The New England Patriots have looked just fine without Tom Brady through the first two weeks of his suspension. After taking down the Cardinals on the road, a Super Bowl contender in the minds of many, the Pats held off the Dolphins yesterday afternoon. However, it came at a big price.
After leading New England to a big lead, Jimmy Garoppolo, who had been excelling filling in for Brady, went down with a shoulder injury. It was later revealed that he suffered a sprained AC joint, and while it's possible that he could come back in Week 4, he'll at least be out for Thursday's game against the Houston Texans.
Brady won't be back until Week 5, so the Patriots will have to rely on third stringer Jacoby Brissett for the next two weeks. Unless, of course, they bring in an outsider.
Belichick is the master of formulating a gameplan that best fits the players he has available, but winning with a third string QB is a different animal in the NFL. So, who could they possibly sign for the short term?
CBS' Boomer Esiason suggested, and not jokingly, Peyton Manning.
From the NFL on CBS halftime show, transcribed by Will Brenson:
“I got a name for you — the guy's not even on the list,” Esiason said. “He's busy doing a lot of commercials. His name is Peyton Manning. Why not?”
Esiason was playfully mocked by the rest of the crew, and for good reason. Manning isn't going to come back for two games right after retiring at the top of the league. And, it wasn't like he carried the Broncos to that title.
Esiason points out that the alternatives aren't any better, and while that's true, it doesn't mean Peyton would suddenly come back with just three days to prepare to face the likes of J.J. Watt and the rest of Houston's scary defensive front.
More likely, the Patriots will roll with Brissett and hope Jimmy G returns in time for Week 4 against Buffalo.
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