New England Patriots fans sarcastically compared rookie backup quarterback Bailey Zappe to Tom Brady after he made his debut in Week 4.
The New England Patriots entered Week 4 without their starting quarterback Mac Jones, as he picked up a high ankle sprain the week prior. That meant that veteran Brian Hoyer would get the start for the Patriots on the road against the Green Bay Packers. However, Hoyer left the game in the first half due to a head injury, and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game.
With Jones inactive and Hoyer hurt, that meant the Patriots had to lean upon rookie Bailey Zappe, the team’s fourth-round pick out of Western Kentucky.
This had Twitter users making comparisons between Zappe and former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who famously entered in relief of an injured Drew Bledsoe, and never gave up the starting role.
Twitter compares Bailey Zappe’s entrance to Tom Brady’s
Prior to being selected by the Patriots, Zappe set the FBS record for passing yards and passing touchdowns while playing for the Hilltoppers last season. Zappe threw for 5,967 yards and 62 touchdowns.
In the first half, Zappe completed 6-of-10 pass attempts for a total of 31 yards.
Even though Zappe did not lead the team to the end zone prior to halftime, New England’s defense did. Late in the second quarter, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers attempted to complete a pass to Allen Lazard along the sidelines. Instead, cornerback Jack Jones read the play, intercepted the pass, and returned it for a touchdown to give the Patriots a 10-7 lead.
Zappe did, however, throw his first touchdown pass, as he connected with DeVante Parker for a 25-yard score.
This will certainly be a moment that Zappe never forgets — helping the Patriots take a lead over the Packers at Lambeau Field.
