For the first time since 2001, Tom Brady will not open the season as the Patriots starting quarterback. Brady will be serving a four game suspension because of Deflategate. 

That means that third year quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will start the season as the Patriots starting quarterback. So. Is Garoppolo ready to play? Let’s breakdown his strengths and weaknesses as well as those of rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett. 

Jimmy Garoppolo 6-2 226 Eastern Illinois Strengths:

– Garoppolo has a quick release and gets the ball out quickly. 

– Garoppolo sees the field well and processes information quickly. He has the mental aptitude to play in the Patriots offense.

– Garoppolo moves well out of the pocket so look for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to move the pocket for him in the sprint out and boot leg passing game.

-Garoppolo is fluid on play action and he can hit his first or second read on any given pass play. Play action cuts the field in half for a quarterback so that should help Garoppolo. 

– Some will question whether Garoppolo has the leadership to lead this team. He does. He had a great career in college and he’s learned from Tom Brady the last two years.

Weaknesses

– Garoppolo has issues seeing over the line of scrimmage at times. He will struggle against A gap and B gap pressure or inside pressure. Garoppolo needs to do a better job of moving around the pocket and creating passing lanes. 

– The Patriots have to simplify things for Garoppolo early on. They can’t install what they would normally install offensively. McDaniels must play to his strengths.

– Garoppolo needs to be under control in the pocket. He can be jittery at times and feels the pressure. He must keep eyes down field. 

Jacoby Brissett 6-4 236 North Carolina State

Strengths

– Brissett is strong in the pocket. He can hang in, make his reads and get the ball out on time.

– Brissett is athletic for his size. He can move well in and out of the pocket. The Patriots will tap into that athleticism by moving the pocket for Brissett.

– When it comes to arm strength, Brissett has a plus arm. He can make every throw in the playbook. From an opposite hash comeback to the skinny post, Brissett has an NFL type arm.

– Brissett can extend plays and execute the scramble drill effectively. He shows good touch when throwing on the run.

– Brissett is tough. He has taken plenty of hits throughout his career and he gets up. Brissett is not afraid to take one in the chops and get the ball out. 

Weaknesses

– Brissett is a rookie. He has a lot to learn. The game is faster in the NFL. Brissett will have to get used to that speed as he’s learning the Patriots playbook.

– The Patriots need to work on tightening up Brissett’s delivery. He has a long delivery and it takes him a little to load the ball and get the deep ball off.

– Accuracy is an issue at times for Brissett. He needs to do a better job of placing the ball and he needs to be more consistent. 

Final Analysis: If the Patriots play well in all three phases of the game, they should be fine with Garoppolo under center. That being said, training camp and the four pre-season games will be everything for Garoppolo and Brissett. It is imperative that both quarterbacks get off to a good start. If they do, the Patriots can weather the storm that is Tom Brady’s suspension.