New Chiefs QB Playing Big Role for Team in Week 1

The Chiefs are getting set for a Week 1 Thursday Night Football matchup with the Ravens and one just-acquired QB is already playing a valuable role.

Head coach Andy Reid spoke to the media after Sunday's practice and revealed that Bailey Zappe, who the organization just acquired last week, is imitating Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson for the scout team. Jackson is perhaps the best dual-threat QB of all-time, so Zappe has some large shoes to fill.

Chris Oladokun filled this role when the team prepared for the AFC Championship game in 2023, but now the duty goes to Zappe.

Andy Reid Using QB Bailey Zappe to Imitate Lamar Jackson

Zappe just joined the Chiefs after being released by the Patriots. He's an athletic guy, though he's not even close to Jackson's level of dynamic ability. Even still, Andy Reid isn't deterred.

"Yeah, Bailey can do that," Reid said when asked about preparing for Jackson with the scout team. "We’ve always mixed guys in there when we have a chance of playing (and) there are some other guys that can jump in."

Oladokun's release was a surprise given his experience on the scout team. He's a more capable dual-threat QB than Zappe, so one would've thought that Kansas City would at least keep him through Week 1. However, the organization liked Zappe's potential and elected to bring him in instead.

The Chiefs and Ravens have enjoyed many excellent duels since Patrick Mahomes and Jackson came into the league. Kansas City emerged victorious in the AFC title game en route to a second straight Super Bowl, though Baltimore has proven to be a worthy foe.

While he may not be at Jackson's level, Zappe is already proving to be a valuable signing for the franchise.

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