By John Sarianides
With training camp opening in 15 days, we begin our training camp preview series by taking a look at the quarterback position.
The incomparable Tom Brady is the starter with Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett backing him up.
Here is my breakdown of the three quarterbacks heading into the season.
Tom Brady, 6-4 225, 18th season, Michigan: Brady enters his 18th season with the Patriots. He will be 40 years old on August 3rd. It is hard to believe he is turning 40 but if you think about it, it is hard to remember the Patriots before the Belichick, Brady era.
The five time Super Bowl champion is showing no regression whatsoever considering his age. Brady came back from a four game suspension to start last season and proceeded to throw for 3,554 and 28 touchdown passes. Brady only threw 2 interceptions on 432 attempts. That is insane!
Despite his greatness, many expect Brady to slow down given his age but I don’t see it happening. At least not this season.
The Patriots offense is built around Brady’s skill set. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels calls plays that enable Brady to get the ball out quickly and limit him getting hit. The Patriots protect Brady better than any team in the NFL protects their quarterback.
Brady’s training regimen and his commitment to taking care of himself are also reasons why he has been able to play as long as he has at such a high level.
Can Brady play at an elite level for another three to four years? Probably not but he can play at an elite level this season. Brady has one of the best skill groups he has ever had at his disposal. Expect him to put together a monster season statistically in 2017 and lead the Patriots on another Super Bowl run.
Jimmy Garoppolo, 6-2 225, 5th Season, Eastern Illinois: Garoppolo was impressive in the two games he started last season in Tom Brady’s absence.
Based on his performance, Garoppolo looks like he can be the heir apparent to Tom Brady. The Patriots certainly view him that way because they didn’t trade him this off-season.
The Patriots do have a decision to make on Garoppolo after this season. He is slated to become an unrestricted free agent and they have to determine whether or not they will re-sign him to a long term deal or let him walk. There is a good chance Belichick will slap the franchise tag on Garoppolo and pay him top five quarterback money. If the Patriots do that, then they have a decision to make On Tom Brady after next season.
Given Tom Brady’s age, Garoppolo is a security blanket for the Patriots heading into this season. He is one of the best back up quarterbacks in the NFL.
Jacoby Brissett, 6-4 235, 2nd Season, N.C State: Brissett played in two games last season. He led the Patriots to a 27-0 over the Texans and lost to the Bills 16-0. After losing to the Bills, Brissett finished the rest of the season on I.R with a shoulder injury.
There is no question Brissett has the arm talent to be a starting quarterback in the NFL but he needs a lot of work mechanically. Barring injury, Brissett should be inactive most weeks.