New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is in the midst of a four-game suspension, but he’s still talking to Jim Gray on Westwood One every Monday night.
Since Brady isn’t playing, most questions are centered on the goings on of his 2-0 Patriots. There’s still plenty to talk to Brady about, since his backup, Jimmy Garoppolo, suffered a shoulder injury Sunday, leading to the possibility rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett will start the Patriots’ Thursday night game against the Houston Texans. The Patriots beat the Dolphins 31-24 Sunday despite Garoppolo’s injury.
Here’s what Brady had to say this Monday on various Patriots-related topics.
On Garoppolo’s play prior to his shoulder injury:Â “It was good to see. We got off to such a great start, and he was really firing the ball in there and being very accurate and decisive with his throws. It was great to see. It was a tough injury. We were up 21 points when he got hurt, and Miami did a great job of hanging in there and battling back, but I was glad we were able to close it out with the interception by Duron there at the end.”
On Garoppolo’s injury:Â “It’s tough. He made a great play to escape the pocket and made a great throw on the run on a third down play. The linebacker hit him and landed on top of him, and you see that quite a bit in the NFL. It’s a tough injury, especially your throwing shoulder. I feel for him. It’s a tough injury, but I know he’ll be back out there as soon as he can.”
On Garoppolo’s NFL potential:Â “I think that’s going to be decided by him. I think, obviously the way he’s started, it’s been a great start to him starting games in the NFL. He’s a very hard worker, and I’m just proud of the way he’s led the team. To be 2-0 at this point when two of the other teams are 0-2, it’s really great for our team. I know he’ll be fighting hard to be out there this week, and hopefully by the next week. He’s done a great job.”
On working with Brissett:Â “Jacoby’s done a great job taking advantage of his opportunity, as well. He went out there yesterday and showed a lot of poise. He’s got a great demeanor about him. I love working with him. I think he shows up to work every day working hard. He’s very competitive, and I know our coaching staff will have him prepared and ready to go for Thursday night if he’s called upon. Who knows. Jimmy may be out there. We’ll see how it plays out.”
On the prospect of Julian Edelman playing quarterback:Â “I think Coach Belichick always has the team prepared for any situation. He thinks these things through, and the game just happened yesterday, so a lot of things could happen between now and Thursday night. Julian’s kind of been in that role, and he’s played that position. God forbid anything happened to Jacoby, if he’s the only guy out there at quarterback, but if that’s the case, then I’d expect Julian to go out there and for the coaches to be comfortable with the plays they’re calling for him.”
On Edelman’s ego if he performed well in the role:Â “He still talks about that touchdown pass he threw against Baltimore a few years ago. Actually, maybe it would give him a little more ammunition if he did well, but if he didn’t do so well … he’s kind batting 1.000 right now, so there’s one place to go.”
Brady also confirmed he worked out with Wes Welker on Sunday morning.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
