Patriots 2023 Season

[ozgod]

Maybe they are looking for a veteran like Colt McCoy to back up Mac

Volin in the Globe is speculating that the reason they did that is to make it clear to everyone, including Mac, what the hierarchy is, that Mac is the guy. Because there's a chance they pick either or both Malik and Bailey if they clear waivers, they want to make it clear that he doesn't need to keep looking over his shoulder. Picking up a vet like McCoy or similar would send the same message - this year is Mac's year to prove to everyone he's worthy of being the future Pats QB, take away all the distractions from having other players there that could be seen as competition for his spot. If he still fails after all that then flick him at the end of the year and move on.

The Patriots learned the hard way last year the old adage, “When you have two quarterbacks, you have none.” Jones got booed off the field during the loss to the Bears as fans chanted for Zappe, who immediately came into the game and threw a touchdown pass. Zappe’s performance last year not only split the fan base but also the locker room, Devin McCourty said this offseason.

Jones and Zappe always said the right thing about pushing each other to make each other better, but it had to be extremely awkward to have two young, unproven quarterbacks battling each other day in and day out. It’s why you usually see teams pair an older veteran quarterback with a younger starter. There needs to be an obvious hierarchy, and the Patriots didn’t have it last year with Jones and Zappe.

Now, problem solved. Jones is the guy, and there is no one left to challenge him. Even if Zappe clears waivers and returns, the Patriots have made it abundantly clear that they don’t view him anywhere near the same caliber as Jones.

Whomever the Patriots bring in as Jones’s backup — the top veterans available include Carson Wentz, Trevor Siemian, Will Grier, John Wolford, Colt McCoy, Chase Daniel, and Jeff Driskel — won’t seriously challenge Jones for his job. The newcomer will be too busy playing catch-up after missing the offseason.

If Jones truly is the Patriots’ franchise quarterback — and he certainly has a lot to prove after his numbers dipped across the board in 2022 and his on-field outbursts were disruptive — then it was smart to get rid of Zappe. Jones needs breathing room to establish himself as the team’s leader.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/08/29/sports/bailey-zappe-being-released-makes-it-clear-patriots-are-now-mac-joness-team-they-dont-want-any-controversy/

[ozgod]

As expected, Zappe is back with the Pats after clearing waivers, with the practice squad. Cunningham is expected to follow. The pecking order has been well and truly set though, with Mac on top and no more media speculation of a quarterback contest or a platoon system.

[Vermont Green]

Yes, with the focus on the offensive line where it should be. I suspect once they sort out the eight or nine roster spots for the offensive line that Zappe will be back on the regular roster. Maybe add a running back too.

[tazzmaniac]

As expected, Zappe is back with the Pats after clearing waivers, with the practice squad. Cunningham is expected to follow. The pecking order has been well and truly set though, with Mac on top and no more media speculation of a quarterback contest or a platoon system.

If your backup QB is on the practice squad, what happens if Mac gets knocked out of a game? 

[Vermont Green]

I am going to make a prediction.  Boutte will be good.

[Moranis]

As expected, Zappe is back with the Pats after clearing waivers, with the practice squad. Cunningham is expected to follow. The pecking order has been well and truly set though, with Mac on top and no more media speculation of a quarterback contest or a platoon system.

Doesn't this create more controversy in some ways.  I mean they are once again telling the world thst they don't believe in Mac Jones ability because if you feel like you need to waive the backup to atop the starter from feeling pressure, what does that say about the starter?

[gouki88]

As expected, Zappe is back with the Pats after clearing waivers, with the practice squad. Cunningham is expected to follow. The pecking order has been well and truly set though, with Mac on top and no more media speculation of a quarterback contest or a platoon system.

Doesn't this create more controversy in some ways.  I mean they are once again telling the world thst they don't believe in Mac Jones ability because if you feel like you need to waive the backup to atop the starter from feeling pressure, what does that say about the starter?

It doesn't really say that at all

[Neurotic Guy]

As expected, Zappe is back with the Pats after clearing waivers, with the practice squad. Cunningham is expected to follow. The pecking order has been well and truly set though, with Mac on top and no more media speculation of a quarterback contest or a platoon system.

Doesn't this create more controversy in some ways.  I mean they are once again telling the world thst they don't believe in Mac Jones ability because if you feel like you need to waive the backup to atop the starter from feeling pressure, what does that say about the starter?

Kinda convoluted there Moranis. It’s possible that they waived Zappe to gain some sort of psychological benefit for Mac, but I’d bet that your speculation wasn’t anything close to their actual reasoning. I’m not sure what financial or flexibility benefits are gained  by waiving Zappe and getting him back on the practice squad but it’s likely just a petty Belichick move for a minor benefit.

[Goldstar88]

As expected, Zappe is back with the Pats after clearing waivers, with the practice squad. Cunningham is expected to follow. The pecking order has been well and truly set though, with Mac on top and no more media speculation of a quarterback contest or a platoon system.

