Cleveland Browns: Don’t believe the Jimmy Garoppolo hype

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Patriots won 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Patriots won 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

The biggest concern would be his hesitation and inaccuracy under pressure. Late in the Arizona game, the Cardinals changed their strategy and simply pressured Garoppolo. It was effective in holding the Patriots to two field goals.

The next week, the Dolphins game plan was designed to take away his first read, apply pressure and force inaccurate throws. This plan was effective except Garoppolo often found secondary receivers who could haul in the inaccurate throws downfield.

Garoppolo is exactly what his scouting report states. He is “more of a caretaker than a game changer”. To be successful, he needs to be on a team where the playmakers around him can bail him out and make him look better than what he is. He needs to be in a place like New England.

Not to say that Garoppolo is a bad player. But there needs to be a realistic accounting of his value. His tape shows the good, the bad and the ugly. His trade value should be compared to his peers and take the good, the bad and the ugly into account.

Next: DPD Podcast: Episode 1

There is a lot to like about Garoppolo. But the fairy tale that the good-looking young quarterback will ride in on a white horse and save the day is just that – a fairy tale. This prince has warts. There is a reason he was the fourth quarterback taken in 2014. It is time for the hype to come back to earth.