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Jimmy Garoppolo to start over Tom Brady vs Panthers

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) looks to make a pass during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) looks to make a pass during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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It seems that Jimmy Garoppolo will be taking the snaps at quarterback for the New England Patriots on Friday night.

Jimmy Garoppolo is set to be the potential starting quarterback for the New England Patriots. He’ll remain this for the first four games of the 2016 NFL season until Tom Brady returns from suspension. This stems from the never-ending DeflateGate controversy from the 2015 NFL Playoffs.

Brady is still eligible to play in the preseason. However, he has yet to take a snap in either of the first two games. Garoppolo and rookie signal-caller Jacoby Brissett have shared time. The latter may be the backup heading into September.

Well, it seems the Super Bowl XLIX winning quarterback won’t be taking the field for Friday night’s preseason game. Tiffany Blackmon of NFL Network reports Garoppolo will start at quarterback vs the Carolina Panthers.

This should provide quality reps for the 24-year-old, as the third preseason game typically features the starters getting a lengthy run. This could mean he plays into the third quarter. Friday game could even be deemed a dress rehearsal for Garoppolo and the rest of the Patriots roster.

New England will look to get the Eastern Illinois product sharp before going into the regular season. Once September 11 arrives, he’ll be going against the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills through the first four games. Garoppolo will then give way for Brady, who is eligible to return on Sunday, October 9 against the Cleveland Browns.

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These four games should give the Patriots a glimpse at the man who could be their future starting quarterback, as Brady is 39-years-old. Given how he’s played these past few seasons, who knows how long the former NFL MVP could last for. If he shows any signs of decline in 2016, though, maybe Jimmy Garoppolo’s future will become clear.

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