PatsPropaganda

At this point I think you have to keep him. It’s too important a position and though Tom has certainly been resilient, I just think you need a level of insurance. In the past I was okay with potentially moving Mallett just because I didn’t think he’d be a long-term fit for the Pats’ offensive philosophy. But with Garoppolo I don’t think they’ll find a much better option to turn the keys over to in a year or two.

At the very least, Garoppolo playing well would set up for a more legitimate competition at the position in 2016. 

And then of course in 2017 both will enter the last years of their contracts and that’s when it’s game on. Brady’s dead cap hit also drops to $6 million in 2017, that will mean Garoppolo will have every opportunity to unseat him, which would potentially result in Brady’s release. Brady will turn 40 at the start of camp in 2017.

I think given what we know (and what Brady surely knows) about Belichick there’s always a chance. As much as I doubt the full four game suspension will stick, if Garoppolo does play that many games he’ll certainly have his work cut out for him. Most interesting to me is the Bills game in Buffalo against Rex. We know what fits he gives Brady, how would he attack someone in their second start?

I’ve said it before, Garoppolo is the best equipped to run the offense that has been tailored to Brady out of all the former backups. If he can avoid the big mistakes he should do just fine.

Still, Brady is Brady and I’d call it a long shot for him to lose his job, especially if it’s only a game or two. But as always with BB, never say never.

Yup, that’s why it annoys me when a media report about who’s playing where or what kind of defense they’re in sparks a bunch of articles about them being significant. Can’t stress it enough about the defense, the 3-4 is what Belichick will always teach out of. 2011 was the one exception because of the lockout, so instead they started with their nickel front (which some would assume is the 4-3).

Players have to learn the checks and techniques first, that’s what is most important. Obviously the rookies and new guys are the ones that most need this time, but everyone will go through the process whether you’re Malcom Brown or Tom Brady.

Communication is such a vital part for the Patriots. That’s why things like removing numbers from jerseys helps the players get to know each other a little quicker. 

Once the checks are down the Patriots are able to install their real gameplans and as you can imagine, those are complex with a lot of moving parts. So this time is vital.

As for absences I was a little bummed about Butler not being there, but otherwise it’s still early and a lot of guys are still in recovery mode. Let’s see where we’re at when camp opens and we get a handful of surprise PUPs. Those are the real buzz kills.