Perillo: Mac Jones-Bailey Zappe relationship is ‘something to watch’
Paul Perillo from Sunshine dot com, also knowns as Patriots.com joined Michael Felger and Tony Massarotti on Monday’s Felger and Massarotti program to give his impressions on the Patriots first pre-season game against Houston and the relationship between quarterbacks Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe.
Transcript:
Felger: The relationship between Bailey Zappe and Mac Jones, which seems to be no relationship. What do you make of it?
Paul Perillo: Don’t think it is a great one. I you know, I think sometimes we overrate these things in stadium a little bit too strongly, but I have watched a little of the interaction and it doesn’t seem like they’re, you know, overly friendly on the field, on the practice field. And I have noticed when they’re asked specific questions about the relationship, but the answers for both sides are always in generalities about the quarterback room, about the team, about, you know, whatever, which I don’t know if that’s. I don’t think Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo were doing a whole lot of stuff while they were playing together. You know, together. I think they’ve since, you know, become more friendly. But I don’t I don’t know if it’s a huge issue, but I do think it is it is something to watch. And it’s kind of comical like when you when you sort of like.
Felger: So that’s when I first started to pick up on it when the answers like there were just a couple of answers. One like dad that felt that fell off, that felt put offish, like really hands length and I you know, and so and then categories you wrote something last week and Greg started looking at it as like on the field it’s like, well they don’t even acknowledge each other. So there’s a thing. What do you make of it? Yes.
Mazz: So, I have less of a problem with it with these two than I do with Brady and Garoppolo. Let me just get that out of the way. Cake is Brady at that point was in the league for 12 years. You know you know I know Garoppolo was drafted as his successor but I also thought Brady plays well Garoppolo is not get anywhere near the field so what’s Brady threatened for like but this I half get you got a couple of guys who don’t really have a foothold in the league but they both feel threatened by the other one so that part I kind of get but that said, oh, grow up. Would you grow up!
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) looks to throw a pass during the first half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Mazz: I would say more Mac Jones than Zappe, because again, Zappe is a he’s a flier. Let’s face it. He’s just trying to earn his way in the league. And, you know, but the bottom line is you’re on the same side. Even if you’re competing for a job, you should be able to communicate with one another.
Paul Perillo: Yeah. And that’s, that’s consistent to the performance on the field too. And in practice, you know, when, when things go well, you know, if Trace McSorley or Cunningham is involved in something, it seems to be a lot more interaction with the quarterbacks. When Zap does something, it’s not the same.
Mazz: But you know what? I don’t even really care about that whooping and hollering.
Paul Perillo: No, I don’t either. I think it’s a non factor.
Felger: Weak. Yeah. No, believe me, I, I don’t think it’s nothing as you, you know, which won’t be surprising to hear. I mean, it’s fun to talk. It’s, you know, it’s gossipy and salacious, so it’s, you know, it’s fun to talk about. But I also think there might be something meaningful to it. To me, it’s just a sort of another sign of the little layer of dysfunction or distrust that still exists down there. They’re not all connected, you know, and Gasper talked about it last night. It’s like there was a time here in the off season that Bill Belichick wouldn’t mention Mac Jones’s name. Mac Jones looks out and says, well, Bailey’s app, he’s Bill’s guy bills up my ass, so I’m not going to give that kid the time of day because Bill’s that’s Bill’s guy. And so he’s not going to talk about me. I’m not going to talk about him. It’s like, Hey, hey. And so it’s this sort of thing like something like that. And it just sort of speaks to that layer of distrust. They’re not connected. They’re not together, They’re not all one. It’s just another sign of what’s going on down there.
Mazz: Clicks and factions like really, again, think of that scenario. If they’re not communicating, they don’t trust each other. So, if Zappe is watching and sees something from the sideline that nobody else sees, he’s not going to tell anybody because I’m going to use that when I get in.
Paul Perillo: And that’s when it would be a problem. I agree with you guys on that. I mean, you would like to think that regardless of your personal feelings, you’re going to put the team first. And if that’s an indication that they wouldn’t. But you guys like to say, let’s not get people in trouble for things they haven’t done yet. We have no evidence that that’s it’s been taken to that extreme. But I would agree with you guys if if Zap is the backup quarterback and he’s watching from the sidelines as well. I think Mac missed this and he did tell him about it. I need to tell Bill O’Brien about it. And he’s not doing it because he doesn’t want to help him. That’s a problem.
