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Patriots: How Will Jimmy Garoppolo Fare If Tom Brady Is Out?

By Cyrus Geller

Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) run onto the field before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) run onto the field before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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If Tom Brady‘s appeal fails, and he has to serve a four game suspension to start the 2016 season, third-year signal caller Jimmy Garoppolo will be thrust into action for the first four games of the season. The Patriots will face the Cardinals on the road, followed by home games against the Texans, Dolphins and Bills.

So the questions is, how will Jimmy do?

Game 1 at Cardinals

Look, this is easily going to be the toughest game for Garoppolo, as the Cardinals have one of the best overall teams in the league this year, and absolutely love to bring the heat on the defensive side of the ball. Garoppolo is talented no doubt, but being tossed right into the fire against a defense like that, backed up by an explosive Carson Palmer offense will be tough.

Prediction: Loss (possibly)

Game 2 vs. Texans

Everyone can talk all they want about how good that Houston defensive front is, but the fact is, every time the Patriots play the Texans, they completely neutralize J.J Watt and company. Yes, obviously Tom Brady is a huge part of that equation, but I am confident Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels will come up with a nice plan for Garoppolo to get rid of the ball quickly into the hands of his weapons, who have a huge advantage against a weak Texans secondary.

Prediction: Win

Game 3 vs. Dolphins

Every year the Dolphins make big splashes in free agency, and every year it doesn’t pay off. This season will be no different, and I actually think Garoppolo can have a good amount of success against Miami. He has a very quick release, which will help against teams like the Texans and Dolphins who have very good defensive fronts but weak secondaries. As long as Garoppolo doesn’t make dumb mistakes (which is certainly possible), I anticipate a good outing in this one.

Prediction: Win

Game 4 vs. Bills 

For Garoppolo personally, this game could actually be the hardest of the bunch. As a team, the Pats will be fine, because Bill Belichick’s defense will smother Buffalo. The reason I see Jimmy potentially struggling is because the Bills not only have a good front four, but also a very talented secondary. People won’t be running free all afternoon, which will force Garoppolo to hang onto the ball longer than he wants, which could result in a few turnovers.

Prediction: Win (ugly)

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