FOXBORO — Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe could have performed his closing snaps of the season final weekend in Cleveland, with starter Mac Jones now nearing the tip of his restoration from a excessive ankle sprain.
Zappe starred in his three sport appearances, serving to the Pats to 2 wins as he accomplished 73% of his passes for 596 yards, 4 touchdowns and a decide. Whether or not he makes one other Monday evening towards the Bears, Zappe sounds pleased to be alongside for the journey
“Of course I had a little confidence that I’d be able to make it, but for me it’s still surreal to be in this position and be in the NFL, to be a quarterback in the NFL,” he stated Wednesday. “And I don’t think it will ever come to me that I’m playing in the NFL. I think I’ll still always take advantage of every day and live this dream that I’ve had since I was five.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his place, Zappe stated he’ll maintain the identical strategy he adopted as a wholesome scratch Weeks 1-3 and because the Patriots’ starter the previous two video games. On Tuesday, the rookie revealed he didn’t be taught he would begin at Cleveland till roughly 24 hours earlier than kickoff.
“I still study the game plan the same way I would whether I was third-string or a starter. That’s kind of the mentality I take into it every week, that’s the mentality I’m going to take into this week, so I think that’s going to carry on into the rest of the year.”
Zappe later added by reiterating Jones has been a part of his help system behind the scenes. Jones was on the sideline for Sunday’s win, the primary time he’s been on-field for a sport for the reason that damage.
“He’s helped a lot,” Zappe stated. “Of course he’s been in the league for a whole year above me, and I’ve been able to pick his brain and ask him questions and he’s been giving me great feedback answering them. He’s been a lot of help.”
As for Jones, Pats middle David Andrews was requested Wednesday what sort of help he may lend his fellow captain as he recovers. Jones has been pushing to play for weeks, however the staff has sidelined him in favor of Zappe and the hope he returns near full well being earlier than hitting the sphere.
“I think, one is, ‘Be as ready as you are and make sure you’re where you need to be,’” Andrews stated. “I haven’t had lots of accidents the place I’ve form of missed time throughout the season … however I feel, as a participant, I do know if I used to be in that place, I’d simply wish to be as wholesome as I may very well be. That’s powerful since you’re a competitor, you wish to go play. So, we’ll see.
“He’ll make that decision, and obviously our medical staff.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com