Second fiddles
Pats always have, rarely use, backup QB
Backup quarterbacks come and go, as Tom Brady simply takes the football and never lets anyone else play anyway.
The Patriots made that very clear this week.
There’s a long list of quarterbacks who have been on the roster who never saw a snap that meant anything in the Brady era. At least Jimmy Garoppolo got in a game and a half (almost) before being shipped to San Francisco on Monday where his potential (or not) will get severely tested.
The Brady back-me-up has been filled by a wide range of nobodies, somebodies and everybodies beginning with his first, sort of — Drew Bledsoe. Now, Drew was not a happy backup, nor were many Pats fans at the time, but 2001 turned out pretty, pretty, pretty good and Drew would need not back up Brady anymore. He was sent to Buffalo before the 2002 season.
After that, well, Damon Huard was Brady’s backup (2001-03), then left with a pair of Super Bowl rings for a backup job in Kansas City, where for two seasons he never took a snap. Experience in that job came in handy.
Massive Rohan Davey (2002-04) was also around with Huard but that was about it. He was around.
Remember Kliff Kingsbury (2003)? Neither does Tommy Boy.
Now these next two guys could play a little. Jim Miller (2004) and Doug Flutie (2005) actually had decent careers, and Dougie ended his days by drop-kicking an extra point, oh-so retro.
Then came the best and most productive back-meup — Matt Cassel (200508). He actually played a full season (minus one quarter) only because Brady could not. Tommy’s knee injury made Cassel millions the next year with Kansas City.
Vinny Testaverde (2006) dropped in to say, “Hi Tom,” before realizing 43-year-old quarterbacks don’t play much or well. Bill Belichick let Vinny get in a game to throw a touchdown pass for his 20th straight season. Aaah, what memories.
Matt Gutierrez (2007-08) and Kevin O’Connell (2008) both get a Kingsbury-size “Who?” and a thanks for showing up.
Brian Hoyer (2009-11) learned very well here the first time, then puttered around the league and now is back to help Brady reach age 45 and beyond.
Throw in Ryan Mallett (2011-13), Jacoby Brissett (2016) and Garoppolo and there you have it — Brady’s back-me-ups. Yup, Tom Brady’s backup will stand lonely, again, as always. This Is The Year! Turn back time:
Denver at Philadelphia (-71⁄ 2) — Brock Osweiler is back Bronco riding. VP/GM John Elway gave thought to returning. He should have.
Eagles, 23-10.
LA Rams (-31⁄ 2) at NY Giants — Nothing’s going right for the Giants. And it’s oh-so good. Rams, 28-17.
Tampa Bay at New Orleans (-6 1⁄2) — What is happening to the Buccaneers is what happens to teams who think greatness before their time. Saints, 30-24.
Cincinnati at Jacksonville (-6) — The on-again, offagain Jaguars are on again against the always off-again Bengals. Jaguars, 27-19.
Atlanta at Carolina (-1) —
These last two Super Bowl losers have been floundering around thanks mostly to the league’s last two MVP QBs. Falcons, 26-24.
Indianapolis at Houston (-11) — No DeShaun Watson. No cover in Houston.
Texans, 27-17.
Baltimore at Tennessee (-3) — Man, did those Ravens get all riled up in beating up the Dolphins. And concussed Joe Flacco is back to lead the renegades.
Ravens, 23-21.
Arizona (-21⁄ 2) at San Francisco — The 49ers’ savior arrived. Not this game, though. But stay tuned to the 2020 Super Bowl between Garoppolo and Brady. Cardinals 6, 49ers 3.
Washington at Seattle (-7) — Desperate for victory, desperate for love, too. Not the plight of the president, but that of his hometown ’Skins. Redskins, 28-27.
Kansas City at Dallas (-1) — Ezekiel Elliott gets suspended, unsuspended, then suspended again, and now he’s wearing suspenders. Oh my. Chiefs, 34-30.
Oakland (-3) at Miami —
These contender wannabees got blasted last week. Always good to be put in place. Raiders, 20-12.
Detroit (-21⁄ 2) at Green Bay — Now, for once, can the Lions win a game they truly should? Lions, 24-20. Last week: 5-7-1 Season: 49-64-4