Bailey Zappe could be the odd man out with the New England Patriots by the time the regular season arrives and the quarterback seems a bit frustrated with his current situation.
As expected, Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye took the majority of QB reps in training-camp practice on Friday. What was somewhat surprising is that rookie sixth-round pick Joe Milton III operated as the third quarterback on the depth chart and also received a few reps. Zappe received none.
When asked after practice about his lack of involvement, Zappe said he is trying to follow Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo’s advice of focusing on “quality over quantity,” but admitted that it is difficult for him to watch from the sideline given that he has started eight games for New England over the past two seasons.
“It is hard,” Zappe said. “You know you look back, you started eight games obviously. You have that on your resume, so nobody’s ever gonna forget that whether it’s here or whether it’s wherever. Obviously, I want to be here. I want to play here. I want to do everything I can to help this organization win.”
He then elaborated on his focus.
“You know, it is hard,” Zappe explained, “but I’m trying to be the best teammate I can because that’s what’s best for this team and that’s how we can win games. Whether I’m out on the field or on the sideline, I’m gonna do everything I can to help the guys.”
