Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo: ‘I’m still a rookie’
It’s been a whirlwind for Jimmy Garoppolo. He was a surprise selection by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Since then, the Patriots have been grooming his to back up Tom Brady, but the Patriots may surprise everyone again by naming him a starter before the regular season starts.
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He’s the first to acknowledge, however, that the buzz needs to slow down.
“I’m still a rookie. I have a long way to go, a lot to learn,” Garoppolo said, via NESN.com’s Doug Kyed. “The playbook is pretty thick. It’s one of those things, if you keep learning day in and day out, you’re on the right track.”
Garoppolo is expected to play most or all of the Patriots’ preseason finale on Thursday against the New York Giants. It’s a huge step for the rookie’s development. He’s nonchalant.
“I’m excited about it,” Garoppolo said Monday at Gillette Stadium. “Good opportunity to get out there and get some quality reps. It’s going to be fun.”
Garoppolo’s performance could send Ryan Mallett packing by trade or release. His excellence could grant the Patriots the liberty of carrying two quarterbacks — one Patriots head coach Bill Belichick favors greatly. Even though he’s nearly supplanted Mallett, he wouldn’t say whether that was his original intention.
“I came in with the mindset that I’m gonna practice and study as if I was the starter,” Garoppolo said. “If you want to be a successful starter in this league, you have to take the mental reps, the physical reps and take advantage of your opportunities.”