Analysis: Patriots' Three Inactive QBs

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Post on Jan 08, 2025

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Analysis: Patriots' Three Inactive Quarterbacks – A Conundrum Wrapped in a Mystery

The New England Patriots' quarterback situation in recent years has been, to put it mildly, perplexing. While the team has consistently fielded competitive rosters, their depth chart behind the starting quarterback has often featured a curious mix of experience, potential, and ultimately, inactivity. This season, the mystery deepened with three quarterbacks – Bailey Zappe, Malik Cunningham, and Trace McSorley – finding themselves consistently inactive on game days. This article will delve into a detailed analysis of this unusual situation, exploring the potential reasons behind their inactivity and the implications for the Patriots' future.

The Curious Case of the Inactive Trio

Let's examine each quarterback individually to understand the puzzle:

Bailey Zappe: The Unexpected Sophomore Slump?

Zappe, a fourth-round pick in 2022, enjoyed a surprising level of success in limited action last season, demonstrating a strong arm and a surprising level of composure. His performance against the Green Bay Packers, filling in for an injured Mac Jones, was particularly noteworthy. However, this season, Zappe has been relegated to the sidelines, consistently inactive despite the occasional injury concerns surrounding Jones. This inactivity raises several questions:

• Development Concerns: Is the coaching staff concerned about Zappe's development? Are there aspects of his game – decision-making under pressure, reading defenses, etc. – that require significant improvement before he's considered a viable backup option?
• Roster Management: Could the Patriots be prioritizing other roster spots, perhaps opting for more specialized players on offense or defense, over a third-string quarterback?
• Lack of Opportunities: The limited opportunities to showcase his skills during practice could also hinder his progress and his chances of appearing in a game. This makes it difficult to evaluate his true potential as a backup QB.

Malik Cunningham: The Versatile Wildcard

Cunningham, a seventh-round pick in 2023, presents a unique challenge. His skill set is unusually versatile, capable of operating both as a traditional pocket passer and as a dual-threat quarterback with significant running ability. This versatility could be either a boon or a hindrance in the Patriots' system. His inactivity suggests several possibilities:

• System Fit: Cunningham's dynamic skillset might not perfectly align with the Patriots' more conservative offensive scheme. Adapting his playing style to a more structured approach could be a longer-term project.
• Development Time: Similar to Zappe, Cunningham might require more time to master the Patriots' playbook and fully integrate into the offensive system. His limited experience at the NFL level might necessitate a slower learning curve.
• Roster Depth at Other Positions: Could the Patriots' depth at other positions potentially push a versatile player like Cunningham to the sidelines, as his unique skillset might not be considered essential on game days compared to established players in other areas?

Trace McSorley: The Veteran on the Bench

McSorley, a veteran quarterback with experience in both the NFL and the XFL, rounds out this intriguing trio. His presence on the inactive list is perhaps the most perplexing. Having proven his ability to step in and perform competently when given the opportunity, his consistent inactivity might stem from several factors:

• Purely Roster Decisions: The simplest explanation is that the Patriots prioritize other players on the roster, choosing to activate players that they consider to be more critical to the team's overall success on a game-by-game basis.
• Scheme Specifics: McSorley's skillset might not perfectly suit Bill Belichick's preferred offensive strategy. While capable, his style may not align perfectly with the current play-calling and offensive structure employed by the team.
• Unforeseen Circumstances: We must also consider factors outside our direct observation. Injuries or other unseen factors affecting his performance and availability could be the underlying reason for his inactivity.

The Bigger Picture: Implications for the Patriots

The continued inactivity of these three quarterbacks raises significant questions about the Patriots' long-term strategy at the quarterback position. While Mac Jones remains the starter, the lack of development and playing time for his backups presents a risk:

• Lack of Game Experience: A significant drawback is the absence of valuable game experience for Zappe and Cunningham. This lack of experience under pressure limits their readiness to step in and perform effectively if called upon during the season.
• Potential Future Trades: The inactivity could indicate that the Patriots are not fully committed to these quarterbacks' long-term development, potentially raising the possibility of future trades.
• Questionable Draft Strategy: It prompts a review of the Patriots' recent draft strategies, potentially questioning the value and wisdom of investing draft picks on these quarterbacks if their development and utilization aren't prioritized.

Conclusion:

The Patriots' decision to keep three quarterbacks consistently inactive is a complex issue with no single, easy answer. A combination of factors, including roster management, developmental concerns, scheme fit, and potentially unforeseen circumstances, likely contributes to this unusual situation. However, the lack of playing time for these young quarterbacks is a significant concern, raising questions about their future in New England and potentially impacting the team's overall preparedness for unexpected events during the season. Further analysis and observation are necessary to gain a complete understanding of this peculiar situation and its ramifications on the Patriots' success in the coming years. Only time will tell if the Patriots' strategy bears fruit or proves to be a costly miscalculation.