Bailey Zappe Set to Start for Browns in Finale Against Ravens
As the Cleveland Browns prepare to wrap up their 2024 NFL season, the quarterback position finds itself under the spotlight. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has named Bailey Zappe as the starting quarterback for their regular-season finale against the Baltimore Ravens, a decision that reflects the Browns’ ongoing quest for stability in their signal-caller role.
Stefanski’s announcement comes in the aftermath of Deshaun Watson's unfortunate season-ending Achilles injury, which has forced the Browns to reconsider their quarterback strategy. The Browns moved swiftly to address their concerns by adding Bailey Zappe to their roster in late October, following his release from the New England Patriots and a brief stint on the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad.
From Practice Squad to Starting Lineup
Drafted as a fourth-round pick by the Patriots in 2022, Zappe has had a rollercoaster career thus far. In the NFL, he's had eight starts, recording a balanced 4-4 win-loss record. Despite the even ledger, Zappe’s journey in professional football has been characterized by intermittent flashes of promise and moments of struggle. Over these games, he has accumulated 2,053 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and has thrown 21 interceptions, achieving a career completion rate of 63.2%.
Zappe’s start against the Ravens is notable not only because of his own career trajectory but also because it makes him the 40th quarterback to start for the Browns since 1999. This staggering statistic underscores the long-standing instability at the quarterback position for Cleveland, a theme that has persisted through various iterations of the team over the decades.
Browns Face Daunting Challenge
The game against the Ravens is expected to be a formidable challenge. The Ravens, who are heavily favored by two touchdowns, have much at stake themselves. A victory would not only secure the No. 3 seed in the AFC but also clinch the AFC North title, adding an extra layer of intensity to the matchup.
Conversely, while the Browns find themselves out of playoff contention, their focus is partially turned towards the future. A defeat could optimize their position in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, potentially allowing them to secure the No. 3 pick. Such a high draft position could be instrumental in addressing roster deficiencies and could play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s strategy moving forward.
Quarterback Dynamics
While Zappe has been confirmed as the starter, reports suggest that Dorian Thompson-Robinson may also see playing time in the upcoming contest. Thompson-Robinson represents another piece of the Browns' mosaic of quarterbacks, suggesting that the coaching staff is still evaluating options and trying to find the right balance heading into the offseason.
This approach to quarterback management reflects a larger strategy of experimentation and flexibility under Stefanski’s leadership. As the Browns close out their season, the opportunity to assess Zappe in a starting role provides invaluable insight for the club as they refine their plans for 2025 and beyond.
Looking Ahead
While the regular-season finale may not hold postseason ramifications for the Browns, it carries significant implications for their future. The outcome of the game will not only finalize their draft position but will also provide a potential preview of what Browns fans might expect next season in terms of quarterback play.
For Zappe, this start is an opportunity to assert himself as a viable option for Cleveland moving forward, amidst competition and uncertainty. For the Browns, it is yet another chapter in their storied pursuit of a franchise quarterback, a saga that has endured for over two decades. Regardless of the result, Sunday's game against the Ravens could shape the narratives for both Zappe’s career and the Browns’ ongoing evolution as a team.