This week’s Patriots mailbag answers questions about Bailey Zappe’s future, Chad Ryland, and more.

The New England Patriots are on the road Christmas Eve out in Denver, where they may have a tough matchup against Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos offense.

Beyond Wilson historically finding success against Bill Belichick’s defenses, New England’s secondary is now set to be severely undermanned. After cornerback J.C. Jackson landed on the reserve/non-football illness list and Jonathan Jones (knee) remains limited, a healthy Myles Bryant, Alex Austin, and Shaun Wade reside as the Patriots top three corners.

Smaller inexperienced corners is not a good matchup for the 6-foot-4 Courtland Sutton, whose 10 receiving touchdowns rank third in football. Additionally, Jerry Jeudy may not be living up to his first-round selection, but is still no easy cover while Russ still has some old tricks up his sleeve with his ability to avoid rushers and extend plays.

To make matters worse for New England, Jabrill Peppers has also not practiced all week due to a hamstring injury. Peppers would be a massive loss for the Patriots backend but may thrust Kyle Dugger back into his natural role in the box.

Dugger is coming off one of his worst games as a Patriot, as he been quieter this season taking on more of Devin McCourty’s role in the secondary. With three games left until he hits unrestricted free agency, the 27-year old could use a strong finish to the season.

Outside of Sunday’s matchup with Denver, let’s empty out the rest of this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag.

Is Zappe playing himself into the long-time backup role? – Keith

The Jekyll and Hyde performances from Zappe in the past two first halves vs. second halves have been well documented. While a pair of bad interceptions and decisions by the QB have contributed to that, New England reverted to a conservative attack against Pittsburgh while countless pressure against Kansas City rattled the QB and made any drop back game an uphill battle.

Zappe’s best traits have shined in some real strong moments in his last two first halves, where he remains confident and poised moving around in the pocket. The second-year quarterback also does a strong job manipulating a defense with his eyes — like the first Hunter Henry touchdown in Pittsburgh — and with pump fakes (below).

I’m not saying Zappe is the Patriots quarterback of the future, but I’m at a point where I would feel confident in him as the No. 2 where he’s shown he can win a game or two if needed in relief. While it may not seem like much, it’s potentially one less piece New England needs to worry about this offseason as the revamp their offense.

@TomeTrosanina Is Chad Ryland on borrowed time this early in his career ?

No — especially now after the deflated football issue from this past Sunday. Ryland’s first season has certainly not gone to plan from a consistency standpoint. But, as a fourth-round pick on a three win team there’s no point in moving on now. If this was a team competing for a playoff spot where every point mattered, it may be a different story.

The hope should be that he finishes the season strong, while they could then bring in competition for him next summer.

@SportsFellow_ Is it a realistic possibility that Bill O’Brien leaves and Josh McDaniels comes back as offensive coordinator? Also, does Cam Achord leave and Matthew Slater become the new special teams coordinator?

Who the head coach is truly the deciding factor here. If Bill Belichick remains in charge or Jerod Mayo is promoted internally, that certainly would increase the odds for a Josh McDaniels reunion (even though it would not be my main choice).

If the Patriots go outside the organization — especially with an offensive minded coach — there doesn’t seem to be a path for a McDaniels return.

As for Slater, it would not surprise me to see him remain around the organization in some capacity. It may not be in a coordinator role, but he did mention last offseason that serving in a “role of a coach” or “administrator on the staff” is something that he would “welcome with open arms.”

@MeganHolden98 What do you think about bringing Flores back to NE?

I am a big fan of Brian Flores and absolutely believe he deserves to be a head coach again in the NFL. But, if the Patriots are going the defensive minded route they may just rather promote Mayo internally. However, if they prefer someone with ties to the organization and past head coaching experience, Flores would be on my short list.

@BawstonLu Caleb Williams or Drake

If the Patriots can hold on to the No. 2 overall pick, they may have the easiest choice out of the entire draft: pick whichever QB doesn’t go No. 1. As we stand here in December, I’d slightly lean Drake Maye over Williams. I’d be thrilled with either and will probably flip-flop on that ranking countless times over the next few months.

Will we get any Nathan Rourke to finish off the season? – TC

Nope. Unless things really go off the tracks here. They needed someone to take scout team reps with Will Grier off to Los Angeles, and Rourke has some athletic ability to help mirror New England’s final three opponents — Russell Wilson, Josh Allen, and Zach Wilson (?).

That’s all for this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag. If you have questions you’d liked to be answered next week, submit them on Twitter using #PostPulpit. Make sure to be following @iambrianhines and @PatsPulpit as well.