Patriots Gridiron News: Bill Belichick, Tom Brady Praise Jimmy Garoppolo

The New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick had equal praise of both his quarterbacks during his press conference Friday.

Bill Belichick was full of compliments Friday morning. The New England Patriots head coach not only had nothing but wonderful things to say about star quarterback Tom Brady, he also lauded backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

When it comes to Brady, Belichick lauded his toughness and ability to stay physically healthy. He noted that as important in maintaining the timing necessary with receivers. He also complimented Garoppolo in the same manner calling both quarterback’s “seamless” within the offensive transition in the practice reps they share.

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So how did Brady react to sharing the praise with his backup quarterback? He extended the praise recognizing how both players play a role in the team’s overall offensive preparation.

"“I think everybody counts on the position to be seamless,” Brady said via NESN. “When I go out there to practice, I’m counting on the receiver position to do exactly what we’re asking them to do and run the right routes, at the right tempo and right conversion and read the right coverage. So if one guy’s in there, it looks one way. Then if you put another guy in, it really looks the same way so it doesn’t screw anyone else up.”"

Brady went on to compliment the hard work Garoppolo has put in and the way he stays prepared in case his number is called.

"“I think Jimmy’s done such a great job of working hard to maintain that at the quarterback position when he goes in for certain repetitions.” Brady continued. “It’s important for everyone to stay sharp on the whole team because you never know when your number is going to be called. Everyone gets reps and everyone tries to improve with each other so when you get your chance, it looks seamless. That’s probably a good word for it.”"

With the kind of hit Brady took last Sunday against the Seahawks, it is good to know that the Patriots have a quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo who can come in and pick up the offense as “seamless” as Garoppolo did in the two games he started at the beginning of the season.

Injury list: As reported by WEEI Friday, the Patriots will be without both Rob Gronkowski and wide receiver Chris Hogan for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Gronkowski did not practice all week due to his chest injury and Hogan was limited due to a back problem that has bothered him prior to last Sunday’s game. In their place, tight end Martellus Bennett and Julian Edelman must take on bigger roles. Both players, however, are listed as questionable but are expected to play.

Dion Lewis: With two offensive players ruled out, Sunday would be a good time for running back Dion Lewis to see some playing time for the first time in over a year.

Lewis, who was listed as inactive for last Sunday’s game, did travel with the team to California. Without Gronkowski, the Patriots’ offense may change their approach. This may include using their running backs more, which is where Lewis would come in.

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