Tom E. Curran, Michael Holley and Ted Johnson join Amina Smith to offer instant reaction and analysis following the New England Patriots’ 21-18 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football.
Bailey Zappe shocked the NFL world with his performance in the first half of Thursday night's showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After failing to put the New England Patriots on the board in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Zappe exploded for 196 yards and three touchdown passes in the first half of Thursday's game. He became the first Patriots QB to notch three first-half passing TDs since Tom Brady in 2018.
His third touchdown pass was an impressive 24-yard strike to tight end Hunter Henry, who caught two of Zappe's first-half TD throws.
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Zappe finished the night with 240 passing yards, completing 19 of 28 passes for three touchdowns and an interception to lead New England to a stunning 21-18 upset win over the Steelers.
NFL figures on social media caught Zappe Fever all over again during the 2022 fourth-rounder's first-half performance. Here are some of the best reactions:
Former Pats cornerback Jack Jones, now with the Las Vegas Raiders, showed his support for Zappe.
Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon, out since Week 4 due to a bicep tear, shared a video of himself cheering Zappe on.
NFL media figures were left in awe after Zappe's third TD of the half.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer pointed out that we may have seen the last of Mac Jones in New England, at least for 2023.
Lou Merloni added to the Mac Jones vs. Bailey Zappe narrative with a take of his own.
The Boston Globe's Ben Volin noted Zappe succeeding despite missing his top three wideouts.
Former Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman bought into the Zappe hype.
Former NFL QB Matt Cassel perfectly summed up Zappe and Henry's first-half dominance.
Former NFL cornerback Richard Sherman, part of the Amazon Prime broadcast team, was impressed by Zappe's career night.
Our Amina Smith was stunned by Zappe waking up the league-worst Pats offense.
And a few more humorous reactions for good measure:
