FOXBORO, Mass. — Nate Washington is entering his 12th NFL season, while Jimmy Garoppolo is in his third, but the veteran receiver has been depending on the young quarterback during New England Patriots minicamp.
Washington has become a favorite target of Garoppolo’s during the Patriots’ offseason workout program. Garoppolo connected with Washington seven times during Tuesday’s session and once Wednesday.
“Jimmy is a guy that understands this offense,” Washington said. “That’s the first impression. He’s been doing a good job, but at the same time, you have to ask Jimmy that. He’s been helping me out, putting me in my right place sometimes when I’ve been lacking or not understanding some of the plays. He’s definitely been a guy that I can turn to, so that’s definitely been an understanding that I have with Jimmy right now. He’s definitely a guy I can turn to if I need some help. …
“Everything that he’s done has been attention to detail. It’s definitely something that if I have any questions, he’s a guy I can definitely turn to.”
Garoppolo has impressed early in training camp, showing major improvement over his first two seasons in the league. He’s currently slated as the Patriots’ starting quarterback as Tom Brady faces his four-game Deflategate suspension.
Washington had a head start on learning New England’s offense from his year spent playing under former Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien with the Houston Texans. There are differences in the systems, however.
“This offense is this offense,” Washington said. “I think (Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels) does an awesome job of implementing what he requires of us, and from there, it’s our job to make sure that we’re on the same page. Every day we have an installment, every day we have a requirement of us to come out here and do our job.”
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
