Browns use both quarterbacks early before sticking with Bailey Zappe

After QB Bailey Zappe was announced as the starter on Saturday, the Browns used a combination of Zappe and Dorian Thompson-Robinson at quarterback early in the game, as Thompson-Robinson played one series.

Stefanski said he wanted to get Thompson-Robinson in the game and make his decision based on the game progressed. He ultimately stuck with Zappe for the remainder of the game.

“He told us during the week that we’d both get to play at some point and time,” Zappe said. “Obviously, there was a string there where we were moving the ball, and we were playing well as an offense. I’m sure he didn’t want to mess up the rhythm. He was honest with us, he obviously did not know how the game was going to go, and he was just going to go off his decisions or however he thought.”

Zappe had some early struggles, as the Browns were forced into a three-and-out situation on the first offensive drive. Zappe then threw an interception which was returned 26 yards for the pick 6.

“Obviously made a poor decision there with the interception that turned into six points for them,” Stefanski said. “I thought he bounced back for the most part and made some good throws. Obviously, have to learn from all these games, learn from all these reps.

Yet, Zappe also led the Browns on drives down the field into the red zone in the second quarter. While they were not able to find the end zone, K Dustin Hopkins made a 23-yard field goal for the first points for Cleveland.

Zappe started the second half for the Browns, and Cleveland stuck with Zappe throughout the second half. They were forced into two three-and-out situations in the third quarter. However, Zappe continued to connect with his pass catchers and moved the ball downfield. They scored their first touchdown of the day early in the fourth quarter when Zappe connected with TE Jordan Akins on a 16-yard pass in the end zone.

Zappe finished the game completing 16 of 31 passing attempts for 170 yards and one touchdown. He threw two interceptions, was sacked once for a loss of five yards and had a passer rating of 51.8.

“I thought he settled in there a little bit,” Stefanski said. “(On the) first play the game, made a really nice throw. It was a good read and exactly what he’s supposed to do. So, there were some moments, but all these moments he has to learn from.”