Cleveland Browns Set to Start Bailey Zappe Against Ravens in Season Finale
As the 2024 NFL season draws to a close, the Cleveland Browns find themselves in a familiar position, evaluating their prospects at the quarterback position. With a season-ending Achilles injury sidelining Deshaun Watson, head coach Kevin Stefanski has confirmed that Bailey Zappe will take the reins as the starting quarterback for their final game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Browns Explore Quarterback Options
The Browns' decision to start Zappe highlights the team's current predicament and their ongoing quest for stability under center. Added to Cleveland's active roster in late October, Zappe brings with him a narrative that intertwines promise with uncertainty. Initially serving on the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad, Zappe's journey to Cleveland was facilitated by his release from the New England Patriots, the team that drafted him in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Since entering the league, Zappe has started eight games, where he has recorded a mixed bag of statistics. His career record stands at an even 4-4, showcasing 2,053 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and a concerning 21 interceptions. With a completion rate of 63.2%, Zappe has shown moments of competence yet struggles with consistency.
The Browns’ Quarterback Carousel
Zappe's upcoming start against the Ravens will mark him as the 40th quarterback to start for Cleveland since 1999, a testament to the revolving door that has plagued the Browns' quarterback saga for decades. While Zappe is slated to start, Stefanski has indicated that Dorian Thompson-Robinson might also see snaps during the game, keeping all options open as the team approaches the offseason.
Season Finale Preview: Browns vs. Ravens
The Browns' final showdown against the Ravens is not only pivotal for Cleveland's quarterback evaluation but also holds significant playoff implications for Baltimore. The Ravens enter the matchup as two-touchdown favorites, positioned to secure the No. 3 seed in the AFC and clinch the AFC North title with a victory.
For Cleveland, whose current focus extends beyond the immediate game outcome, the fixture presents a chance to scout their future prospects. With the likelihood of a high draft pick, potentially the No. 3 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns are already strategizing for next season.
Looking to Next Season
While the Browns may be seen as underdogs this week, the game represents more than just the close of a challenging season. It highlights the Browns' ongoing journey toward crafting a more competitive roster. With Zappe now an integral part of their plans, at least for this game, Cleveland hopes to glean insights and answers to their lingering quarterback questions.
As the Browns take the field on Sunday, they do so with a backdrop of both past turbulence and future promise. Whether Zappe can stabilize the Browns' quarterback carousel remains to be seen, but for a team aching for consistency, every snap, pass, and play will be watched with keen interest.
The conclusion of the 2024 season for the Browns is a crossroad more than a curtain call—a chance to pivot toward a more sustainable future while confronting the challenges of the present.