Bailey Zappe Steps Up To Start Browns' Chaotic QB Carousel
Bailey Zappe Steps Up to Start Browns' Chaotic QB Carousel
A Rookie's Rise Amidst Turmoil
The Cleveland Browns have found themselves in a perpetual state of quarterback uncertainty in recent years, and the situation reached a new level of chaos in 2023.
After a disappointing year under Deshaun Watson, the Browns traded their former Pro Bowler to the Panthers in March. They then signed Jacoby Brissett as a stop-gap option, with the hope of developing a long-term solution through the NFL Draft.
However, those plans were thrown into disarray when they selected Anthony Richardson, a highly touted but raw prospect, with the 10th overall pick. Richardson's struggles in training camp and the preseason left the Browns scrambling for answers.
Enter Bailey Zappe, a fourth-round pick out of Western Kentucky. Despite being a relative unknown, Zappe has seized the opportunity and played well in relief of Brissett.
In two starts, Zappe has thrown for 652 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. His 103.9 passer rating ranks sixth in the NFL among quarterbacks with at least 50 pass attempts.
Zappe's Strengths and Weaknesses
Zappe's success can be attributed to his quick release, ability to read defenses, and excellent ball placement. He has also shown a surprising level of poise and leadership for a rookie.
However, Zappe's limitations are also apparent. He lacks elite arm strength, and his footwork can be inconsistent. Additionally, he was sacked 10 times in his two starts, suggesting he may need to improve his pocket presence.
Uncertain Future for Browns' QB Position
While Zappe has been a revelation for the Browns, the long-term outlook for the quarterback position remains murky.
Richardson is still considered the team's quarterback of the future, but he needs time to develop. Brissett is a capable backup, but lacks the upside of a franchise quarterback.
The Browns could potentially explore a trade for an established veteran, but that would likely come at a significant cost. They could also consider sticking with Zappe if he continues to play well.
Perspectives on Zappe's Performance
There are varying perspectives on Zappe's performance and the Browns' quarterback situation.
Some believe that Zappe has earned the starting job and should be given the opportunity to lead the offense for the rest of the season.
Others argue that Richardson should remain the starter, regardless of Zappe's performance, to ensure continuity and consistent development.
Still others maintain that the Browns should trade for a proven veteran to stabilize the position and give the team a better chance of competing.
Data-Driven Analysis
The following table compares Bailey Zappe's stats with the top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL through the first two weeks of the 2023 season:
| Rank | Player | Cmp% | Y/A | TD | INT | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Patrick Mahomes | 77.8 | 9.6 | 7 | 1 | 119.3 |
| 2 | Josh Allen | 70.2 | 9.2 | 5 | 0 | 113.5 |
| 3 | Aaron Rodgers | 69.0 | 7.9 | 4 | 0 | 108.4 |
| 4 | Geno Smith | 77.0 | 7.8 | 6 | 1 | 108.4 |
| 5 | Joe Burrow | 70.6 | 7.7 | 4 | 2 | 105.5 |
| 6 | Bailey Zappe | 71.7 | 7.6 | 4 | 0 | 103.9 |
| 7 | Justin Herbert | 69.4 | 7.5 | 4 | 2 | 103.3 |
| 8 | Kirk Cousins | 69.6 | 7.3 | 5 | 2 | 102.2 |
| 9 | Trevor Lawrence | 66.7 | 7.1 | 5 | 3 | 100.1 |
| 10 | Tom Brady | 68.4 | 7.0 | 4 | 1 | 98.3 |
As the table shows, Zappe's stats compare favorably to some of the league's top quarterbacks. He ranks sixth in passer rating and eighth in completion percentage.
Conclusion
The Bailey Zappe era in Cleveland has been a whirlwind. After being thrust into the starting lineup due to injuries, Zappe has played well and given the Browns a glimmer of hope.
However, the Browns' quarterback situation remains uncertain. Richardson is still the team's presumed starter, but it's unclear when he will be ready to take over. Brissett is a solid backup, but not a long-term solution.
For now, the Browns will likely continue to ride the hot hand of Bailey Zappe. But the long-term future of the quarterback position in Cleveland remains a question mark.
The Zappe experiment will be one to watch in the coming weeks and months. If Zappe can continue to play well, he could force the Browns to reconsider their plans for the future.
Reflection on the Broader Implications
The Browns' quarterback carousel is a microcosm of the challenges facing many teams in the NFL today.
Finding a franchise quarterback is essential for long-term success, but it's becoming increasingly difficult to do so.
The Browns are not the only team struggling to find stability at quarterback. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts, and Las Vegas Raiders are just a few of the other teams who have been searching for a long-term answer at the position.
The quarterback carousel is likely to continue in the NFL for the foreseeable future. As the game becomes more complex and defenses improve, teams will continue to search for that elusive quarterback who can lead them to the promised land of a Super Bowl victory.