Why DeVante Parker is doing well as the Patriots’ quarterback Bailey Zappe
Foxborough, Pennsylvania Bailey Zappe thinks DeVante Parker is real. That has been observed since the quarterback assumed the starting position in New England, as well as during the Patriots’ thrilling fourth-quarter comeback victory in Denver.
Parker has flourished as a deep ball threat ever since Zappe took over as the Patriots starting quarterback. Parker has amassed 64 yards, 44 yards, and 65 yards gained in his last three games. In Week 2, Parker set a season high with 57 yards receiving behind center Mac Jones. Parker never again reached the 50-yard mark with the Patriots offense save from that Miami game.
“I really believe in DeVante when those 50-50 balls come up,” Zappe remarked. The way we connected with the Broncos is kind of how I feel about him: I know he’ll go get it if I really put it wherever I want it. Either it will be insufficient, or we will gain a great deal from it. That is what he has done his entire career.
Despite dealing with knee and concussion issues this season, Parker has emerged as Zappe’s clear go-to receiver over the last three games.
Parker had four catches for 64 yards, a season high, in the Patriots’ defeat to the Chargers. Parker caught five passes for 44 yards against the Chiefs. Parker hauled in several deep passes to help the Patriots pull off an unexpected victory in Denver.
Parker caught a 30-yard back-shoulder Zappe pass in the third quarter. That made it easier for Zappe to throw a touchdown pass to Mike Gesicki. With 47 seconds remaining, Parker’s greatest play was a 27-yard pass from Zappe. Chad Ryland’s game-winning field goal was made possible by it.
“I feel fantastic. I have confidence all the time. That won’t ever go away, Parker stated to MassLive. “Zappe has faith in all of the receivers, including me. Go up and grab it if he throws it. He believes we can produce plays.
Parker responded, “I’m just getting the ball,” when asked how he planned to improve his stats with Zappe at quarterback. You simply have to act when they approach you. I am performing my assigned task, which is to catch the ball. It’s up to us to catch the ball.
Parker clarified that he is doing everything in his power to help his team win and that the Patriots offense was playing “better team ball.” Zappe intends to put Buffalo’s defense to the test this week following his performance in Denver.
“Watching him go up there and make those catches is a beautiful sight to be able to see that again versus the Broncos,” Zappe remarked. “It’s unclear if we will play that matchup again after his performance, but if we do, hopefully we’ll take advantage of it and I’ll throw another one up there too.”