Since the New England Patriots’ 10-6 loss in Germany nearly two weeks ago, there has been no discussion about who will start at quarterback in New York.
On Friday, November 24, Bailey Zappe, the backup quarterback for the Patriots who replaced Mac Jones in the closing moments, didn’t say much more. On November 26, the Patriots will play the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium after a two-week break.
“Same as every week, preparing for the game no matter what coach’s decision is,” Zappe told reporters. “You know, treating it like every other game week.”
On Tuesday, November 21, Jones participated in practice as well, but Zappe received first team reps, according to NESN. Zappe gave a straightforward “no” response on Friday in response to questions from the media asking him or the other quarterbacks if they knew the decision for Week 12.
“That’s Coach [Bill] Belichick’s decision,” Zappe said. “He’s the head coach for a reason. He makes those decisions, and we just play football.”
“Everyone be ready to go,” stressed Bill Belichick.
On Tuesday, November 21, Belichick stated to the media that he anticipates “all players” to “be ready to go.” He reaffirmed this statement when questioned about the quarterback position in particular. On Friday, he only strengthened his stance even further.
“I’ve told everybody to be ready to go. And hopefully, that’s what they’re all doing,” Belichick said on Friday. “I’m not going to announce starters at every position, or backup, or whatever. Hopefully, everybody will be ready to go.”
Zappe wants to be prepared for anything, no matter how much practice he gets in. After an outstanding rookie season in 2022, his performances this year haven’t gone as well, with a 40% completion rate amid 25 pass attempts in three game appearances.
“Whenever I get those opportunities, I got to go in there and do my job,” Zappe said about practice reps in particular. “Haven’t done that to the best of my ability so whenever that next opportunity comes, this week or whenever, I’ll try to go out there, take advantage of my opportunity and just go out there and help the team win.”
Belichick and the Patriots may be holding back on naming their starting quarterback for the game against the Giants because they still have a chance to win. After the defeat in Germany, Belichick hinted that taking the quarterback position was out of the question; on Friday, he just sidestepped the quarterback controversy when speaking with the media.
“Yeah, I don’t know. You’re gonna have to ask the Giants what they do. I don’t know. They don’t blitz on every play. But maybe they will. I don’t know. You’ll have to ask Wink [Martindale] that. I don’t know. I can’t tell you what they’re gonna do,” Belichick said. “I don’t know what they’re gonna do. Can you tell me what the game plan is? Because I don’t know.”
When a reporter asked Belichick to name the starting quarterback alone, without mentioning any other starters, he refused to even tip his cap.
“That’s correct,” Belichick grinned.