New England Patriots rookie quarterback Danny Etling stole the show in the team’s preseason finale against the Giants as he scampered to a huge 86-yard touchdown run. That’s not a play that’s been seen from a Patriots quarterback in quite some time, which Bill Belichick was all too keen to point out as he cracked a joke at Tom Brady’s expense.
“When is the last time a quarterback ran for 85 yards on the Patriots? It's like at least 20 years I know that,” Belichick jokingly said per Tyler Sullivan of 247Sports. “Maybe (Steve) Grogan? (Jim) Plunkett? That's a long run though so.”
Belichick went on to praise the rookie Etling’s work ethic and was happy with his team’s performance overall.
No one needs reminding that Brady isn’t the most mobile quarterback in the world. He wasn’t anywhere close to being a burner even during his prime, and he’s only become more limited as he’s grown older. The most exciting plays Brady’s made with his legs involve QB sneaks, although he is admittedly awesome at those.
But while Patriots fans haven’t been treated to those types of exciting big plays from their quarterback in quite some time, they’re obviously pretty pleased with the wins Brady has piled up over the years.
As for Etling, that play will likely be the lone highlight of his entire rookie year as he’s expected to sit behind Brady and backup Brian Hoyer. But as far as highlights go, his is a pretty good one to have.
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