Report: Jimmy Garoppolo will play most if not all of Patriots’ final preseason game
By Dan Zinski
The New England Patriots want to know exactly what they have in rookie quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, so with that in mind the team will reportedly let Garoppolo play “most if not all” of their final preseason game Thursday against the Giants.
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The Pats are still making up their mind between Garoppolo and Ryan Mallett as the backup behind Tom Brady. Mallett has been there for several years so the Pats already know everything they need to know about him. A long look at Garoppolo should give Bill Belichick and company the tape necessary to make a final determination.
Garoppolo has looked good at times for the Patriots this preseason, but then again so has Mallett. It’s hard to say who has the edge in the competition, the more-experienced Mallett or the arguably more-promising Garoppolo.
When the Patriots drafted Garoppolo in the 2nd round this year, many thought it would automatically spell the end to Mallett’s tenure in New England, but Mallett has gotten the chance to compete and stick on the roster.
Now all Mallett can do is sit back and watch Garoppolo play the majority of the final preseason game, hoping that Garoppolo stumbles enough to convince coaches that they need to keep Mallett around as insurance.
Don’t be too angry at Mallett if he’s secretly rooting for Garoppolo to stink it up against the Giants. With the Giants figuring to play mostly backups on defense, the cards could be stacked in Garoppolo’s favor, and Mallett’s days in New England could be numbered.
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