Patriots Ex Josh McDaniels Reveals 'Overblown' Jimmy Garoppolo Storyline

Former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, now coaching the Las Vegas Raiders, reveals he and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo aren't too familiar with each other

Former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo reunited this offseason when the latter signed with McDaniels' Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. 

When Garoppolo signed the deal in March, many noted the pre-existing relationship between him and McDaniels and how it could help the offense click. According to McDaniels, though, that narrative has been blown out of proportion. 

“I think the familiarity is probably a little bit overblown,” McDaniels told Sports Illustrated.

“I think the reality is he’s just been a good football player,” McDaniels says. “He’s just been a good football player where he was [with the San Francisco 49ers]. He didn’t play much for me in New England. You know, I got to be around him when he was developing, but he really put a stamp on what he’s about in San Fran. I know he was coached well by an incredible coaching staff there, and he’s doing some really good things here already.”

When looking at the stats, McDaniels isn't exactly wrong. Garoppolo sent the entirety of his first two seasons as a backup to Tom Brady, attempting just 31 passes in 11 appearances. 

The 2016 season gave Garoppolo his first opportunity as a starter, as Brady was suspended to start the year. The Eastern Illinois product looked good in his first two starts, completing over 70 percent of his passes for 496 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. However, injuries ended his starting stint prematurely, allowing Jacoby Brissett to start the last two games before Brady's return.

Garoppolo would return as a backup later in the season, which ended up being his final regular-season action in New England. In 2017, he didn't take a snap with the Patriots before they traded him to the 49ers in the middle of the season.

In six years in San Francisco, Garoppolo established himself as a solid starting option for a contending team. He had nearly twice as many touchdowns as interceptions, a 38-17 record as a starter and led the 49ers to a Super Bowl LIV appearance. However, Garoppolo has also dealt with health issues throughout his career, even as recently as this offseason.

McDaniels' first season in Las Vegas didn't go according to plan, as the Raiders finished 6-11 to miss the playoffs. Perhaps a chance to re-familiarize himself with Garoppolo, health withstanding, could help McDaniels find more success in Sin City.

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