Doesn't this create more controversy in some ways.  I mean they are once again telling the world thst they don't believe in Mac Jones ability because if you feel like you need to waive the backup to atop the starter from feeling pressure, what does that say about the starter?

Seems like you are grasping at straws here. They freed up roster spots and saved money by waiving and re-signing the QB’s to the practice squad.

[Moranis]

As expected, Zappe is back with the Pats after clearing waivers, with the practice squad. Cunningham is expected to follow. The pecking order has been well and truly set though, with Mac on top and no more media speculation of a quarterback contest or a platoon system.

Doesn't this create more controversy in some ways.  I mean they are once again telling the world thst they don't believe in Mac Jones ability because if you feel like you need to waive the backup to atop the starter from feeling pressure, what does that say about the starter?

Seems like you are grasping at straws here. They freed up roster spots and saved money by waiving and re-signing the QB’s to the practice squad.

And who is the backup QB?  They aren't going to go into games with 1 QB on the active roster.  Teams do what the Patriots did all of the time, if they have a backup and want to keep a young guy, so they cut him and sign him to the practice.  My Ravens did that with Anthony Brown, keeping Lamar and Huntley on the active roster, waiving Brown and then adding him to the practice squad when no one else picked him up.  The Browns did that with Kellen Mond, as well.  That sort of thing happens all of the time. I don't think a team has ever waived all of their backups to sign them to the practice squad leaving just 1 QB on the active roster.   Whenever something happens that basically hasn't happened before, it should raise eyebrows.  Especially when Zappe might have actually garnered interest from teams (no one was going to claim Anthony Brown or Kellen Mond).  He didn't so he could come back, but if Zappe ends up as the back-up on opening day on the active roster, then what was the point of the risk of losing him especially when the team has a ton of cap room already. 

[Goldstar88]

As expected, Zappe is back with the Pats after clearing waivers, with the practice squad. Cunningham is expected to follow. The pecking order has been well and truly set though, with Mac on top and no more media speculation of a quarterback contest or a platoon system.

Doesn't this create more controversy in some ways.  I mean they are once again telling the world thst they don't believe in Mac Jones ability because if you feel like you need to waive the backup to atop the starter from feeling pressure, what does that say about the starter?

Seems like you are grasping at straws here. They freed up roster spots and saved money by waiving and re-signing the QB’s to the practice squad.

And who is the backup QB?  They aren't going to go into games with 1 QB on the active roster.  Teams do what the Patriots did all of the time, if they have a backup and want to keep a young guy, so they cut him and sign him to the practice.  My Ravens did that with Anthony Brown, keeping Lamar and Huntley on the active roster, waiving Brown and then adding him to the practice squad when no one else picked him up.  The Browns did that with Kellen Mond, as well.  That sort of thing happens all of the time. I don't think a team has ever waived all of their backups to sign them to the practice squad leaving just 1 QB on the active roster.   Whenever something happens that basically hasn't happened before, it should raise eyebrows.  Especially when Zappe might have actually garnered interest from teams (no one was going to claim Anthony Brown or Kellen Mond).  He didn't so he could come back, but if Zappe ends up as the back-up on opening day on the active roster, then what was the point of the risk of losing him especially when the team has a ton of cap room already.

More cap space. More money in Krafts pocket. Zappe’s original contract was 4 years, $4.3M.
Cunningham’s was 3 years, $3.75M. Gotta keep those profit margins nice and fat.

[Moranis]

As expected, Zappe is back with the Pats after clearing waivers, with the practice squad. Cunningham is expected to follow. The pecking order has been well and truly set though, with Mac on top and no more media speculation of a quarterback contest or a platoon system.

Doesn't this create more controversy in some ways.  I mean they are once again telling the world thst they don't believe in Mac Jones ability because if you feel like you need to waive the backup to atop the starter from feeling pressure, what does that say about the starter?

Seems like you are grasping at straws here. They freed up roster spots and saved money by waiving and re-signing the QB’s to the practice squad.

And who is the backup QB?  They aren't going to go into games with 1 QB on the active roster.  Teams do what the Patriots did all of the time, if they have a backup and want to keep a young guy, so they cut him and sign him to the practice.  My Ravens did that with Anthony Brown, keeping Lamar and Huntley on the active roster, waiving Brown and then adding him to the practice squad when no one else picked him up.  The Browns did that with Kellen Mond, as well.  That sort of thing happens all of the time. I don't think a team has ever waived all of their backups to sign them to the practice squad leaving just 1 QB on the active roster.   Whenever something happens that basically hasn't happened before, it should raise eyebrows.  Especially when Zappe might have actually garnered interest from teams (no one was going to claim Anthony Brown or Kellen Mond).  He didn't so he could come back, but if Zappe ends up as the back-up on opening day on the active roster, then what was the point of the risk of losing him especially when the team has a ton of cap room already.

