{"id":1402,"date":"2016-09-13T02:11:56","date_gmt":"2016-09-13T06:11:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/?p=1402"},"modified":"2016-09-13T02:11:56","modified_gmt":"2016-09-13T06:11:56","slug":"garoppolo-sets-patriots-up-for-perfection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2016\/09\/13\/garoppolo-sets-patriots-up-for-perfection\/","title":{"rendered":"Jimmy Garoppolo Sets New England Patriots Up for Perfection"},"content":{"rendered":"

No\u00a0Tom Brady<\/a><\/strong>, no problem for the New England Patriots<\/strong>\u00a0on Sunday night against the Arizona Cardinals<\/strong>. No question, this game was\u00a0the toughest test for the Patriots during Brady’s four-game suspension. Not many fans liked the Patriots chances. Even fewer liked their chances after hearing\u00a0Rob Gronkowski<\/a><\/strong>, Nate Solder<\/a><\/strong>, and Jonathan Cooper<\/a><\/strong> wouldn’t be playing.<\/p>\n

Health issues aside, the Patriots now\u00a0return to Gillette Stadium<\/strong> for three consecutive home games against the Miami Dolphins<\/strong>, Houston Texans<\/strong>, and Buffalo Bills<\/strong> – in that order. Gillette Stadium has always been kind to the Patriots, especially against their divisional rivals. Could a 4-0 start be realistic?<\/p>\n

Jimmy Garoppolo<\/a> Sets New England Patriots Up For Perfection<\/h2>\n

During the Game<\/h3>\n

Jimmy Garoppolo<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0completed 24 of 33 passes for a respectable 264 yards and one touchdown; good for a 106.1 rating<\/a>. The touchdown\u00a0just happened to be\u00a0a beautiful 37-yard pass<\/a> to Chris Hogan<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0during the Patriots first drive of the game\u00a0that jump-started the team and put them in control early.<\/p>\n

New England maintained that control until midway through the fourth quarter when\u00a0Carson Palmer<\/a><\/strong> connected with Larry Fitzgerald<\/a><\/strong> for his second touchdown of the game – and the 100th of his career<\/a>.<\/p>\n

On the ensuing drive, Garoppolo and\u00a0LeGarrette Blount<\/a><\/strong> led the Patriots into the Cardinals red zone, which set up a 32-yard field goal for\u00a0Stephen Gostowski<\/strong>. To no surprise, he put it through the uprights and the Patriots took the lead for good, 23-21.<\/p>\n

Despite fumbling with a 10-0 lead – which led to an Arizona touchdown – Garoppolo made good throws all game and showed an incredible pocket presence. He was only sacked twice and finished the game with 12 rushing yards and even had a completion to himself. His poise looks promising moving forward.<\/p>\n

A Look-Ahead<\/h3>\n

With his first win under his belt, Garoppolo heads home to Gillette Stadium. It has been an embarrassment of riches for the Patriots at home against Miami and Buffalo. Since Gillette Stadium opened in 2002, New England is a combined 25-3 at home against the Dolphins<\/a> and Bills<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Texans now become the Patriots toughest opponents, a big reason being\u00a0that the game is on a Thursday night. The offensive line for the Patriots is still a big question mark, and there is no telling how healthy they will be come week three and on only four days of rest.<\/p>\n

Another reason is Houston’s defensive talent. A healthy\u00a0J.J. Watt<\/a><\/strong> and\u00a0Jadeveon Clowney<\/a><\/strong> could give Jimmy Garoppolo headaches all game. Against the Chicago Bears<\/strong> this week, the Texans defense dominated<\/a>. They\u00a0had five sacks and only allowed 71 yards in the second half. They also shut down Alshon Jeffery<\/a><\/strong>, keeping the ball out of his hands\u00a0after halftime.<\/p>\n

Potentially Perfect<\/h3>\n

After beating Arizona, the possibility of a 4-0 start is indeed now somewhat realistic. The Patriots next three opponents aren’t as good as the Cardinals and they have three consecutive home games to really prove what they’re made of. After beating an early season Superbowl contender on the road, anything is possible for the Patriots.<\/p>\n

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Main Photo:<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n