Bailey Zappe made his much-anticipated debut as the 40th starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, in their final game of the 2023 NFL season against the Baltimore Ravens. This remarkable milestone signifies the Browns' longstanding dilemma at the quarterback position, having cycled through more quarterbacks than any other team since the franchise's return to the NFL in 1999.
The Browns' quarterback carousel has been unprecedented, particularly since Deshaun Watson went down with a season-ending Achilles injury back in Week 7. With Watson sidelined, the team turned to Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and now Zappe, who was signed from the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad earlier this season. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Browns' quarterback woes have culminated in this record-breaking turnover: they have started 40 different quarterbacks since 1999, far surpassing the Chicago Bears, who hold the second spot with 30.
Zappe's path to starting was fraught with challenges, as he stepped onto the field to lead the team after the Browns faced significant adversity throughout the season. The franchise has struggled to find stability at the position, particularly during and after Watson's tenure where eight different quarterbacks have carried the mantle, including four this season alone. With the stakes high for the Ravens, who were vying for the AFC North title, Zappe's performance was under the microscope from the outset.
The atmosphere at M&T Bank Stadium was electric as Zappe took his first snap for the Browns. Expectations were tempered, though, as the connection with the receivers on the field was still being tested. His debut started off on the right foot with a promising 21-yard completion to tight end Jordan Akins. Unfortunately, things quickly turned sour as Zappe threw a costly interception, which was returned 26 yards for a touchdown by Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins—his first NFL touchdown. This event set the scene for what would be a challenging outing.
For the Browns, starting Zappe against their division rivals was seen as their last-ditch effort to salvage some momentum before closing out the dismal season. Coach Kevin Stefanski made the decision over Thompson-Robinson, who had taken the reins following Winston's injury, hoping Zappe's fresh energy could spark the team. Yet, with the Ravens leading early with just minutes left in the first quarter, Thompson-Robinson was reinserted after Zappe's struggles.
This season has truly been rocky for the Browns, who have fluctuated between different quarterbacks and strategies. Notably, Baker Mayfield was the last quarterback to lead the team with any semblance of consistency, starting for four consecutive seasons before being traded to the Carolina Panthers. Since then, the Browns have been on the lookout for stability, to no avail. The only other quarterbacks allowed to take center stage for consecutive years since 1999 are Derek Anderson and Colt McCoy.
With Zappe’s quick exit from the action, it became glaringly obvious how much pressure weighed on this Browns team. While the Ravens were solidifying their playoff position, the Browns were left scrambling to regroup and assess their plans moving forward as they too sought to set the tone for their future. There wasn’t much to hold onto from Zappe’s perfect debut, but it did mark yet another chapter of struggle for the long-suffering franchise.
Historically, the Browns have been known for their quarterback issues, and Zappe's brief tenure continued this unfortunate legacy. The team's record with turnovers and injuries has called forth the need for stability and countless questions arise about the future of the position. What does the offseason hold for Cleveland? Will they finally find their franchise quarterback or will the struggle continue? Only time will tell.
The Browns find themselves at the intersection of evaluating their quarterback strategy and preparing for the upcoming draft. They now join other three-win teams like the New England Patriots, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans vying for the coveted first overall pick. With Zappe's name etched as the 40th starter and the contest against the Ravens sadly authenticated with a pick-six, the organization will have much to ponder as they look to turn the page.
With playoffs already secured for the Ravens, and injuries hampering their roster, the Browns could play spoiler and possibly shift the dynamics with their divisional rival. But it remains to be seen how well the redesigned offense, now with Thompson-Robinson back on the field, can adapt amid the chaos. Despite losing this battle, the looming questions on Zappe's performance and the overall quarterback strategy will carry through to the offseason conversations.