Cleveland Browns' Quarterback Dilemma: Bailey Zappe Set to Start Against Ravens
As the curtain falls on the Cleveland Browns' 2024 NFL season, the spotlight firmly fixes itself on the quarterback dilemma the team now faces. With head coach Kevin Stefanski at the helm, the Browns are navigating the choppy waters left in the wake of Deshaun Watson's abrupt season-ending Achilles injury.
The Browns have announced that Bailey Zappe will start in their regular-season finale against AFC North rivals, the Baltimore Ravens. This strategic move brings Zappe, a recent addition to the Browns’ roster, into the thick of the action as Cleveland attempts to salvage the season against formidable opposition.
Zappe’s NFL journey has been an intriguing one. Initially waived by the New England Patriots who drafted him as a fourth-round pick in 2022, Zappe found himself on the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad. His recent transition to the Browns marks a fresh chapter in his pro-football journey, as he dons the brown and orange and steps onto the field as the starting quarterback. Zappe carries the weight of being the 40th starting quarterback for Cleveland since 1999, a statistic that underscores the team’s continual search for stability at the position.
Opportunities and Challenges
While Zappe takes the reigns, Dorian Thompson-Robinson remains poised to contribute. Coach Stefanski has hinted at the possibility of both quarterbacks seeing action against the Ravens, illustrating the Browns’ desire to keep their options open as the game unfolds.
Bailey Zappe’s statistical history in the NFL provides a mixed bag of potential and pitfalls. With eight starts under his belt, Zappe holds a career record of 4-4, throwing for 2,053 yards, 11 touchdowns, and an unsettling 21 interceptions. His 63.2% completion rate highlights his ability to connect with receivers, though consistency and decision-making remain areas for growth as he prepares to face the Ravens’ formidable defense.
The Task Ahead
Cleveland's matchup against Baltimore is not just another game; it’s an opportunity for the Ravens to secure the No. 3 seed in the AFC and clinch the AFC North title. This scenario presents the Browns with the challenge of playing the role of spoiler, all the while keeping an eye on their own future prospects, specifically the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With the Ravens entering the game as two-touchdown favorites, the Browns find themselves cast in the role of underdogs—a position that comes with both pressure and potential to surprise.
As Bailey Zappe prepares to take the field for Cleveland, his performance will be under scrutiny not only by the fans and coaching staff but also by analysts who will dissect every pass and decision. This start is more than just a game; it’s Zappe's audition for a more permanent position within the league. For Cleveland, the game represents a chance to see if their investment in him pays dividends or if the search continues for a long-term solution at quarterback.
Looking Ahead
With the Browns’ season reaching its conclusion, the team and its supporters are left to reflect on what has been a tumultuous year fraught with injuries and uncertainties. The appointment of Bailey Zappe as starter marks a final pivot in the Browns’ broader strategy as they look to bring stability and competitive edge to the quarterback position heading into the future.
As the Ravens aim for playoff readiness with their eyes on a top seed, the Browns have a golden opportunity to interrupt those plans. In this high-stakes showdown, every play will contribute to defining the concluding chapter of Cleveland’s 2024 narrative. Whether Zappe rises to the occasion or languishes under the weight of expectation remains the storyline that fans will watch with bated breath come game day.