New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe couldn’t control the rush of excitement that hit his body the moment he saw Chad Ryland’s 56-yard field goal kick soar through the uprights to close out Sunday’s game.
It has been a mostly disappointing season for the Patriots, but with Zappe under center, there has been a sudden feeling of resurgence in the locker room.
However, nothing beats having the results to show for that effort, which is what the Patriots received as their gift for a thrilling Christmas Eve victory over the Denver Broncos.
Zappe and the offense engineered a game-winning, seven-play drive that included a 27-yard throw to wide receiver DeVante Parker to help set up the field goal. It was the second-year quarterback’s poise and efficiency that ultimately helped lead the way to victory in the end for the Patriots.
A Christmas Eve gift for Bailey Zappe and the @Patriots!
📺: #NEvsDEN on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/uY6Dg380OO pic.twitter.com/HNZAzzUyWY— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2023
It was a remarkable scene as Zappe jumped around with pure joy in front of a completely stunned and silent Denver fan base.
On this particular night, none of the players cared about future draft picks, the disappointing 2023 season or even the fact that this might be Bill Belichick’s final year as Patriots head coach.
For once, it was all about living in the moment after triumphing on the field of battle in a hard-fought team victory.
