New England Patriots: Jimmy Garoppolo eagerly awaiting his chance to start
With a taste of how it feels to be a starter in the NFL, New England Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is ‘eager to play.’
The New England Patriots are currently dealing with an intriguing quarterback battle now that training camp is underway.
On one hand, they have an aging Hall-of-Fame quarterback in Tom Brady who isn’t showing any signs of decline.
On the other hand, they have a talented backup quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo who many around the league feel is the next best thing. While the elder quarterback still wants to run the team and the league, the younger is just eager to get his chance in the league.
Healthy competition?
Of course. And it is the type of competition that will get the best out of both players. Following an offseason filled with trade rumors and a contract situation approaching, Garropolo told Albert Breer in an interview with Sports Illustrated that his desire for playing time is at a high level, but he is still led by patience.
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"“I wouldn’t say frustrated is the word,” Garoppolo said when asked about not yet getting a chance after three seasons in the league. “I’m happy. I think everything that happens, happens for a reason. I’m happy being here, I’ve gotten two Super Bowl rings. So I wouldn’t say I’m frustrated. Eager to play is probably a better way to put it. I’m just not used to being a backup. I want to be a starter, and compete as a starter. That’s how I look at it.”"
Garoppolo gave coaches, fans and the entire league a glimpse of what he could do in the two games he started at the beginning of the 2016 season.
Although he just played in six quarters, he showed he could lead the offense. But there have been quarterbacks of lesser talents who have had the same success.
In all, Jimmy Garoppolo knows playing behind one of the best to ever play the game will come to his benefit. Although it seems like Tom Brady may never hang up his football helmet, the Eastern Illinois product will get his chance.
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Unfortunately for New England Patriots fans, if the time is not soon, he may just get his shot with another team.