Jimmy Garoppolo is continuing his strong start to the NFL season, as he already has the New England Patriots up 14-0 on the Miami Dolphins.
Anybody who thought that the New England Patriots would suffer without Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and an offensive line have been dead wrong. They won on the road against a very good Arizona Cardinals team, and are currently beating up on the Miami Dolphins. Because as long as Bill Belichick is on the sidelines, he is going to make your life miserable.
But a lot of credit has to be given to Jimmy Garoppolo. The young quarterback has spent the first few years of his NFL career sitting and learning behind one of the greatest of all time. And if this touchdown pass to Martellus Bennett is indicative of anything, it’s that he’s picked up on Brady’s game:
That pass to Bennett was an absolute bullet, and is the type of throw you see Brady make a lot. Not only has Garoppolo inherited Brady’s passing mechanics, he’s also picked up on his confidence and coolness under pressure.
And so soon after the second quarter started, he added another one against Danny Amendola:
The Dolphins gave the Seattle Seahawks a hard time in Week 1, but Week 2 has proved that one thing remains true. No matter what, the Patriots are the class of the AFC East.
Perhaps Garoppolo’s great start shouldn’t be a surprise. Last season, when Peyton Manning got hurt, Brock Osweiler filled in admirably for the Denver Broncos. His career highlight had to be when he beat the New England Patriots in just his second career start. Osweiler’s play earned him a big fat contract with the Houston Texans in free agency.
Whether the Patriots decide to stick with Garoppolo or move him once Brady comes back, they have a valuable piece on their hands. He has proven that he can take over for Tom Terrific once he retires, but Belichick is a mastermind. He probably acquired Martellus Bennett with Gronkowski’s health issues being well documented, and might very well get another weapon for Brady to play with in exchange for Garoppolo.
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With more teams needing a quarterback than they’re willing to let on, they have to like what they’ve seen so far. But if they acquire Jimmy, they’re doing so in the hopes that he will thrive in any system other than Belichick’s.