchdowns and leads the Broncos with 770 receiving yards. Whoever draws the task of matching him on Sunday night — either Austin or Wade — will face his toughest challenge of the season.
