Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has been noncommittal when it comes to naming New England’s starting quarterback in 2023, refusing to declare incumbent Mac Jones as the starter for the upcoming campaign.
Bailey Zappe figures to be in the conversation for the starting job, if it truly is up for grabs, and the former Western Kentucky quarterback indicated that he’d be eager to take advantage of any opportunity he receives.
With uncertainties surrounding Jones’s grasp over the starting job, Zappe was asked about his thoughts on an “open competition” at the quarterback position.
“If my opportunity presents itself, I’m going to take full advantage of it. I’m going to do everything I can to help the team win. That’s really all I can say from that standpoint. That’s Coach Belichick’s decision, whatever he decides. But if the opportunity presents itself, I’m gonna be ready and take advantage of it,” Zappe told NBC10’s Joe Kayata.
Bailey Zappe talking about his mindset this off season heading into a possible QB competition this camp.
— Joe Kayata (@NBC10_Joe) April 12, 2023
"If the opportunity presents itself, I'm gonna be ready and take advantage of it."#Patriots @NBC10 pic.twitter.com/SOTk7LYBBx
Zappe was given an opportunity to play during the 2022 NFL season, during which he appeared in four games—starting twice and earning wins in both. New England’s fourth-round pick in 2022, Zappe threw five touchdown passes and three interceptions last year, taking over as the starter while Jones was dealing with an ankle injury.
Although Zappe eventually returned to his role as the backup, it appears there’s some uncertainty surrounding the starting job in 2023, and Zappe sounds eager and ready to compete for the role.
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