Bailey Zappe stood toe-to-toe with Aaron Rodgers in his first career NFL game, and almost won.
Rodgers took notice.
Boomer Esiason says Zappe could win the Patriots 5 straight games
Zappe told reporters Sunday that Rodgers offered his congratulations when they met following the Packers’ 27-24 overtime win over the Patriots.
"He just said ‘good luck the rest of the way’ and I said the same thing for him. He said ‘congrats on playing for the first time,’” Zappe said.
Zappe abruptly entered the game in the first quarter when Brian Hoyer left with a head injury. The fourth-round pick from Western Kentucky was solid, completing 10-of-15 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown. Granted, the Patriots should’ve been docked for a second straight “delay of game” before Zappe’s 25-yard toss to DeVante Parker, but good quarterback play is often about taking advantage of good opportunities.
As Bill Belichick mentioned in his post-game presser, Rodgers eventually broke the Patriots’ defense, as the Packers started off the second half with three straight scoring drives.
On the other side, Zappe floundered at the end, with the Patriots going 3-and-out in their final three possessions. But still, the rookie kept up with Rodgers into overtime.
Congratulations.