Welcome to part one of our Patriots Training Camp preview that will feature an in-depth look at each position on the roster and what we’ll be looking for in training camp along with our expectations going into the season.
Another Patriots season is upon us, here we go!
The New England Patriots’ offense underwent changes and injuries in 2013. With multiple weapons in their second seasons with Tom Brady, as well as their two top running backs entering contract years, the Pats’ attack is primed be better in 2014.
Tom Brady has gone through multiple phases of offense during his Patriots career. There was the efficiency years of 2001-2006, the Randy Moss years of 2007-2009, then the high-speed blitzkreig of 2010-2012 with Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, Deion Branch and Wes Welker.
Now Brady enters the twilight of his career with two highly-drafted young quarterbacks behind him. Brady should have a few more sure-fire seasons left in him, but what can we expect to see out of Ryan Mallett and Jimmy Garoppolo?
Our training camp preview series kicks off with the quarterbacks.
Quarterback
Of course, this is where we get to talk about Tom Brady. As always, there was plenty of media fodder surrounding Brady this offseason. From reports saying he was on the decline, to others saying he had the most impressive year of his career, there is never a lack of discussion surrounding the future Hall of Famer.
At this point in his career some decline if inevitable. But Brady’s strengths – reading defenses and making quick throws to the open receiver, should give him a chance to play possibly into his forties. But Those waiting for Brady to suddenly start throwing bombs downfield left and right will be waiting until Brady retires. That’s not Brady’s game, but that doesn’t matter.
With another year to develop chemistry with his young weaponry, including Danny Amendola, Brady should have a better year statistically in 2014 than he did in 2013. Expect another season of Brady being Brady – sound quarterbacking, some last-minute wins, and another appearance in the playoffs.
The real intrigue at the quarterback position will be between backups Ryan Mallett, entering the final year of his rookie deal, and rookie second-round pick Jimmy Garoppolo.
Garoppolo is the ideal fit to execute the Tom-Brady-version of the New England offense. He’s probably not going to beat out Mallett this summer, but in the long term, as he gets more comfortable playing under center, Garoppolo could very well be a legitimate challenge to Brady by his third year.
Mallett has a superlative arm, but he’s shown lackluster development in the preseason. He just can’t seem to find the touch necessary to make the easy underneath throws that good NFL quarterbacks have to make.
If something were to happen to Brady, the New England offense would have to be tailored to Mallett, with Josh Boyce and Aaron Dobson running Go routes every play.
Garoppolo has a superlative trait of his own – his release. With minimal wind-up and compact power to go with his ability to read defenses, Garoppolo should develop into the kind of quarterback who can excel with receivers like Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola.
The “dink-and-dunk” method of offense can carry a negative connotation, but it’s extremely effective, especially when run at a brisk pace.
Projection:
Brady will see limited time in the preseason, with Ryan Mallett giving the Patriots and 31 other teams a long look.
Mallett can’t sleep on Garoppolo, though it’s still too soon for the rookie to have a legitimate shot at winning the back-up role. Expect the Pats to carry three quarterbacks this season, with Mallett moving on after the season.
Garoppolo fits the Pats’ offensive philosophy better than Mallett does, but Mallett’s experience is too valuable should the unthinkable (cough 2008) happen for this season.