Browns Set to Test Bailey Zappe Against Ravens in Season Finale
As the Cleveland Browns prepare to wrap up their 2024 NFL season, the spotlight is firmly on the quarterback position. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has made the strategic decision to start Bailey Zappe in their forthcoming clash against the formidable Baltimore Ravens. This decision comes as the Browns navigate the aftermath of Deshaun Watson's season-ending Achilles injury—an unfortunate setback that left them reevaluating their quarterback options.
Entering the game against the Ravens, Cleveland's offense will hinge on Zappe, who is poised to become the Browns' 40th starting quarterback since the team's 1999 resurgence. However, Dorian Thompson-Robinson remains in consideration, with both quarterbacks potentially seeing action on the field. For Browns fans, this game marks not only the end of a turbulent season but also an appraisal of future prospects under center.
Bailey Zappe: A Brief NFL Journey
Bailey Zappe's journey to the Cleveland Browns has been anything but straightforward. Drafted by the New England Patriots as a fourth-round pick in 2022, Zappe's career took a turn when he moved to the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad. This stopgap measure was interrupted in late October when the Browns, in need of quarterback depth after Watson's injury, added Zappe to their active roster.
In his NFL career thus far, Zappe has started in eight games, achieving a balanced record of four wins against four losses. Over this period, he amassed 2,053 passing yards, delivered 11 touchdowns, and notably threw 21 interceptions—a statistic that underscores his fairly tumultuous yet promising journey in professional football. Maintaining a career completion rate of 63.2%, Zappe will aim to harness his strengths and address past inconsistencies when facing Baltimore.
The Challenge Presented by the Ravens
The Browns face a daunting challenge in the Ravens, who enter the matchup as two-touchdown favorites. With a victory, Baltimore will secure the No. 3 seed in the AFC and clinch the AFC North title—goals that undoubtedly add pressure on Zappe and the Browns. Despite the odds, Stefanski and his team are likely focused on using this high-stakes encounter to evaluate their future roster decisions and potentially play a spoiler role in the Ravens' postseason aspirations.
Draft Implications for Cleveland
A key subplot to this game is the Browns' positioning in the 2025 NFL Draft. Currently, Cleveland is eyeing the No. 3 pick, a strategic asset that could significantly influence the franchise's trajectory going forward. The outcome of the game against Baltimore will not only impact their draft position but also shape their approach to rebuilding for the next season.
With Zappe under center, the Browns have an opportunity to explore his potential as a starting quarterback, assessing whether he could fit into the team's long-term plans. The stakes are high, both in terms of immediate performance against a high-caliber opponent and in laying the groundwork for future developments.
As the Browns take the field for their season finale, the attention will be on Zappe's performance and how the team can leverage this game as a learning moment. It marks a pivotal moment not just in the 2024 season but in shaping the roster and strategies for the future.