New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo earned his first career NFL win Sunday night against the Arizona Cardinals.
Despite facing one of the league’s best defenses in a hostile road environment, Garoppolo threw for 264 yards with a touchdown pass and zero interceptions. It was a performance many people were impressed by, including the quarterback he’s replacing for the first four games of the season.
“I thought (Jimmy) was great,” Tom Brady told Jim Gray in a Westwood One Sports radio interview on Monday night. “It was a great night for him and it was also for our whole offense. I think the one thing you realize with the quarterback is everybody being in sync and on the same page and the communication with your teammates is so critical.
“For us to go in there and get a win like that, it was great for obviously our offensive football team, defense played great, special teams — it’s such a team sport. Jimmy did everything he was asked to do. It was a great way to start the season for our team.”
Brady was particularly impressed with the Pats’ opening drive, which ended with a beautiful throw from Garoppolo to wide receiver Chris Hogan for a 37-yard touchdown.
“It was a great game to watch. That’s a tough environment to play in. The team went in there and looked like they were focused and prepared. They played well in so many areas. It was great to see the offense get off to a great start. It was a great first drive. A lot of great plays by Jimmy, by the skilled players, the offensive line did a great job. To get up 10-0 like that was huge, on the road. That was a great way to start the game for our team.”
The Patriots seem like they’re in pretty good hands with Garoppolo under center, which should ease Brady’s mind a bit as he continues to train and prepare for his season debut Week 5 in Cleveland.
Thumbnail photo via Jim Dedmon/USA TODAY Sports Images
