For the first time since late October, the New England Patriots won a football game. The Patriots earned their third win on Thursday after a strong performance from Bailey Zappe.
The second-year quarterback threw three touchdown passes to pick up the win on the road.
After the game, the young quarterback was understandably happy about the game. He went to hug offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, who greeted him with a smile.
Zappe’s greeting with Bill Belichick was much more muted in comparison, with the two sharing a simple handshake.
The difference between how Zappe greeted O’Brien and then Belichick after Thursday’s win is just so good.
O’Brien? Like he’s one of the boys.
Belichick? Like he’s Zappe’s military father-in-law who will never forgive Zappe for not asking for his blessing.
(via @Patriots) pic.twitter.com/7QEn0NeUvV
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) December 8, 2023
The muted celebration is fairly on brand for Belichick, but especially when it’s only the third win of the season. It’s been a difficult year for the Patriots, as they’re on pace for their worst season in over 30 years.
New England’s win on Thursday doesn’t change their draft position, as they still hold the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft heading into this Sunday’s games.
With the team switching between Mac Jones and Zappe this season, many believe that New England will use their pick to draft a new quarterback.
Any quarterback the team drafts will inevitably be compared to Tom Brady, but it seems that the Patriots have a long rebuild ahead of them.