While we try and figure out what to expect from Jimmy Garoppolo as the Patriots starter through the first four games of the 2016 season, it’s worth taking a look back and seeing what Tom Brady accomplished in his first four games as a starter in 2001. “They have a plan, they’ve always had a plan, and so have we”. But he’s a very good athlete.
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The Patriots need to lean on their impressive depth during Brady’s absence, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. “You have to defend his legs as much as his arm”. While the roster is stocked with talent all around him, a lot of the success is determinant on the play of Palmer, who had the best season of his career in 2015 at age 36.
Two of the team’s best young players, running back David Johnson and wide receiver John Brown, have special praise for their veteran quarterback.
“They’re very athletic”, Arians said of New England’s defense. In addition, there were two games that were OK-to-good: his opener against the Colts where he went 13-for-23 for 168 yards, and a super-efficient 16-for-20 for 202 yards and three touchdowns in a win over the Colts.
Arians will try to stretch the New England secondary with a handful of vertical passes in an attempt to soften the underbelly of the defense. “You can fight it for a little bit, but after a while, you’ve just got to abide by what they say”.
He said he doesn’t feel any extra pressure from having to begin his Patriots’ career against the team that traded him away. Hightower is a steady presence who fills gaps and prevents big plays in the run game, while Collins shoots gaps and flies around the field. If the pass rush forces Garoppolo to make mistakes, it could be a long night in the desert.
Garoppolo has already answered his share of questions about what it’s been like heading into the regular season knowing he would be an National Football League starting quarterback for the first time.
CORNERBACK QUESTIONS: The only unsettled position is at cornerback opposite All-Pro Patrick Peterson.
This is a team with a complex offense and an array of talented skill players.
Rob Gronkowski among seven limited in practice: If there’s one player even close to being as important as Tom Brady, it’s Rob Gronkowski, and the Patriots tight end becomes doubly important in the quarterback’s absence. He’s working hard to get everything. Tyrann Mathieu’s return from an ACL and pass rusher Chandler Jones’ arrival from the Patriots should bolster the defense. “He’ll rebound and we’ll be right where we want to be again”.
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In his place, the New England Patriots will see the regular season debut of backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. “Just that calm, cool and collected mindset is the way I’m approaching it”.
