The NFL's suspension of Tom Brady for the first four games of the 2015 season means that the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots will hand the keys of their offense to back-up quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo.
One problem — who is Jimmy Garoppolo?
We have assembled this quick guide to get familiar with the Patriots QB.
Age: 23
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 225 pounds
Drafted: Patriots selected him in the second round with the 62nd overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft.
College Experience: Eastern Illinois. Broke school's pass completions record, previously held by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. Also was a 2013 Walter Payton Award recipient for being the most outstanding offensive player.
Actual NFL Game Experience: Garbage time. Garoppolo played in six games, completing 19 of 27 passes for 182 yards and one touchdown in his rookie season last year. The one TD came on a 13-yard pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Footage:
Let's not forget that the Patriots selected Brady in the sixth-round with the 199th overall pick of the 2000 draft — and it was only after an injury to then-starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe that he had a chance to shine. Brady is not injured, but we know he will miss games due to this Deflategate suspension.
But who's to say that Garoppolo, like Brady, won't make the most of his opportunity?
Just imagine if the kid goes 4-0... would Pats coach Bill Belichick ever dream of keeping Brady on the sidelines a little longer? New England would explode!
Nevertheless, Garoppolo figures to start when the Patriots open their season, hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on Thursday Night Football on September 10.
Be sure to follow T-Lounge on Twitter and visit our Facebook page.
