The New England Patriots haven’t completely blown Sunday’s New Year’s Eve game against the Buffalo Bills, but they’ve tried to in every possible with quarterback Bailey Zappe under center.
Zappe, who is 2-2 in his last four games as a starter, had a disastrous first half against the Bills, throwing 9-of-17 for 113 yards and three interceptions. The multiple interceptions even drew a reaction from Mac Jones, who was pacing up and down the sidelines during the game.
Granted, Zappe isn’t the only one struggling in this game. Bills quarterback Josh Allen also had an ugly showing in the first half with only 46 passing yards and one interception.
Yet, Zappe’s struggles is a reminder that the Patriots need a legitimate franchise quarterback to ultimately get the team back on track. They might have a hard time getting one, if they continue to win games late in the season. Last week’s win over the Denver Broncos knocked them out of the No. 2 spot in the 2024 NFL draft.
A win on Sunday could make things even more difficult for the team moving forward. Here’s what fans were saying on Twitter after an ugly first-half showing from Zappe and the offense:
Bailey Zappe is currently outplaying Josh Allen and Zappe has 3 interceptions lmfao
— Jeremy (@ChiefsWRsSuck) December 31, 2023
Bailey Zappe has thrown three INTs and has a higher rating than Josh Allen at halftime.
— Eric 🤘 (@CoolLikeHanSolo) December 31, 2023
bailey zappe throwing 7 interceptions and keeping buffalo out of the playoffs pic.twitter.com/sPDRGTY3H7
— george w kush (@digitalsoyboy) December 31, 2023
Josh Allen and Bailey Zappe pic.twitter.com/81TVMxEwHR
— 🅿️atriot Moss (@Patriot_Moss) December 31, 2023
Bailey zappe. This guy should be black balled from the NFL
— Dylan Parrillo (@DukeDollar_) December 31, 2023
Interesting strategy to get all of the turnovers out of the way at the start of the game, let's see how things play out
— bailey zappe enthusiast (@majinyabu_) December 31, 2023
josh allen vs. bailey zappe pic.twitter.com/GCjmJOZAqM
— ryan (@amenbreakfast) December 31, 2023
Josh Allen vs. Bailey Zappe today pic.twitter.com/h6Pu1pc723
— SB 🟦 (@bigbenderbrand) December 31, 2023
Bailey Zappe to the Bills secondary in the 1st half pic.twitter.com/mhsNv2kVV1
— Bettors Connect (@nflpredictor12) December 31, 2023
I would not want to be in a room with Bailey Zappe and Josh Allen throwing darts.
— Dennis (Redacted) ¯_( ツ)_/¯ (@grumpy_veteran) December 31, 2023
#NEvsBUF
Bailey Zappe: "I'm the worst!"Josh Allen: "Hold my beer."
— Hammer (@Hammer127) December 31, 2023
Me watching Bailey Zappe throw a football pic.twitter.com/bbeb2zprlU
— leppy (@_1eppy) December 31, 2023