More cap space. More money in Krafts pocket. Zappe’s original contract was 4 years, $4.3M.
Cunningham’s was 3 years, $3.75M. Gotta keep those profit margins nice and fat.

Zappe's salary this year was 870k and by cutting them, they put dead money from his signing bonus on the next 2 years.  The NFL minimum is 750k this year, so just 120k less than what Zappe was making.  So even if they sign a QB for minimum, they save hardly any money.  Given the future dead money now on their roster and the very tiny amount of money actually saved this year (plus the risk of losing a player they seemingly like and knows the system), it is a move that doesn't make sense.  Cunningham was making the minimum (and had a 10k signing bonus), so they are probably paying more by keeping someone else so not a cost saving move.  Cunningham being cut and going to the practice squad makes perfect sense though as he is a raw rookie that needs more time (and was incredibly unlikely to be signed by someone else).  It is the Zappe one that is weird.  He was after all a 4th round pick making barely over the minimum and there is no backup on the roster.  That is not a normal move and when teams do abnormal things, it is fair to speculate as to why.

[tazzmaniac]

As expected, Zappe is back with the Pats after clearing waivers, with the practice squad. Cunningham is expected to follow. The pecking order has been well and truly set though, with Mac on top and no more media speculation of a quarterback contest or a platoon system.

Doesn't this create more controversy in some ways.  I mean they are once again telling the world thst they don't believe in Mac Jones ability because if you feel like you need to waive the backup to atop the starter from feeling pressure, what does that say about the starter?

Seems like you are grasping at straws here. They freed up roster spots and saved money by waiving and re-signing the QB’s to the practice squad.

And who is the backup QB?  They aren't going to go into games with 1 QB on the active roster.  Teams do what the Patriots did all of the time, if they have a backup and want to keep a young guy, so they cut him and sign him to the practice.  My Ravens did that with Anthony Brown, keeping Lamar and Huntley on the active roster, waiving Brown and then adding him to the practice squad when no one else picked him up.  The Browns did that with Kellen Mond, as well.  That sort of thing happens all of the time. I don't think a team has ever waived all of their backups to sign them to the practice squad leaving just 1 QB on the active roster.   Whenever something happens that basically hasn't happened before, it should raise eyebrows.  Especially when Zappe might have actually garnered interest from teams (no one was going to claim Anthony Brown or Kellen Mond).  He didn't so he could come back, but if Zappe ends up as the back-up on opening day on the active roster, then what was the point of the risk of losing him especially when the team has a ton of cap room already.

More cap space. More money in Krafts pocket. Zappe’s original contract was 4 years, $4.3M.
Cunningham’s was 3 years, $3.75M. Gotta keep those profit margins nice and fat.

Zappe's salary this year was 870k and by cutting them, they put dead money from his signing bonus on the next 2 years.  The NFL minimum is 750k this year, so just 120k less than what Zappe was making.  So even if they sign a QB for minimum, they save hardly any money.  Given the future dead money now on their roster and the very tiny amount of money actually saved this year (plus the risk of losing a player they seemingly like and knows the system), it is a move that doesn't make sense.  Cunningham was making the minimum (and had a 10k signing bonus), so they are probably paying more by keeping someone else so not a cost saving move.  Cunningham being cut and going to the practice squad makes perfect sense though as he is a raw rookie that needs more time (and was incredibly unlikely to be signed by someone else).  It is the Zappe one that is weird.  He was after all a 4th round pick making barely over the minimum and there is no backup on the roster.  That is not a normal move and when teams do abnormal things, it is fair to speculate as to why.

You didn't really speculate.  You made a nonsense comment about Mac.  They clearly expected Zappe to clear waivers and return to the practice squad but they were also not that concerned if he did get claimed.  Maybe they freed up the spot to have more time to decide who the last cut should be.  Maybe they know who the last cut is but think waiting enhances the chances for him to clear waivers. 

Apparently, 4 practice squad players can be protected each week.  2 practice squad players can be called up for the game day roster each week.  A specific player can be called up 3 times during the season.  So maybe they intend to keep Zappe on the practice squad and call him up as backup QB for the 1st few weeks of the season.  They could also do the same with Cunningham for that matter. 
https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/lists/cowboys-nfl-practice-squad-rules-2023/

[Moranis]

I was commenting on ozgod's post about the Patriots cutting Zappe to make the hierarchy clear.  If that is the reason then that shows a pure lack of faith in your starter.

[green_bballers13]

I was commenting on ozgod's post about the Patriots cutting Zappe to make the hierarchy clear.  If that is the reason then that shows a pure lack of faith in your starter.

Why would they have faith in their starter? He hasn't shown that he can be the guy. He was ok in year 1 and not good in year 2.

I think you're overthinking this one. Zappe didn't get picked up because the league doesn't value him highly, so the Pats were able to get him back. I don't think this has anything to do with Mac, and shows that the Patriots were accurate in their assessment of Zappe's market value. There's no shortage of unproven backup quarterbacks with average tools.