When discussing and analyzing Jimmy Garoppolo’s performance, whether at practice or the first preseason tilt against the Saints, it is important to do so in an isolated manner. That is, if we continue to compare every single one of his moves to that of Brady’s, we’re putting the guy in an impossible situation.
After the live watch, I thought of JG’s showing on Thursday as uneven, and felt a little underwhelmed. I admittedly fell into the “but Brady” trap. It’s also important to note that while he had Bennett at his disposal at tight end, his starting receivers were Chris Harper and Aaron Dobson, both currently fringe roster players.
After focusing on solely Jimmy while going over the tape Friday morning, there were enough positive moments to get excited about the prospects of him performing at a high level over the first month of the season and beyond (whether in a Pats uniform or not).
His numbers on the whole: 11-18 168 yards, no INTs, no TDs. Average, yes, but the good news is he finished 8 of 11 after starting 3 of 7. He seemed to get more comfortable as the game went on, and hopefully this momentum continues into next week.
Several promising traits stuck out while watching Garoppolo over the course of the game. For starters, he’s one tough kid. This is very important, especially with the unknown commodity that is the Patriots O-line. Jimmy took blows early and often, starting on the 3rd play of the Pats first drive (3rd and 5) when starting tackles Cannon and Solder were put on skates and the Saints’ ends (Edebali, Richardson) met in the backfield for a drive-killing sack.
Jimmy also absorbed a big shot in the open field after successfully scrambling for a first on 4th down with 7:49 left in the 2nd quarter and was able to pop right up. Garappolo certainly has more speed than Brady, but that’s not to be confused with pocket mobility, which JG should improve with experience and enhanced knowledge.
With time to throw, it is obvious Garoppolo can absolutely sling it. He seemed to have sound chemistry with the aforementioned Bennett, and rookie receiver Malcolm Mitchell. Jimmy hit Bennett in stride for 12 early (6:03 left in 1st), and then later that drive on a critical 3rd and 9 they connected over the middle for 15. His timing on a screen to James White led to a 56-yard pickup (13:15 left in the 2nd) and he had a masterful 25-yard strike to the sidelines on a rope to Mitchell. The 3rd year pro can deliver all the throws; it’s just a matter of doing it with consistency and pace.
The bad? At times, JG held the ball too long, probably not doing himself any favors on the early 3rd down sack I alluded to above. He tried to do a bit too much at times (lost 14 yards on a sack instead of throwing the ball away) and seemed to rush a few throws (missed a wide open White on 3rd and 14 with 3:05 left in the 1st), but the effort was evident.
It should be expected he learn from these mistakes, and show marked improvement every week. Again, this is a 3rd year pro, with 188 career passing yards, who played his college ball at Eastern Illinois. He’s grown exponentially since he first came to the league and will seemingly continue to grow, become more accustomed to the offense, and familiar with his arsenal of weapons.
Some important things to look for next week from Jimmy: start fast (no 3-7 early on), get rid of the ball quickly, be smart tough, not stupid (don’t take licks in the open field…SLIDE). These things will come with game experience, and hopefully quickly, because each week becomes more and more real for Jimmy G.
We’re onto Chicago.