Felger: Or tattle is paddles on him. Yeah, you know, Bill, that safety was down to the box. You could have gone up top on that. I mean, you didn’t see that you do that thing, too. So, I don’t know. Like, I don’t think I hardly think anything is nothing. Everything is potentially.
Paul Perillo: Something that is true on this show that should be watched. Thank you.
Felger: You’re right. Everything.
Paul Perillo: Everything is something.
Felger: Everything is potentially something.
Mazz: Nothing is nothing.
Felger: There is no nothing. There’s nothing that shouldn’t exist on a talk show. There’s something is always potentially something, especially when I don’t know the one and two. I don’t talk to each. I’d rather them talk to each other and have a functional relationship.
Listen to Felger and Mazz from 2-6 every Monday-Friday on 98.5 The Sports Hub, with hosts Mike Felger, Tony “Mazz” Massarotti, and Jim Murray “Big Jim”. You can listen live in the Sports Hub App and subscribe to their podcasts here. Follow @FelgerAndMazz on Twitter to keep up with the show!
Patriots roster projection 2.0: First impressions from the preseason
Quarterbacks (3)
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Malik Cunningham (16) during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
–Malik Cunningham
–Mac Jones
–Bailey ZappeIt still seems like the Patriots’ long-term plans for Cunningham involve developing him at wide receiver. That being said, he showed on Thursday night the value he’d bring both as a scout team quarterback, and as a gadget player if the Patriots wanted to use the new ’emergency QB’ rules to have him active on gamedays. For that to happen though, he has to be on the active roster (the new rule doesn’t apply to practice squad elevations). He sneaks in on this projection.
Changes from Roster Projection 1.0: ADD Malik Cunningham
Running backs (3)
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back Pierre Strong Jr. (35) ru8ns after the catch with Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris (48) in tow during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
–Rhamondre Stevenson
–Pierre Strong
–TBDWe’re going to go a little outside the box here, and leave a spot open for a future veteran running back addition (Leonard Fournette? Ezekiel Elliott?). While the offensive line play Thursday night didn’t help, the Patriots’ young running backs struggled in their own right on Thursday night. Neither Strong nor Kevin Harris has been able to separate himself as a potential No. 2 back to Stevenson, and it’s looking more and more like the Patriots will have to go outside the organization to fill that role.
As for Ty Montgomery, it’s becoming a roster crunch at other positions on the roster, which bumps him off the 53. Given his injury history, the Patriots may be able to get him back on the practice squad and elevate him later as needed. Harris is another back that should be able to get to the practice squad, like he did last year.
Changes from 1.0: ADD ‘TBD,’ CUT Kevin Harris and Ty Montgomery.
Wide receivers (6)
New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (58) makes a catch during 2023 training camp in Foxboro. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
–Kendrick Bourne
–Kayshon Boutte
–Demario Douglas
–DeVante Parker
–JuJu Smith-Schuster
–Tyquan ThorntonHere it is, that six wide receiver grouping that has fans so excited. That being said, don’t expect a six-man WR rotation if this ends up being the outcome. Boutte would probably stick on the roster as a developmental player – he’s shown enough that he’d likely get claimed if waived to the practice squad, but still not enough to pass Thornton or Douglas on the depth chart. While pressure/poor offensive line play prevented him from getting the ball on Thursday night, there were a few times he got himself open.
Changes from 1.0: ADD Kayshon Boutte
Tight ends (2)
New England Patriots tight end Mike Gesicki (88) makes a catch during training camp in Foxboro. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
–Mike Gesicki
–Hunter HenrySo far, none of the depth tight ends behind Gesicki and Henry have made a push for the roster. Matt Sokol and Anthony Firkser seem to be leading the push towards the third tight end spot, but right now it looks like that will initially be a practice squad role that has the players elevated as needed to start the season.
Changes from 1.0: None
Offensive linemen (8)
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots guard Sidy Sow (61) blocks Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) away from quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
–C David Andrews
–C/G Jake Andrews
–T Trent Brown
–G Atonio Mafi
–T Conor McDermott
–G/T Mike Onwenu
–T Riley Reiff
–G Cole StrangeBecause of certain contract intricacies, the Patriots are somewhat locked in to keeping more offensive linemen than usual. This projection is actually one less than we had in 1.0, with Sidy Sow making that roster. However, based on the preseason opener Sow looks like a work in progress as he moves from guard to tackle, which should make it easier for the Patriots to get him on the practice squad. Players like James Ferentz, Kody Russey, and Bill Murray should find their ways onto the practice squad as well. We’re also still working under the assumption that Calvin Anderson will open the season on NFI.
