Browns Turn to Bailey Zappe as Regular Season Culminates
As the Cleveland Browns prepare to wrap up their 2024 NFL season, the spotlight is firmly fixed on their quarterback situation, a familiar narrative for Browns fans. Kevin Stefanski, the head coach tasked with steering this franchise, has named Bailey Zappe as the starting quarterback for their closing game against the Baltimore Ravens.
This decision comes amid an eventful year for the Browns' quarterback department, primarily shaped by the untimely Achilles injury to Deshaun Watson, which abruptly ended his season. With Watson out, Cleveland found itself in need of a reliable hand to guide them through the remainder of their campaign. Enter Bailey Zappe, a player who has navigated his own NFL journey from promise to uncertainty and back again.
The Zappe Era Begins
Bailey Zappe’s path to Cleveland is marked by twists typical of an NFL career still in its infancy. The quarterback was initially on the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad after being released by the New England Patriots, the team that drafted him in the fourth round in 2022. His stint with the Patriots saw him start eight games, where he compiled a 4-4 record. Over his career, Zappe has passed for 2,053 yards, notching 11 touchdowns against 21 interceptions, and maintains a completion rate of 63.2%.
Zappe’s opportunity with the Browns is notable, as it marks him as the 40th starting quarterback for Cleveland since the team’s reinvention in 1999. The hope is that his tenure, however long it may last, brings a semblance of consistency to a role that has been anything but stable over the past decades.
A Strategic Matchup Against the Ravens
The Browns' final regular-season game against the Baltimore Ravens poses both challenges and opportunities. The Ravens, set as two-touchdown favorites, have much at stake. A victory would secure them the No. 3 seed in the AFC while solidifying their AFC North title aspirations. For Cleveland, this matchup presents a chance to evaluate their roster and make strategic decisions heading into the offseason, eyeing a favorable position in the 2025 NFL Draft at the No. 3 pick.
While Bailey Zappe will start, there is potential for both him and Dorian Thompson-Robinson to take snaps during the game. This move could be part of a broader strategy to assess potential assets going forward, particularly in light of Deshaun Watson’s uncertain immediate future.
Browns Navigate Uncertain Waters
The Browns' current predicament is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of the NFL. Injuries, trades, and tactical decisions are all part of a complex puzzle that teams continue to piece together every season. For Cleveland, the addition of Bailey Zappe, coupled with their existing quarterback options, presents a gamble that could offer either a bridge to future successes or further highlight the instability that has often plagued their quarterback position.
However, this also represents an opportunity for Zappe, who could leverage this opening to establish his credentials as a starting quarterback in the league, potentially influencing Cleveland's offseason decisions.
As the Browns take the field against the Ravens, fans and analysts alike will be watching keenly, not just for the outcome of the game, but for indications of how the team plans to address its quarterback quandary moving forward. Bailey Zappe's performance could be pivotal in setting the tone for another offseason of rebuilding and strategic planning for the Browns, who seek not just temporary fixes but long-term reliability in their most critical position.