The Deflategate results are in, and investigator Ted Wells' report determined that it's "more probable than not" that New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady knew of some intentional deflation going on. They were busted in the AFC Championship game, and eventually went on to win the Super Bowl. Now that Wells' investigation is complete, it appears Brady might be facing a suspension.
The fact that it's "probable" that Brady knew likely won't get him off the hook, because he wasn't too cooperative with Wells. Pro Football Talk reports Brady "declined to make available any documents or electronic information (including text messages and email) that [Wells] requested, even though those requests were limited to the subject matter of [the] investigation (such as messages concerning the preparation of game balls, air pressure of balls, inflation of balls or deflation of balls)."
So now the Patriots might want to focus on getting second-year quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to take the reins for Week 1. And you should get to know him too, so here's five things to be familiar with.
Garoppolo Broke Tony Romo's Records At Eastern Illinois
Garoppolo was a four-year starter at Eastern Illinois, but really went crazy in his senior year. He completed 66 percent of his passes, racked up more than 5,000 yards in the air, and tallied up 53 touchdowns against only nine interceptions. Garoppolo's numbers shattered everything future Pro Bowler Tony Romo did during his time there, and might give hope to panicking Patriots fans worried about how much time Brady may miss.
Don't forget Pats fans, there once was a time when Brady trotting into the huddle was your nightmare.
Garoppolo Was The Patriots' Highest-Drafted QB In More Than Two Decades
Confused? Don't forget that Tom Brady, arguably the best quarterback of all-time, was an afterthought. He was picked in the sixth round of the 1999 NFL Draft, partially because he split snaps with Drew Henson, who eventually struggled both in the NFL and in the minor leagues for the New York Yankees. The guy who New England took first overall in 1993 was Drew Bledsoe.
He Comes From Proud Football Tradition At Eastern Illinois
Garoppolo's new comp will of course be Romo, but history suggests he may have a future after football as well. Bright football minds Sean Payton, Mike Shanahan and Brad Childress, all NFL head coaches, are Eastern Illinois alumni.
He Will Have High Expectations
Most teams losing a future Hall of Fame quarterback would be thinking about next year's draft already, but don't try to tell that to Patriots' fans. The last time they were without Brady was in 2008. It was far from a disaster-Matt Cassel came in and led the Patriots to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth. No pressure Jimmy!
His Traits Are A Mixed Bag
Garoppolo has a few characteristics coaches adore, such as a quick release, ability to sell play-action, and functional athleticism. He's also rarely been tested by heavy pressure, is inaccurate on deep balls (Patriots fans know this plague well), and isn't very experienced with pro-style offenses against live opposition.
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