Michael Dwyer/Associated Press
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Bailey Zappe wasn’t the best player on the field for the Patriots during their matchup with the Lions.
He didn’t need to be.
A week after being called off the bench and thrust into his first NFL regular-season game, the rookie quarterback benefited from a full week of preparation and plenty of support from his teammates during New England’s 29-0 win over Detroit.
The game was the most complementary of the season between the offense and defense. It included a touchdown pass by Zappe, five field goals by Nick Folk and a fumble returned for a touchdown by Kyle Dugger.