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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Patrick Andres

NFL Fans Revel at Bailey Zappe’s Awkward Dap With Bill Belichick After Patriots’ Win

Bill Belichick Bailey Zappe Patriots New England (Organization) Bill OBrien

It’s hard to blame the Patriots for being a little bit rusty in their postgame celebrations.

New England has spent 2023 muddling through its worst season under coach Bill Belichick, a 3–10 slog that has ruffled feathers from Bangor, Maine to Barnstable, Mass. The Patriots have scored in single digits on five different occasions this year—hardly a recipe for winning football in the 21st century.

An unexpected thing happened to New England on Thursday, however. The Patriots put together a decent offensive performance and beat an undermanned Steelers team 21-18.

After the game, victorious New England quarterback Bailey Zappe celebrated with Belichick and offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien in precisely the ways one would imagine: firm with the former, loose with the latter.

The entire sequence left both fans of the Patriots and their rivals laughing.

New England fans demonstrated respect for Belichick's muted celebration, noting its association with their glorious past.

Sons noted how Belichick reminded them of their fathers.

One Dolphins fan pointed out the difference in demeanor between the division's best and worst teams.

If Zappe wants to make Belichick smile again, the Patriots have over a week to prepare for their matchup against the Chiefs on Dec. 17.

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