Quarterback Bailey Zappe had the Patriots trying like a totally completely different group within the first half of his second begin of the season Thursday night time in a 21-18 win over the Steelers.
Zappe gained’t be dropping his grip on the beginning job anytime quickly after going 14-of-21 for 196 yards with three touchdowns within the first half. Zappe’s efficiency by means of two quarters was as shocking because it was spectacular only one sport after the Patriots had been shut out at dwelling by the Chargers with him on the helm.
Zappe and the offense did finally decelerate within the shut sport, nevertheless. It may take one other begin like Thursday night time’s to incite any precise “Zappe Fever.” The Patriots at the moment are 3-10 on the season.
The Patriots got here out firing out of the gate as Zappe led the group on an eight-play, 75-yard scoring drive that culminated with Zappe’s first landing move of the season, an 11-yarder to operating again Ezekiel Elliott, filling in as a starter for injured Rhamondre Stevenson. The largest play of the drive was a 37-yard hookup between Zappe and JuJu Smith-Schuster for the broad receiver’s longest catch of the season.
The former Steelers receiver continued to play an even bigger position with broad receivers DeVante Parker, Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte all out and Kendrick Bourne on injured reserve. He caught three passes for 82 yards within the first half.
The Patriots’ protection bent however didn’t break on their first collection, permitting Steelers quarterback Mitchell Trubisky to steer the offense on a seven-play, 20-yard drive that ended with a 56-yard discipline aim from veteran kicker Chris Boswell.
After two Patriots punts, Zappe continued his scoring methods when security Jabrill Peppers handed the offense a brief discipline by intercepting Trubisky. The QB linked with tight finish Hunter Henry on an 8-yard landing completion.
After a three-and-out, the Patriots scored once more halfway by means of the second quarter. It took simply 4 performs for Zappe to steer his offense down the sector because of a 28-yard completion to Smith-Schuster. He hit Henry for the birthday boy’s second landing catch on an impressively positioned and caught 28-yard completion.
The Steelers responded with their very own landing on their subsequent drive, an eight-play, 70-yard collection. Trubisky hit broad receiver Diontae Johnson on a deep 25-yard completion over Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson for a landing.
The early portion of the second half didn’t produce any factors, nevertheless it was eventful. Zappe was intercepted close to the top of the third quarter when he threw behind Smith-Schuster. The ball was deflected by linebacker Elandon Roberts into the arms of linebacker Mykal Walker.
The Steelers went for it on their ensuing drive on fourth-and-2 from the Patriots’ 8-yard line however couldn’t convert after linebacker Mack Wilson made a key cease on operating again Jaylen Warren.
The Patriots went three-and-out earlier than Bryce Baringer’s punt was blocked.
The Steelers took benefit of the quick discipline with a four-play, 26-yard drive ended with a QB sneak from Trubisky for a 1-yard landing. The Steelers benefitted from a defensive move interference penalty from Jackson, his second of the sport. A two-point conversion reduce the Steelers’ deficit to 21-18.
The sport solely bought stranger.
The Patriots had been compelled to punt, and the Steelers seemed primed to no less than tie the sport. They transformed on fourth-and-1 with a QB sneak from Trubisky. Then it seemed like they might get an additional set of downs afterward fourth-and-3 from the Patriots’ 38-yard line when a flag was thrown for motion earlier than a punt. Both groups assumed Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai was being penalized for offsides. Steelers punter Pressley Harvin was celebrating, and Tavai seemed despondent. But Steelers lengthy snapper Christian Kuntz was truly flagged for a false begin.
The Patriots went three-and-out after the Steelers’ punt. The Steelers went for it on fourth down once more on their subsequent drive, however Trubisky chucked it deep to Johnson on fourth-and-2. The move was well-covered by Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones and fell incomplete.
A false begin from Henry pushed the Patriots again on the primary play of their last offensive collection. The Patriots tried a tush-push fashion QB sneak on third-and-1 however couldn’t convert and had been compelled to punt.
The Steelers made a valiant effort on their last drive with 22 seconds on the clock and 87 yards to go however may solely choose up 45 yards because the Patriots squeaked out a victory.
BEST
QB Bailey Zappe: Despite his interception, there was much-improved quarterback play for the Patriots in Zappe’s second begin of the season. He completed 19-of-28 for 240 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster: The former Steeler had his best sport of the season with 4 catches on six targets for 89 yards.
TE Hunter Henry: Henry caught two landing passes on his twenty ninth birthday. Overall, he caught three passes on three targets for 40 yards.
S Jabrill Peppers: Peppers got here up massive with one other takeaway. He has two interceptions, a compelled fumble and fumble restoration this season after Thursday night time’s choose.
WORST
CB J.C. Jackson: The veteran cornerback was in protection on a 25-yard landing catch by Johnson. He was additionally flagged for defensive move interference twice.
Special groups: Core particular teamer Brenden Schooler was flagged for pointless roughness. Baringer additionally had a punt blocked off of a missed block from Ty Montgomery.
Source: www.bostonherald.com