More so than ever before, people are beginning to question just how many years Tom Brady has left in the league. While the quarterback is showing no signs of regression in skills, he is certainly not getting younger and the New England Patriots are showing signs of formulating a backup plan. After drafting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in the second round this season, the rookie is downplaying the idea that he is the heir to the Brady throne and simply focusing on improving.
Right now, the rookie quarterback is sounding like the perfect Patriot. The quarterback has heard the rumors. The media does not let him forget he is the young quarterback playing behind the somewhat aging veteran. Brady is one of the greats and now he is in line to take the crown in a few years. Early reports on the rookie quarterback are nothing but positive, making the situation even more interesting for the media to play up.
"If you're focused on that, you're focused on the wrong thing," Garoppolo said, via the Boston Globe. "My main focus is coming out here and being very consistent day in and day out. It's a grind, and you have to come out here and just do good each and every day."
The rookie is making it clear that he is simply focused on learning and becoming a better quarterback, not where he stands on the depth chart. Team writers have been reporting he is spending extra time with the wide receivers and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, learning the Bill Belichick system. Currently sitting in third on the depth chart behind Ryan Mallett, Garoppolo says he is spending more time watching than asking questions.
"They're two guys that have been doing this for awhile and they know the offense very well, so they've helped me a tremendous amount," Garoppolo said. "Not so much what he tells me, but just watching his mannerisms and everything, I've learned a lot. The quarterback, you're the coach on the field, you're expected to know everything and get people in the right spot and take command. That's what I'm trying to do. You have to be consistently good, and not occasionally great. You have to come out here and do your best every single day and let the coaches see what you can do."
The development of Garoppolo will play a large factor into the future of Mallett. The backup has faced trade rumors the entire offseason as many speculate opposing teams view him as a starter after spending time learning behind Brady. However, Belichick has denied Mallett is going anywhere; stressing New England would carry three quarterbacks into the season. However, Mallett is on an expiring contract so if the rookie quarterback looks good then he is destined for free agency next summer.