The 2016 Patriots season took a drastic turn on Sunday against the Dolphins.
The Pats exploded out of the gate, with Jimmy Garoppolo throwing three touchdowns and looking Brady-esque with his pocket movement. He delivered multiple strikes, converting the first four third-downs he faced.
It was like it was 2007 again. The defense forced four punts and two turnovers in the first half. The Dolphin’s headsets were going out. Garoppolo was about mak
Then Garoppolo took this hit…
Jimmy G hurt pic.twitter.com/XUH0jbpAZw
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) September 18, 2016
And the entire season changed course. The Pats held on 31-24, needing a game-sealing interception to seal what was a 24-3 lead. It was far more stressful than it should’ve been.
Meanwhile, Garoppolo has an AC sprain and is already out for the Texans on Thursday night.
And just like that, all the talk of Brady vs. Garoppolo comes to a screeching halt. Garoppolo will be back this season, but he shouldn’t see the field again (we hope).
A powder keg of hot taeks was just dropped overboard to the bottom of the ocean with this injury. But it will be back. They always come back.
For now, the Pats must survive the Texans and Bills with rookie Jacoby Brissett at quarterback and protect their 2-0 record. This is one of the most fascinating coaching challenges Bill Belichick has faced. Luckily it should only last two games.
More on Brissett, Garoppolo and a defense that gave up three consecutive touchdowns and needed an interception to seal what should’ve been a blowout in the Posits…