Pats select Western Kentucky QB Bailey Zappe at 137
- Thread starter Eddie Jurak
- Start date
Ok, but I'm not sure that changes much of anything in terms of the argument for Mac. I'm not advocating for either guy really, I trust Bill. But despite the Lombardi report and Zappe's performance the last two games I don't think anyone should be surprised if Mac gets his job back when he's healthy.
I don't think anybody should be surprised by whatever BB decides. Mac has more experience in the system, has shown he can win, and hasn't reached his ceiling yet. BZ has looked really good in his brief tenure, has shown he can win, and hasn't reached his ceiling yet. Where they were drafted is a non-factor. Salary and tradeability are small factors that I doubt BB will consider; he'll want to keep both.
One interesting factor is how BB will weigh the present versus the near future and longer future -- i.e., who's better positioned to win right now, this season, and in future seasons.
One interesting factor is how BB will weigh the present versus the near future and longer future -- i.e., who's better positioned to win right now, this season, and in future seasons.
If anything, Zappe has a small advantage here. As a 1st rounder, Mac's got 3 more years at very reasonable rates, but that 5th year option is a league-set value. Reviewing the numbers cited here , Mac would be due a 1 year guarantee of around $33M, and that's assuming he doesn't make another Pro Bowl. The figure cited for this year is $27M for QBs with one Pro Bowl appearance, and that's Mac. I'm figuring salary continues to grow, and a bump from the $27M a QB would get today is about 20% more, and honestly, that may be low. Obviously, neither gets traded for another year, but in the 23-24 offseason, they'll have some real mulling to do. What a nice thing to have to worry about though.
That's really not what happened though. It just depends where you put that game against Cleveland (19/23, 198 yards, 3/0 TD/INT). If we take that game out of equation, he was 89.8 in first 9 and 89.8 in last 7
I'm not entirely sure they wouldn't trade one of them if they got a great offer, assuming they think the other is the guy. Maybe not, but it might be tough to turn down a great offer considering how much value it could provide in building the rest of the roster. I know BB didn't want to trade Jimmy G, but he had no idea Brady would age so well at that time. He had no issues trading Bledsoe once he was sure Brady was the guy. (Of course, Bledsoe also had a huge salary and that was a factor.)
It is what happened. Starting with the first game against the Bills in Week 13 of last year, he's made 9 starts, with 10 TDs and 12 INTs and a passer rating in the mid 70s, including playoffs. He was okay the first five weeks, fantastic from the Dallas game up until the the Tennessee game, and below average ever since.
From what I’ve seen, the subreddit is very fanboyish, isn’t it? That’s one reason I don’t bother visiting it. I don’t think it should be surprising that people there are salivating over a player who was a high draft pick and has shown promise (was possibly ROY if Chase didn’t have an absolute monster game at end of season to break multiple records).
I heard we were trading Mac for Ryan Mallett, but I won’t believe it until I see pics from the airport.
Another Zappe film breakdown...this one from Kurt Warner.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6ZrCNMVuRU
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6ZrCNMVuRU
I was just going to share this. It’s a pretty great breakdown and confirmation of Zappe seeing the field well, processing coverages very fast, and knowing pre-snap what to expect from the defense (especially LBs and safeties).
At 22:55 you really see how quickly Zappe works through his progression. It’s kind of crazy for a rookie to not try to force that throw on the rub route, which often ends up in a pick. Zappe moved on from that read super quick for the TD over the middle.
Warner is excited about Zappe, and honestly so am I. This kid knows how to play the position.
Yes, the offense has been “simplified,” but he understands what’s happening on the field. He can read coverages very well. 11:15 is another great example of this; the pass is incomplete, but he quickly identifies press coverage jamming both routes to the right so he attempts to throw his receiver open to the left.
I know it was Western Kentucky and all but his college stats are comically incredible. You don't throw for 6000 yards in 14 games if you don't have the ability to perform.
I love Zappe. I am not done with Mac but he's been playing for over a year now and he's been decent to fine. But his arm is a noodle relative to what is required. But Zappe also beat up on Detroit and Cleveland. You couldn't have two better teams to start your career against.
But I want more Zappe. I would love to see how he would do against the Bears. But he might not play. Zap zap zap.
Feels like one more Zappe would be ideal. Sucks for Mac, but it is what it is. Play the hot hand.
The season, IMO, was done when Mac went out - don't boot the guy that gave the team life. Not yet.
Are people still under the impression that there’s a chance Zappe will play Monday? From what I’ve read about the practice reps and who Mac took them with, those chances are slim and none and slim just left town.