Patriots can't hang hat on moral victories, but they can grow from them | Opinion
Things are oddly optimistic around the New England Patriots, despite being dead last in the AFC East with rookie Bailey Zappe as their only healthy quarterback.
They were supposed to get beat down, blown out and flat-out embarrassed by the Green Bay Packers during Sunday's Week 4 road meeting. Call Aaron Rodgers the GameShark at Lambeau Field because he's a human cheat code every time he steps into the stadium filled with green jerseys and cheeseheads.
Brian Hoyer spearheading an upset march on the frozen tundra seemed nearly impossible. But rookie Bailey Zappe doing it? That would have seemed downright laughable.
And yet, the Patriots' offense was on the field in overtime with a chance to win the game after their defense continued to make life a living hell for Rodgers on the other end.
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The moment didn't seem too big for Zappe, who went 10 of 15 passing for 99 yards and a touchdown. It doesn't get much harder than getting thrown into the fire on the road against one of the league's most aggressive defensive fronts, while also having to match the offensive production of one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game.
Zappe wasn't afraid of the moment, but he was also limited in what he was able to do within the confines of conservative play-calling to offset his inexperience.
Still, it was a gutsy performance from Zappe and the entire Patriots team during a game in which they had no business competing. There is a moral victory to take away from the game, but it's also important they don't hang their hat on it.
Put it this way: Sunday's game against the Packers would seem less like a moral victory for the Patriots if they drop a third straight in Week 5 at home against the Detroit Lions.
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The Patriots' defense is big time, and that unit will clearly be a problem for any opponent they face. Belichick gets criticized for draft misfires, but he should be praised for what he's done with the 2022 rookie class. They're only four games into the season and many of their young players are already making significant contributions on offense, defense and special teams.
This Patriots team is much better than their 1-3 record indicates, and they might be able to prove it if they get Mac Jones back under center sooner rather than later.
The next six games are all winnable matchups after a brutal four-game stretch to open the season.
That light at the end of the tunnel might be flickering, but it's still within reach for this Patriots team.
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