Garoppolo: 'I Think I'm Working In The Right Direction'
BOSTON (CBS) -- Jimmy Garoppolo got his first preseason action under center as the expected Week 1 starter for the Patriots, who beat the New Orleans Saints 34-22 at Gillette Stadium. Starting slow and operating with most of the Patriots' offensive starters out, Garoppolo settled in and ended up putting together a decent performance.
As you may expect, Garoppolo looked at his game and found plenty of room for improvement.
"I think I'm working in the right direction," Garoppolo said after the game. "I said earlier this week, there's plenty of things I could work on, little things here and there. That's just part of being a quarterback. There are a lot of little things here and there and you want to be the best at your craft."
Garoppolo was 11-for-18 passing with 168 yards and a 91.9 passer rating. The biggest highlights were a dump-off throw to James White that the running back broke for a 56-yard run and a deep 24-yard throw to rookie Malcolm Mitchell down the left sideline. He also completed three passes to tight end Martellus Bennett.
Perhaps most importantly, Garoppolo protected the ball. He did take two sacks but did not fumble or throw an interception. Overall, his first preseason game can safely be considered a step forward as he prepares to start for the Patriots in Week 1.