With a 4 game suspension looming over Tom Brady for the start of the 2015 regular season, it is a good time for Pats fans to start asking themselves an important question…Who is Jimmy Garoppolo?
If you are a Pats fan like I am, you can probably recall the day Drew Bledsoe went down. My heart dropped. Panic set in, the number one draft pick who had became the face of New England football was down. As he was taken off the field I could see the whole organization and its fan base in certain peril as we all asked ourselves the same question….Who is Tom Brady? Over a decade later we all now know exactly who Tom Brady is.
Some years later we had to ask another question. Who is Matt Cassel? An early season injury to Brady brought in Toms then backup to resume the starting QB position. As Cassel stepped in he led the Pats to an impressive 11-5 record. Although they did not reach the playoffs, Cassel’s impressive performance earned him a hefty paycheck and eventually a starting role in Kansas City with the Chiefs.
Jump to present day. Although it appears like an appeal could possibly alter what happens, as of now it seems that Garoppolo will be starting the first 4 games of the upcoming season which leads us to the big question. Who is Jimmy Garoppolo? He went to Eastern Illinois for college, where as a Panther, he broke the school record for passing touchdowns which was set by Cowboys starting qb Tony Romo years earlier.
After Brady and company where embarrassed by the KC Chiefs, Garoppolo stepped in to fill the “dead time” and went 6 for 7 on his first drive, which ended in a 13 yard TD pass to Rob Gronkowski. Garoppolo might not be Tom Brady, but then again who is? It is a time for Pats fans to take a step back, relax and remember who the coach is. Belichick is not sitting around right now saying “well we are screwed”. The coaching staff will do what they always do,,,,find a way to win by exploiting the oppositions weaknesses.
If you are a fan of ESPNs “Top 10”, then you realize the Patriots rarely make the cut. Flashy long bombs, and double reversals and fake punts aren’t their bread and butter. They methodically expose the weaknesses of their respected opponents, and break you down 4 yards at a time. This style is hardly a recipe for a highlight reel, but a proven method of attack that has been more than productive. That is exactly the approach that will give Garoppolo and the offense a realistic chance to showcase New England football. So if you are a Pats fan now is not the time to panic or throw in your towel, do what New England sports fans are best at, buy yourself a jersey, grill up some steaks, have a little faith and enjoy the show.
