Garoppolo faces Patricia in Pats’ reunion
Matt Patricia got an early taste of what Jimmy Garoppolo was capable of doing as an NFL quarterback.
As soon as Garoppolo was drafted in the second round by the Patriots in 2014, he got the chance to match wits with Patricia almost every day in practice as Tom Brady’s backup, while Patricia served as defensive coordinator for the Patriots.
The talents Garoppolo showed on the practice field only got better whenever he got a chance to play in a game, whether it was an exhibition, in mopup duty or in two starts during Brady’s suspension in 2016, which he both won.
So when Garoppolo became a star after being dealt to the San Francisco 49ers during last season, Patricia wasn’t surprised at all. He will get a firsthand look at it Sunday as coach of the Detroit Lions (0-1), who visit Garoppolo and the 49ers (0-1).
“There was always something a little bit special about Jimmy ingame,” Patricia said. “Just that extra light just came on and in the game itself you could just see really how special he was as a player.”
After winning his two starts with the Patriots, Garoppolo went 5-0 for San Francisco after the trade last year and earned a $137.5 million, five-year contract. His first game with the new deal didn’t go so well as he completed less than half his passes and threw three interceptions in a 24-16 loss at the Minnesota Vikings.
This week, Garoppolo hopes all that time he put in on the practice field against Patricia’s defenses pays dividends.
“There’s a couple of little things you remember from over the years and stuff,” he said. “But, Matty P’s a smart coach and I’m sure they’ll have something game planned for us.”
Big Ben hurting
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger missed practice again yesterday due to an issue with his right elbow. The 36-year-old Roethlisberger injured the elbow on the next-to-last offensive snap in a Week 1 tie with Cleveland. He did not practice on Wednesday. Second-year quarterback Josh Dobbs took all the snaps with the starters yesterday . . . .
The Tennessee Titans limited Marcus Mariota at practice and gave more work to backup Blaine Gabbert. Coach Mike Vrabel says they want to evaluate which quarterback will give them the best chance against the Houston Texans. Mariota practiced fully Wednesday after an injured elbow knocked him out of Tennessee’s 27-20 opening loss in Miami . . . .
The Seattle Seahawks are expected to sign linebacker Mychal Kendricks to a one-year contract despite his recent guilty plea on insider trading charges, according to a source. Kendricks pleaded guilty last week to insider trading charges, and Cleveland Browns released him Aug. 29 . . . .
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman was held out of practice again with an undisclosed injury, leaving his status uncertain for Sunday’s game against Carolina. Coach Dan Quinn said he’ll know more about Freeman today.
Hall of Fame names
Tony Gonzalez, the most accomplished tight end in NFL history, defensive backs Ed Reed and Champ Bailey and linebacker London Fletcher are first-year eligibles among 102 nominees for the class of 2019 for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Finalists from 2018 who are nominated again include Patriots cornerback Ty Law.