Preseason opener shakes up Patriots' backup QB situation

The ongoing battle between second-year quarterback Bailey Zappe and rookie Joe Milton for the Patriots' third QB slot saw important developments in their 17-3 preseason victory against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday.

Zappe, who played two full quarters, went 12-for-20 on pass attempts with 108 yards and no touchdowns. Playing against Carolina's backups, he looked troubled, struggling to connect on throws that seemed somewhat easy for him in 2023.

On this deep throw to rookie wide receiver Javon Baker, Zappe completely missed the mark, despite having a clean pocket:

Milton, on the other hand, looked far more promising.

In the one quarter he played, Milton had success throwing the ball, completing four of six passes for 54 yards and a touchdown, but his rushing (22 yards on five attempts) stole the show, with the most electric example coming on this play:

The inefficiency of Zappe combined with Milton's success has led to speculation over whether Zappe should still be on the team.

Friday, appearing on Fox Sports' "First Things First," former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski spoke on the situation, noting Zappe's negative impact on Milton and New England's other rookie quarterback, Drake Maye.

"My hot take is that Bailey Zappe needs to be free," the four-time Super Bowl champion said . "They've got to either let him go or they've got to trade him because he's taking away reps from Drake Maye, he's taking away reps from Joe Milton. Bailey Zappe is not going to be on that team by the end of training camp."

If Zappe wants to salvage his job, his next chance will be Aug. 15, when New England will square off against the Philadelphia Eagles for its second preseason game.