FOXBORO — Let’s simply say the Detroit Lions came upon what it feels prefer to get Zapped.
Their former head coach, Matt Patricia, now the Patriots offensive play-caller amongst different issues, managed to embarrass them with a rookie third-string quarterback on the helm.
That actually received’t go over nicely within the Motor City.
As for Patricia’s younger backup quarterback, the legend of Bailey Zappe simply continues to develop by leaps and bounds in New England and past.
After Sunday’s efficiency, Zappe Fever has gone up at the very least a notch. It’s fairly potential the love affair with the Patriots fourth-round choose has hit the Zappe Mania stage following the 29-0 win.
Save for going 0-for-4 within the pink zone, with Nick Folk needing to kick 5 area targets within the sport, Zappe did nearly the whole lot proper.
It’s actually exhausting to not be impressed with the child, who made his first NFL begin. Granted, the Lions have the worst protection within the league by any metric, however that shouldn’t completely diminish Zappe’s effort.
The child delivered a much-needed win, and did the whole lot he was requested, and extra.
Like his aid look towards Green Bay final week, Zappe was closely managed by the coaches, and benefited from having an elite operating assault led by Rhamondre Stevenson, who gained a profession excessive 161 yards on 25 carries.
The offensive line additionally had his again, whereas the protection performed lights out, shutting down the top-ranked offense within the league.
But it could be remiss to not give Zappe props for this efficiency, even towards a woeful protection.
Once once more, his poise and calm within the pocket stood out. So did his decision-making and pocket consciousness, understanding when to step up and ship throws, or get on the transfer earlier than dishing it off.
He wasn’t requested to do an excessive amount of, however made all the best strikes when Patricia put the ball in his palms, whether or not taking snaps below heart, or working from the shotgun.
Fans had been chanting, “Zappe, Zappe, Zappe” at completely different factors all through the sport, however had been particularly vocal within the closing minute. They had been appreciative of his efforts, as Zappe accomplished 17 of 21 passes for 161 yards with a landing move. He additionally had an interception on his stat sheet, however the move ought to have been caught by Nelson Agholor.
In any case, Zappe confirmed enchancment from his debut final week, approaching in aid, and with each Mac Jones (excessive ankle sprain) and Brian Hoyer (concussion) unavailable, the Patriots are thrilled to see this child ship within the method he has to assist the crew transfer to 2-3 on the season.
Center David Andrews mentioned Zappe performed “his tail off.”
“He did a great job managing the game, making the right calls to checks, and things like that, making the right decisions,” Andrews mentioned. “He made some big throws, and did a great job protecting the football.”
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick additionally cited Zappe’s decision-making, accuracy and poise. Perhaps most spectacular was Belichick saying the rookie noticed issues the identical method as he did from the sidelines because the performs had been growing.
“He was confident out there. He does a good job. He does a good job of seeing the game and can come off and identify and articulate what he saw, what happened. That’s usually right,” mentioned Belichick. “What he noticed is normally what I noticed or possibly whenever you have a look at the movie, possibly there’s one thing that’s just a little grey in there that his clarification is definitely good. It was the way in which he noticed it.
“Maybe he might not have done the right thing, but he saw the game. That goes all the way back to preseason. He played a lot in preseason. I think those snaps were good for him. He learned a lot.”
After the sport, Zappe mentioned he’s simply making an attempt to benefit from his alternative. He’s labored and studied exhausting. He additionally credited his offensive linemen for giving him time to throw, and likewise open up holes for then run sport.
“They played amazing today. To be honest with you, all five of those guys — actually six, including Marcus Cannon, were the MVPs of today,” mentioned Zappe. “We ran the ball well … did play-action well, kept me clean in the pocket. We were able to go through second, third reads, get to your check-down. They played really well today. To be able to have those guys up front is amazing to have that.”
Receiver Jakobi Meyers returned after lacking the earlier two video games, and his addition additionally made an enormous distinction. Meyers has a knack for getting open, and Zappe linked with him always.
Meyers had a game-high seven catches for 111 yards and a landing. Tight finish Hunter Henry’s presence was lastly felt, as he caught 4 passes for 54 yards. All of them resulted in first downs.
With the run sport so efficient, Patricia successfully utilized play-action far more on this sport. Zappe’s landing move to Meyers got here on play-action, with the receiver large open on the best aspect.
Meyers patted Zappe on the again, but additionally credited the coaches for having him ready, and likewise calling a great sport. So sure, Patricia continues to enhance in that space.
“Shout-out to the coaches for just having a good game plan, calling the right plays and for him to go out there and execute it for us,” mentioned Meyers.
Patricia was congratulated by lots of the Patriots gamers and members of the teaching employees within the closing minutes. Patricia additionally had many Lions gamers and coaches do the identical on the sector following the competition.
But followers weren’t chanting Patricia’s identify. That distinction belonged to the quarterback, as followers shouted Zappe within the acceptable spot when the music “Don’t Worry Be Happy” blared over the audio system.
“I like the support, but to be honest with you, I was just more excited about the win,” mentioned Zappe, the person of the hour. “To get a win with my team, that was really the focus point for this week. That was going to be the focus point for the rest of the season.”
Even with all of the adulation showered on Zappe, Meyers mentioned there was no worry of the child getting an enormous head over his newfound fame and popularly.
Said Meyers: “He’s one of the coolest dudes in the locker room. He’s got a real southern chill to him. He’s the same guy every day. So I don’t expect him to be no different.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com