Jimmy Garoppolo, Tom Brady impress at Patriots’ mini camp
If Tuesday’s practice was any indication, the New England Patriots will be in good hands no matter who is playing quarterback for them in 2015.
Unless Tom Brady’s suspension is overturned, both he and backup Jimmy Garoppolo will have their opportunity to show what they can do at some point during the upcoming season, just like both had an opportunity on Tuesday at the Patriots’ first practice of their three-day mandatory minicamp.
The two were on opposite fields during a dueling 11-on-11 hurry-up session, but they both put up impressive numbers. Brady went 12 for 16 and Garoppolo went 13 for 15 in that particular session. On the day, Brady finished 24 for 33 in 11-on-11 work and Garoppolo finished 26 for 32, with one interception on a tipped pass.
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2015 Patriots Schedule
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Garoppolo spent much of his day throwing to offensive stars like tight end Rob Gronkowski and slot receiver Julian Edelman, while many of Brady’s completions went to wide receivers Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce, as well as tight end Scott Chandler. Perhaps the Patriots feel the need to get Garoppolo some reps with the top receivers and tight ends in order to develop chemistry between them so that they can transition more smoothly to the regular season, when he will be starting while Brady serves his suspension.
Regardless, Tuesday’s practice was much smoother for the second-year quarterback than his previous few practices.
With Brady facing a suspension, the Patriots are gearing up for one of the most challenging starts to a season in a long time. Should Garoppolo continue to improve, he may be able to do more than keep the team afloat until Brady is back at the helm.
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