New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe showed just how multi-faceted he could be Thursday in his team’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Zappe displayed his skills both through his reads on the field and with his celebrations in the locker room.
Zappe led the Patriots to a 21-18 victory over the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa. The upset snapped New England’s 5-game losing streak and gave them their third win of the season.
Zappe was understandably hyped after the contest after notching the third win of his career. The 24-year-old QB entered the Patriots’ locker room and gave offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien a hearty high-five and a big hug.
But when Zappe turned to head coach Bill Belichick, the QB’s greeting turned into a thumbs-up and a handshake.
The difference between how Zappe greeted O’Brien and then Belichick after Thursday’s win is just so good.
O’Brien? Like he’s one of the boys.
Belichick? Like he’s Zappe’s military father-in-law who will never forgive Zappe for not asking for his blessing.
(via @Patriots) pic.twitter.com/7QEn0NeUvV
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) December 8, 2023
The tone shift from Zappe felt like it came straight out of a comedy sketch. He celebrated with O’Brien like he was one of the boys.
On the other hand, Zappe treated Belichick just like how you would expect — with reverence toward one of the greatest coaches of all-time.
Zappe went 19/28 for 240 yards with 3 touchdowns in the win over the Steelers. The trio of TDs were his most in a single game across his 2-year NFL career.