Bill Belichick says he’s happy to see Jimmy Garoppolo having success as a starting quarterback — even if it’s not for the New England Patriots.
This Sunday, the Patriots are set to go up against the QB Belichick took in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft of out Eastern Illinois. Belichick had some solid praise for Garoppolo’s capabilities as a quarterback.
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“Jim’s a good quarterback. He’s got a good record. He can do everything you want a quarterback to do. Athletic, good arm, can make all the throws, won a lot of games.”
Garoppolo remains one of the bigger “what if” stories in recent Patriots history. He was once viewed as a potential heir apparent to Tom Brady in New England — before Brady’s longevity surpassed any and all expectations.
Ultimately, Garoppolo was only a blip on the radar in New England, starting two games in 2016 during Brady’s Deflategate suspension. Belichick acknowledged as much, but also noted that the team saw the talent of a starting quarterback in Garoppolo — and is happy to see him living up to that.
“I mean he only played in a game and a half here, not very much. But we saw Jimmy every day. We saw the talent and the ability to be a starting quarterback. That’s what he was drafted for and that’s what he is,” Belichick said. “He’s had a good career. Happy for him.”
The Patriots traded Garoppolo midway through the 2017 season, sending him to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a second-round draft pick.
Garoppolo’s time in San Francisco bounced between playoffs success and injury disappointment. He led the 49ers on two deep playoff runs, but also missed long stretches of time due to injury.
Garoppolo eventually fell out of favor in San Francisco, with the team options to draft quarterback Trey Lance No. 3 overall in 2021 — and eventually turning to seventh-round pick Brock Purdy as their longterm starter.
Garoppolo signed with the Raiders this past offseason as a free agent, reuniting with former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. In four starts this year, Garoppolo has completed 68.8% of his passes for 229.3 yards per game. He’s thrown 6 touchdowns in addition to a league-high 7 interceptions.
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