Bailey Zappe made a bit of history on January 4, 2025, when he took the opening snap of the Cleveland Browns’ Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
A Milestone Moment for the Browns
Zappe became the 40th quarterback to start under center for the Browns since the 1999 NFL season. This milestone marks the highest number of starting quarterbacks for a single team during that period, with the Chicago Bears trailing closely behind with 30 different starters.
Comparing Notable Quarterbacks
Among the notable names on the list, Baker Mayfield and Tim Couch lead with 59 starts each since 1999. Eight quarterbacks have made only one start each for the Browns during this time, which includes Zappe himself.
Game Highlights from Zappe’s First Start
In his debut, Zappe completed 5 of 11 passes for 55 yards. His opening pass, a sharp 21-yard strike to tight end Jordan Akins, set a promising tone for the game, though his second pass led to a difficult interception, which was returned for a Ravens touchdown.
Defensive Performance
The Browns’ defense also showcased strong performances, allowing only one touchdown against Baltimore’s high-powered offense. The defense held Ravens star running back Derrick Henry to a mere eight rushing yards in the first half, a testament to the preparation from Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz.
The Browns managed to score a field goal, leaving the first half with a score of 14-3 in favor of the Ravens.
Future Prospects
With Zappe stepping in as a new leader, the Browns continue their search for stability at the quarterback position, as he joins the ranks of a long list of players who have experienced the challenges of leading this franchise. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how Zappe develops in the coming games.
