Patch Patriots Roundup: Zappe Season Is Here, Patricia Revenge Game?

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Well that was something. In the wake of Mac Jones' high ankle sprain, veteran backup Brian Hoyer got the start, and that's about it.

Hoyer himself picked up an injury in the form of a concussion, clearing the way for quarterback Bailey Zappe to get ample playing time against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in a 27-24 loss.

For any gamblers who had Zappe as the first rookie quarterback to get live, regular season action this year, good for you.

This week, the Patriots will square off against the feisty Detroit Lions who score a ton of points and give up just as many. Could we be looking at a revenge game for Matt Patricia, whose disappointing tenure as head coach ended poorly, and had more than a few odd moments?

Here's what to know ahead of Week 5:

How To Watch

The Patriots play the Lions at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

As usual, the game will also be broadcast over the radio via 98.5 FM. The game will be broadcast by FOX, and can be watched locally on WFXT-TV Channel 25.

Patriots Add Garrett Gilbert

With Zappe the only non-injured quarterback on the roster ahead of Sunday's game, the Patriots have signed Garrett Gilbert to the practice squad.

Gilbert was with the team twice before as a member of the practice squad. He's started only one NFL game, which came in 2020 as a member of the Dallas Cowboys.

What To Expect On Sunday

Though Zappe handled himself well for a rookie thrown into game action with little to no preparation, his limitations were made obvious to anyone watching. To put it succinctly (and kindly), Bailey Zappe does not have a strong arm.

So, expect the Patriots to rely on their astute running game, featuring plenty of Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson.

Patricia's Revenge?

The Detroit Free Press is concerned about the lackluster defense put on display by the Lions so far this year. So much so, one headline states, that they almost miss Matt Patricia. So, even a defense that ranks dead last in the league can't get the paper of record in the Motor City to yearn for the days of Patricia. That should tell you a lot about his tenure.

Patricia was the head coach of the Lions from 2018 to 2020. During that time he went 13-29-1, but rubbed the locker room the wrong way pretty much from the beginning.

Lions tight end TJ Hockenson explained that Patricia's downfall with the team stemmed mainly from his attempt to mimic his then former-boss Bill Belichick. Heard that one before?

Now back with the Patriots, and seeing how narratives run this league, look for the pregame shows to discuss at length what we can go ahead and call a potential "Matt Patricia Revenge Game."