New England Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo was outstanding in his quarter-and-a-half of play against the Miami Dolphins and it was enough to draw rave reviews from Pro Football Focus (PFF), a football scouting site.
“Jimmy Garoppolo was the best player on the field before leaving the game late in the first half,” PFF writes. “Garoppolo pitched the ball all over the field and was especially impressive facing the blitz where he was 14-19 for 197 yards and two TDs.”
Garoppolo received an 84.0 out of 100 grade for his day, edging out TE Martellus Bennett with an 83.9. Impressively, Garoppolo recorded a 120+ passer rating regardless of whether he was pressured or blitzed, and it’s his quick decision making that will making teams fall in love.
PFF also wants to point out that all is not lost with Jacoby Brissett at the helm. Brissett received a 74.4 grade, which trailed just Garoppolo, Bennett, LT Nate Solder (80.8) and rookie LG Joe Thuney (75.3) in terms of offensive performances.
“Brissett didn’t attempt a pass that traveled more than 10 yards in the air, and only attempted seven passes in total. He had one scramble for 10 yards and converted a couple of first downs on sneaks,” PFF writes. “The Patriots were running their regular offense with Garoppolo under center, and running it well, but for Brissett it became a vanilla, ground-heavy system that he was asked to simply not actively hamper with poor plays.”
Brissett will have to be the quintessential game manager against the Texans, even more so than Garoppolo against the Cardinals, if the Patriots are going to win. Luckily, one of his best traits in college was his protection of the football and his ability to avoid the negative play- and his ability to make plays with his legs.
The Patriots will need Bennett, RB LeGarrette Blount, WR Julian Edelman, WR Chris Hogan, and WR Danny Amendola to really step up their play to help out the rookie. They need to catch every possible ball and they can’t give up any turnovers.
The offensive line is going to have to play another strong game with a dangerous Texans defensive front coming to town. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is going to have to add yet another perfect game plan to his resume if the Patriots are going to win.
The defense is going to have to play two halves.
This won’t be an easy game for the Patriots- but all is not lost with Brissett at quarterback.