Patriots' Bill Belichick continues unique quarterback tradition

The tradition that's become New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick declining to name a full-time starting quarterback this season continued even after Bailey Zappe guided the club to a shocking 21-18 win at the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night that improved New England to 3-10.

"I’m not going to get into the future plans right now," Belichick told media members during a Friday video conference, as shared by Patriots beat reporter Zack Cox of NESN. "We have a little bit of extra time this weekend. We’ll kind of recalibrate things a little bit. Certainly, Bailey’s done a good job. He’s earned playing time. But how exactly that’ll go, we’ll talk about that."

Belichick routinely hid his quarterback plans from outsiders earlier this season when it seemed the organization was giving 2021 first-round draft pick Mac Jones every chance imaginable to sink or swim. Jones may now be a lost cause as it pertains to his future with the Patriots beyond the ongoing season, and Zappe completed 19-of-28 passes for 240 yards with three touchdowns and an interception against Pittsburgh. 

"I don’t think there’s any question that the offense is playing with more energy with Bailey Zappe in there," NFL/Patriots insider Albert Breer noted late Thursday night. "He’s at least brought that to the group." 

"Everybody will be ready to play," Belichick continued during his comments. "When the players get a chance to play, then they’ll have an opportunity to show they deserve more playing time. Or maybe somebody moves ahead of them. We’ll see how it goes, but certainly [Zappe has] done a good job in the two opportunities he’s had to execute the offense."

Zappe presumably will be the Patriots' QB1 when they host the Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 17. 8-4 Kansas City welcomes the 6-6 Buffalo Bills to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this Sunday.