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The Patriots got a much-needed, 29-0 win over the Lions on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. Backup quarterback Bailey Zappe emerged victorious from his first career start, helping New England get to 2-3 on the season.
Wearing their throwback uniforms, it was an appropriately old-school game for Bill Belichick’s team. The Patriots’ steady offensive approach — built on the strong foundation of a consistent running game — worked in perfect coordination with a dominant defense.
Here are a few takeaways:Bailey Zappe outplayed Jared Goff.
Playing because both Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer were ruled out, Zappe calmly led New England as well as any quarterback has in 2022.
In fact, Zappe’s performance was reminiscent of Mac Jones in 2021: Keeping the offense on schedule with timely (and accurate) passes, the rookie quarterback created space for his defense and offensive playmakers to tip the balance against the Lions.
Zappe did throw an interception, but the context of the play — wide receiver Nelson Agholor tipped the ball after not making the initial catch — mitigates the circumstances from the quarterback’s perspective.
And while the Lions were missing numerous defensive backs by the second half, Zappe’s accuracy and decision-making was still impressive in just his second NFL game.
Though he was a largely unknown figure at the Patriots’ last home game just two weeks ago, Zappe got to hear fans chanting his name as the final whistle sounded. The Patriots offensive coaching staff deserves some credit.
Having been the subject of endless discussion prior to the season — and continued criticism amid the 1-3 start — the Patriots’ offensive coaching staff put together a quality game-plan on Sunday.
Zappe, making his first NFL start, looked composed throughout the day. It was fitting symmetry that he ended up leading New England’s offense to three scores in the first half as well as the second half.