Changes from 1.0: CUT Sidy Sow
Defensive linemen (6)
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale (95) sacks Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
–Christian Bamore
–Daniel Ekuale
–Davon Godchaux
–Lawrence Guy
–Keion White
–Deatrich WiseWhite’s strong performance in the preseason opener should only increase the hype for this group. Ekuale put together an impressive performance as well, helping his case on the bubble.
Changes from 1.0: ADD Daniel Ekuale, CUT Carl Davis
Linebackers (8)
Aug 1, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon (9) works with the defense during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
–Ja’Whaun Bentley
–Chris Board
–Anfernee Jennings
–Matthew Judon
–Marte Mapu
–Jahlani Tavai
–Josh Uche
–Mack WilsonThe book on this group hasn’t changed. Yes, eight linebackers is a lot but there isn’t a ton of overlap in terms of skill sets here. For a defense that should prioritize being multiple, this group makes a lot of sense.
Changes from 1.0: None
Cornerbacks (5)
New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (50) sprints during 2023 training camp in Foxboro. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
–Myles Bryant
–Christian Gonzalez
–Jack Jones
–Jonathan Jones
–Marcus JonesFor Bryant, the significant reps he got at safety in the preseason game in addition to cornerback suggest the team has a multi-positional role in store for him. That’s a sign they plan on him making the team. Meanwhile, rookie seventh-round pick Isaiah Bolden remains just off the roster after having some coverage issues on Thursday night.
Changes from 1.0: None
Safeties (4)
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Jalen Mills (2) runs after intercepting the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
–Kyle Dugger
–Jalen Mills
–Jabrill Peppers
–Adrian PhillipsMills was one of the Patriots’ top performers on Thursday night, and looks very comfortable back at the safety position. Another versatile player in this group will only help the defense. Meanwhile, seeing Myles Bryant rep at safety helps increase the depth here.
Changes from 1.0: CUT Joshuah Bledsoe
Specialists (4)
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots place kicker Chad Ryland (38) kicks the ball to the Houston Texans during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
–K Nick Folk
–K Chad Ryland
–P Bryce Baringer
–LS Joe CardonaO.K., hang with me here. First off a reminder – this is projected what I think the Patriots will do, not what I would do. That being said, their special teams usage on Thursday night hinted at a team considering keeping two kickers. While Baringer got the start at punter, Folk kicked the team’s lone field goal. Meanwhile, Ryland handled all the kickoff duties. In warm-ups, Baringer held for both Folk and Ryland.
Why would the Patriots do this? Maybe it’s lack in trust of a rookie kicker. Maybe it’s just insurance. But despite Ryland out-performing Folk, we haven’t seen a similar gap develop between the two as we have with Baringer and Corliss Waitman. The Patriots may want to keep Folk on field goals and use Ryland as a kickoff specialist at first. If Folk continues to struggle as he did late last year, he’d be released and Ryland would take over as the full-time kicker.
So why not just sign Folk to the practice squad? That could be an option, but unless he doesn’t want to play anywhere else it’s hard to imagine him not getting a better offer. Right in his hometown of Dallas – where he lives in the offseason and his family lives during the season – the Cowboys are is desperate need of kicker help. They could offer Folk a spot on their 53-man roster instead of the practice squad (which would come with a pay bump), and significantly shorten his commute. Would he say no to that?
Changes from 1.0: ADD Nick Folk
Special teamers (4)
Jun 12, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Jourdan Heilig (66) works out at the Patriots minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
–Jourdan Heilig
–DaMarcus Mitchell
–Brenden Schooler
–Matthew SlaterWe’ve got the same core group here. Raleigh Webb and Calvin Munson could factor in too, but the Patriots should be able to get them to the practice squad.
Changes from 1.0: None
Bubble Watch
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches game action against the Houston Texans during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Last 3 on:
–K Nick Folk
–WR Kayshon Boutte
–QB Malik CunninghamLast 3 off:
–DL Carl Davis
–RB Kevin Harris
–S Joshuah Bledsoe
