The New England Patriots won on a walk-off field goal against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, helping give a little levity to a tough year in Foxboro.
A split screen reaction from Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe and coach Bill Belichick showed the paradox between a young player who just earned a major victory and a veteran coach who might be on the outs.
Zappe’s future as an NFL quarterback earned a boost with a win like this, while Belichick’s future in New England after more than two decades is very much up in the air.
It’s not that Belichick wasn’t happy with the win; we’re sure he was. However, this kick probably won’t undo a possible parting of the ways between Belichick and the franchise where he wrote his legend.
Bailey Zappe and Bill Belichick couldn't have more different reactions to the game-winning FG if they tried 😂 pic.twitter.com/76cDlRj4Bz
— NFL (@NFL) December 26, 2023
These types of moments are always fascinating, mirroring the reaction of a coach and a player in such a crucial moment.
While Zappe looked much more excited than Belichick, it’s understandable. The win probably meant much, much more to one than the other.
