New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has his appeal hearing this week and now the team awaits the decision from Roger Goodell about how many games Brady will be out, as he has been hit with a four game suspension, but that could be reduced after the appeal and depending on what happens, either Matt Flynn or Jimmy Garoppolo could start Week 1 for the Pats.
According to Pro Football Talk, the appeal hearing lasted over 10 hours and Brady spoke about his issues regarding the Deflategate situation and his suspension. The league could look at reducing the suspension based on what happened in the hearing, but so far there have not been many leaks. Brady's side feels they put in a good argument and now the Patriots are awaiting the decision. Goodell stayed as the officer for the appeal and the decision could come by the end of the week or next week.
Pro Football Talk reports that Brady's side said that Brady gave an "A+ performance" in presenting his case and that it should factor into whether the suspension is cut. The league may not see things the same way and the decision will be looked at very closely by others in the league and in team offices. The team signed Matt Flynn this offseason and he could be the starter or a backup for Garoppolo depending on how things turn out.
Flynn signed with the team earlier in the month and now he could end up being a starting option if Brady is out. Flynn also could serve as the backup for Garoppolo if he gets the starting nod over Flynn for Brady if the suspension holds up. Flynn has more experience than Gilbert, as he has previously started games for the Packers while Aaron Rodgers was injured. Flynn started four games for the Packers in 2013 and that saw him pass for 1,146 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions.
Garoppolo spent the season as the backup to Brady last year and he is the presumptive option after being taken in the second round of the draft in 2014. Garoppolo threw 27 passes last season and completed 19 for 182 yards and one touchdown. Wes Welker said in a radio interview that he wouldn't mind a return to the Patriots as a free agent this offseason, as he is still looking to play after spending two seasons with the Denver Broncos. According to ESPN Boston, the Patriots are not expected to bring back Welker this season as a free agent, as they are mostly set with Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola.
Welker dealt with concussion issues in Denver and he said that he is hoping to continue his career after being cleared to play by doctors. Welker had his best years with Tom Brady in New England, but he is now 34 and way past his prime. Last season Welker had 49 catches for 464 yards and two touchdowns and that came after he had 73 catches for 778 yards and 10 scores in his first year with Denver.
