Fansided

5 reasons Jimmy Garoppolo’s Week 1 performance wasn’t a fluke

By Greg Patuto

Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) celebrates after beating the Arizona Cardinals 23-21 at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) celebrates after beating the Arizona Cardinals 23-21 at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 11, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during pregame warmups prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during pregame warmups prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

3. He did it without Gronk

The odds were already stacked against the Patriots going into the game. But news broke a couple of days before the game that all-pro tight end Rob Gronkowski would not be playing. That left Garoppolo with minimal options at receiver.

He certainly made it work. Garoppolo completed passes to six different receivers throughout the game with his lone TD pass going to Chris Hogan. He made guys like Hogan, James White, and Malcolm Mitchell relevant to the game. If Gronk were playing, he would have targeted him at least 15 times but without him, he had to spread the wealth.

His leading receiver was Julian Edelman who he hit seven times for 66 yards. They connected on all seven targets. Garoppolo also took matters into his own hands having one catch for three yards.

With Gronk set to return next week, expect him to be targeted a lot. And why not, he has proven to be the best tight end in the league for the past few years. That is why for Garoppolo to win this game without him is impressive and shows he has the will to win.

Next: 2. The Belichick system

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