Some first impressions and second takes about the Patriots in the first week reveal a lot about where they may go in the second week. Cincinnati and Seattle came out on top, delivering last-minute defeats to the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins, which was not so surprising as to affect the NFL picks.
One game into the season, the Patriots victory over Arizona has given them first place in the AFC East; the fact that Tom Brady will adorn their ranks the next time they play on the road only bodes well for them.
But that is nothing new. Then again, it would be a mistake to overlook the performance of Jimmy Garoppolo. Jimmy maintained a surprisingly amount of poise at the line of scrimmage, showing confidence against a highly formidable defense and manifesting the potential that got him his first NFL start.
Special teams Captain Matthew Slater took notice of Jimmy’s confidence and the fact that he didn’t allow the size of the game to get to him. Jimmy didn’t allow his wildly high overthrow to Chris Hogan at the beginning to distract him, settling in soon after. Continue reading →