Jimmy Garoppolo prepares to make a pass in the first half of the Patriots’ preseason opener against the Saints. (Getty)
Jimmy Garoppolo Stats
11-18, 168 yards
Box Score
Patriots’ Jimmy Garoppolo made his debut as a starter during Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Saints. Although he made a few questionable decisions, it was a solid performance overall for the 24-year-old quarterback. Garoppolo managed to lead to Patriots to a 17-16 lead at halftime. He did so without two of his top targets: tight end Rob Gronkowski and wide receiver Julian Edelman.
Tom Brady is suspended for the first four games of the regular season as penalty for his alleged role in Deflategate. Garoppolo is preparing to stand in for Tom Brady in Weeks 1 through 4. If his preseason debut is any indication of what’s to come, the Patriots may be able to hang on without Brady for a month.
Garoppolo showed his mobility and patience to complete 11-of-18 passes for 168 yards. On one play, he hung in the pocket despite a rush by the Saints defense before delivering a screen pass to James White. White broke free for a 56-yard catch-and-run, which set up a LeGarrette Blount touchdown run.
James White is fast…
VERY fast! 🏃💨 #NOvsNE t.co/uFLPuse2cl