Patriots Mailbag: What was behind the Bailey Zappe decision?
Every Friday, I will be releasing a Patriots mailbag, so if you have any questions on all things Patriots and the NFL, feel free to ask. You can tweet @sophieewellerr or reply to the weekly mailbag post on the New England Patriot Fan's Facebook page. Let's get into your questions in this mailbag. @Kahuna05697450 on […]
Every Friday, I will be releasing a Patriots mailbag, so if you have any questions on all things Patriots and the NFL, feel free to ask. You can tweet @sophieewellerr or reply to the weekly mailbag post on the New England Patriot Fan's Facebook page.
Let's get into your questions in this mailbag.
@Kahuna05697450 on Twitter
How many current players do you believe will remain on the opening game-day roster?
This is a tough question. I think that Belichick is very strategic in the players he opted to keep, while also planning to bring many back on the practice squad. After signing quarterback Matt Corral to the active roster and bringing on receiver Jalen Reagor to the practice squad, they have a lot of moving pieces. It will be interesting to see who they choose to activate for the season opener. Therefore, I can't give an exact number because Belichick is known for being unpredictable, especially with the roster.
Jon Harwood
Why is the fanbase and press so against Bill Belichick?
I think it's more of the fanbase who is against Bill Belichick rather than the press, but if I had to guess, much of the reason for that centers around the last few years. Belichick is known for his crazier decisions, which have sometimes worked and other times haven't. Patriots fans are used to winning ways, but since Tom Brady left New England, they haven't seen that and because of that they are looking for someone to blame and Belichick is the obvious choice.
Vin Becker
Who will backup Jones at QB? Cunningham or Zappe?
On Thursday, it appears that the question was answered. The Patriots signed former Panthers quarterback Matt Corral. He joins Mac Jones on the active roster, while Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham remain on the practice squad at the moment.
Oneal Mamesah
AFC is so loaded. Do you think Bill Belichick will have to make changes to be at Super Bowl from now to next 5 years.
This one is simple: yes. Clearly the game plan during the last few years hasn't worked, and the AFC has only gotten stronger. I think for any team looking to be in the Super Bowl, changes always have to be made.
Robert J. Wagner
Who starts at right tackle Week 1?
Mike Onwenu could potentially play at right tackle, as he took some reps there the other day. With Riley Reiff possibly heading to IR, Onwenu might be the next man up.
Shane Anderson
Who will be our top receiver this season?
While I think DeVante Parker and Juju Smith-Schuster are two obvious answers to this question, the one I think could have a major year is Kendrick Bourne. He is playing with renewed vigor and motivation after a disappointing season last year.
Kristopher Whiteley
What recently cut player – RB or TE – that you would want on the Pats? Also do you think anymore trades happen?
If we look at cutdown day, the Patriots waived Matt Sokol. This meant that only two TEs remained on the roster (Mike Gesicki and Hunter Henry), but they brought Sokol back to the practice squad. As for trades, I don't think you'll see any more until halfway through the season (if there are any).
Matt Meserve
Why did Bill go for 4th and 13 in the 2008 Super Bowl instead of just kicking a field goal?
That's a question you'd have to ask Belichick.
Rich Fopiano
Mike Gesicki playing Week 1?
He is certainly on track to play in Week 1, having taken off the red non-contact jersey this week.
Lindsay May Cook
Now that rosters are mostly solidified, what chance do we stand in our division? I live in NJ and also really, really hate the Jets.
The Patriots have a tough road ahead. The division has become insanely competitive this season, and the Jets have been the main highlight. With Aaron Rodgers, Dalvin Cook, and so many other offseason additions, the Jets are looking to turn the page and get some more wins. The Patriots have a lot of talent on the team and can compete with these teams, but it's going to take them working together and not relying on one individual.
Michael Scott Cohen
Adding Jonathan Taylor and DeAndre Hopkins sounds like a much better acquisition now that Tyquan Thornton is out on IR, we have minimal WR potential, and Ezekiel Elliott surely wasn't a better pick than Jonathan Taylor as an option.
How do you think we stand against the rest of the NFL with the type of setup we are looking at right now?
I don't think the Patriots have minimal wide receiver potential. They have multiple on the roster who have had strong and promising preseasons, including two late-round rookies. And as we know, New England has good luck with taking late-round players and turning them into long-time starters.
As for Jonathan Taylor or Ezekiel Elliott, while Taylor might be the better option on paper, you have to consider who will fit better on the team. Belichick has always appreciated and admired Elliott's style of play, showing that he was familiar with how he played and saw that he could fit in with the Patriots Way.
Ian McCulloch
Was there anything behind cutting Zappe and Cunningham and signing them to the practice squad? Any message being sent, or was it just a run of the mill roster move that we're all reading way too much into?
Zappe did not perform at his best during the preseason, and while the decision to waive him was surprising, it does make some sense considering how he looked. It's evident that Mac Jones was going to be QB1 (there was never a question about that, despite Belichick's statements), but having a backup was necessary with both Zappe and Trace McSorley competing for the role. Cunningham began the preseason transitioning to a receiver, but he took on the QB position during the Patriots' first preseason game. The decision to waive the two was centered around them not being at their best to play as a backup in the event taht Jones was unable to play.
Chong Chow
Who do you prefer the Patriots to sign as a backup QB?
Before the signing, I thought that Colt McCoy or Case Keenum could be possible options if the Patriots were looking to add a veteran quarterback. However, Corral is a solid option as well.
Chris Radez
Vikings fans seemed a bit annoyed that Vederian Lowe was dealt to us after a promising summer. How do you think the Patriots will utilize his skill set, and what else do you see that could off a ray of hope for our offensive line struggles?
Belichick has made it clear that Lowe is being viewed as a tackle, given his experience playing in that position in college and with the Vikings. The acquisitions of Lowe and Tyrone Wheatley Jr. represent steps in the right direction to address the offensive line struggles. Additionally, the return of Calvin Anderson further strengthens the Patriots' offensive line.
Dafydd Coleman
Do you think Christian Gonzalez will go down as the pick of the draft?
I don't know if he will necessarily go down as the best pick of the draft, but he has potential to be one of the best. This was a strong draft class, and Gonzalez is already proving to be a strong addition to the Patriots roster.
Furfur Scott
What's the chance of Malik Cunningham making the team and becoming the next Julian Edelman? And if so, would this help Mac and the team?
Cunningham is in the early stages of transitioning to receiver, having played quarterback throughout college. Because of this, he still has much to learn and a lot of room for growth. While Cunningham displayed glimpses of his potential during the preseason, those moments mostly occurred when he played at quarterback. While the Patriots could look to utilize him in either position, he remains quite distant from reaching the level Edelman had achieved.
Jonathan Parker
Will we be seeing more deep ball attempts by Mac with O'Brien's offense?
If training camp is any indication, yes.
Benjamin Gordon Sukeforth
What would be you favorite meal on game day?
Gillette Stadium provides a pretty solid media meal, but I have to say that my favorite is the steak tips.
Ezekiel Elliott trying to prepare for one of New England’s biggest obstacles
Just wait until the temperature begins to drop.
Featured Image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports