The Backup QB

[axx]

With Brady suspended, now they are going to have to sign a QB. Jimmy G will be the starter presumably while Brady serves his suspension.
 
I'd post the list of FA QBs, but it's not pretty. Matt Flynn maybe? Vick?

 

[Super Nomario]

Garrett Gilbert (2014 6th-rounder) is the third QB in camp; I would think he'd get first crack.

 

[MarcSullivaFan]

Yikes. I watched him for part of a season at Texas.

 

[dcmissle]

As a practical matter, it's likely to take until mid-August to get this suspension business sorted out, and in the interim this means 4 games is 4 games. Will be interested to see how this impacts their approach.

 

[GraysonGrandeGonads]

Put Derby in at wildcat.

 

[theapportioner]

Julian Edelman.

 

[dynomite]

I feel the need to reiterate here: I can't believe this thread exists. The NFL is hilarious and ridiculous.

Garrett Gilbert (2014 6th-rounder) is the third QB in camp; I would think he'd get first crack.

Completely agreed. Wouldn't be surprised if the Patriots bring in some extra UDFAs in training camp this summer to make sure they're aware of alternatives, but it's only 4 games (and likely less than that).

If Brady does end up being suspended (again: LOLWUT) I only expect 2 QBs on the game day roster: Garoppolo and Gilbert.

 

[soxfan121]

McLeod Bethel-Thompson is kicking himself.

 

[mulluysavage]

I would like to see a different mime/balloon twister/large shoe and squirting-flower wearer each week as the backup qb. He'd carry a clipboard, and take too many men penalties for the team, as he checks the ball pressure after the spot, records it on his clipboard, steals flags from the officials, and darts in and out of players on the visiting bench as the zebras try to recover their laundry.

 

[mulluysavage]

PS: maybe Zolak in this role.

 

[LuckyBen]

Any chance we sign Chris Simms and then cut him to sign Major Applewhite?

 

[RetractableRoof]

I guess my question is: how do the Patriots delicately determine the PSI preferences for the new QBs goinng forward? If you draft/sign a QB that likes it at 12.5, it's an organizational risk. Like Winston and crab legs it's something teams will have to investigate. Should they ask at the combine to save time?

 

[Lose Remerswaal]

Maybe it's finally Michael Bishop's time?  I was certain he was going to be an NFL stud

 

[DJnVa]

I've heard Flynn or Vick, but I don't think a vet is going to want to come here in May or June and then be out of a job when Brady comes back or if the suspension goes away.

 

[the1andonly3003]

so no one is betting on Jimmy Garoppolo going a stellar 4-0 and forcing the issue by stealing Brady's job?
 
*ducks*

 

[Marbleheader]

If a vet wanted to reestablish his value, doing a solid job here before being traded away would be a reasonable decision.

 

[dynomite]

If a vet wanted to reestablish his value, doing a solid job here before being traded away would be a reasonable decision.

But who is this veteran QB that people are thinking of? Here are the top veteran QBs available:

- Jason Campbell
- Tavaris Jackson
- Mike Vick
- Matt Flynn

Bleh.

Flynn is sort of interesting, but I doubt he wants to sign somewhere where he's likely to be cut after Week 5, and he also has been generally terrible outside of Green Bay.

If anyone is going to be signed, I might bet on Jason Campbell, who had a very good game with Cleveland against the Patriots in 2013 (the Gronk ACL/miracle comeback game), going 29/44 with 391 yards, 3 TDs and 0 INTs. Belichick always remembers those guys.

Still, does an old Jason Campell really seem like that much of an upgrade over Garoppolo?

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

Still, does an old Jason Campell really seem like that much of an upgrade over Garoppolo?

I don't see any scenario where they acquire a guy to start ahead of Jimmy G.

Garoppolo is going to be the starter if Brady misses games, assuming he is healthy. They might want a veteran backup but I doubt its that big of a priority because (a) I think the team is fairly confident in Garoppolo, at least enough that they probably believe he won't be so bad that he needs to be pulled for performance reasons and (b) the likelihood of him getting injured in those four games is pretty small, such that there are only very minor returns to worrying about small differences in the quality of a 3rd string QB.
 
As you say, there's almost no upside to this role for any decent veteran backup QB - you get to back up a rookie for four weeks and then get cut, with maybe the chance to play in a game or two if JG gets injured.  I think we'll just sign the best of some very mediocre and very cheap options.

 

[E5 Yaz]

Kyle Orton out of retirement?

 

[jsinger121]

Kyle Orton out of retirement?

I think Orton is still technically under contract with the bills even though he retired. He still had a year left on his deal.

 

[lexrageorge]

And there is absolutely zero chance that Michael Vick is coming to New England.  The optics alone would make me cringe, and I'm not alone in that sentiment. 

 

[axx]

I don't see any scenario where they acquire a guy to start ahead of Jimmy G.

 
Oh they definitely need to sign somebody. If Jimmy were to get hurt you would be essentially throwing away the remaining games until the suspension ends.
 
If Brady's suspension gets reduced, maybe they will chance it.

 

[dynomite]

I don't see any scenario where they acquire a guy to start ahead of Jimmy G.

Garoppolo is going to be the starter if Brady misses games, assuming he is healthy. They might want a veteran backup but I doubt its that big of a priority because (a) I think the team is fairly confident in Garoppolo, at least enough that they probably believe he won't be so bad that he needs to be pulled for performance reasons

Yup, couldn't agree more with any of this.

I guess I could see someone like Campbell as a backup and emergency QB while Brady is out, but the Pats dumped Mallett for a reason.

They believe in Garoppolo, and I'm confident he can competently fill in for 0-4 games.

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

Bring Kevin Faulk (and his cousin's jacket) out of retirement.

 

[Koufax]

The answer is obvious : Doug (Dropkick) Flutie.

 

[Leather]

Is Rohan Davey still farting around with the Rhein Fire?

 

[Ferm Sheller]

Just play with 10 guys and no QB. Empty man formation. Direct snap to Blount or Edelman or whomever and run it every down.

 

[Section15Box113]

Just play with 10 guys and no QB. Empty man formation. Direct snap to Blount or Edelman or whomever and run it every down.

So play with 9 guys against Pittsburgh?

 

[Tony C]

But who is this veteran QB that people are thinking of? Here are the top veteran QBs available:

- Jason Campbell
- Tavaris Jackson
- Mike Vick
- Matt Flynn

Bleh.

Flynn is sort of interesting, but I doubt he wants to sign somewhere where he's likely to be cut after Week 5, and he also has been generally terrible outside of Green Bay.

If anyone is going to be signed, I might bet on Jason Campbell, who had a very good game with Cleveland against the Patriots in 2013 (the Gronk ACL/miracle comeback game), going 29/44 with 391 yards, 3 TDs and 0 INTs. Belichick always remembers those guys.

Still, does an old Jason Campell really seem like that much of an upgrade over Garoppolo?

 
For a 3rd string QB, by definition it's "bleh." I agree with you on Campbell being the best of the lot, but I don't understand the notion of an upgrade over Garoppolo -- isn't the working assumption that Jimmy G will start and the Pats are just bringing in a 3rd stringer who can fill in should something happen to Garoppolo?