The Browns' Quarterback Shift: Zappe to Start Against Ravens
As the Cleveland Browns wrap up their 2024 NFL season, the spotlight is firmly on their quarterback situation which has been a conversation starter since Deshaun Watson’s unfortunate Achilles injury, cutting his season short. With the regular-season finale against the formidable Baltimore Ravens dawning, head coach Kevin Stefanski has announced that Bailey Zappe will take the helm as the starting quarterback.
Zappe's Unexpected Journey
Bailey Zappe’s road to starting quarterback for the Browns has been anything but conventional. Initially drafted by the New England Patriots as a fourth-round pick in 2022, Zappe's NFL journey has seen many twists. After spending time on the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad, Zappe was signed by the Browns in late October. His NFL experience includes eight starts, where he has achieved a balanced record of 4-4, amassing 2,053 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions with a completion rate of 63.2%.
The matchup against the Ravens represents a significant milestone for Zappe, marking him as the 40th quarterback to start for Cleveland since their infamous quarterback carousel began in 1999. In a team with such a storied struggle in stabilizing the QB position, Zappe's performance could carve out an unexpected chapter in both his and the team's narrative.
A Season With Challenges
For the Browns, the 2024 season has been a journey through adversity, primarily driven by Watson's untimely injury. This predicament forced the team to explore different options to manage their quarterback situation dynamically. While Zappe currently has been given the nod to start, Dorian Thompson-Robinson is also likely to see action during the game, indicating that the Browns are not leaving anything to chance as they face the Ravens.
The Stakes Against Baltimore
As the Browns step onto the field, they do so with a formidable challenge before them. The Ravens enter the game as two-touchdown favorites, making the uphill battle even steeper for Cleveland. A victory for the Ravens would solidify their claim over the AFC North title and secure them the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoffs, adding an edge of high stakes to the matchup.
Conversely, the Browns have their eyes set on a different prize. The outcome of their final game is not just about ending the season with a win but also potentially positioning themselves for a favorable spot in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. With a possible No. 3 pick on the line, the Browns have more than just pride to play for.
Moving Forward
As Cleveland looks toward closing their season, the outcome of their quarterback experiment could set the tone for future plans. Bailey Zappe's starting position offers him a platform to showcase his potential under high-pressure conditions against a top-tier defense. With the Browns considering their options for the 2025 NFL Draft, the performances in this finale could heavily influence offseason decisions regarding their long-term quarterback strategy.
For the Browns faithful, this game is more than just another chapter in a challenging season—it’s an opportunity to glimpse the future potential of their beloved team. As Zappe takes the field, he not only plays for a win but also for the possibility of securing a more permanent role in shaping the Browns' future aspirations.