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Should Patriots Play Tom Brady At All This Preseason?

BOSTON (CBS) -- The Patriots have a number of questions heading into training camp this week, but none is bigger than their quarterback situation.

The Patriots have enjoyed continuity at the most important position on the field for the last 15 years thanks to the sustained success of Tom Brady, but this year is very different. Brady has been suspended for the first four games of the regular season, meaning the preseason will be Jimmy Garoppolo's final chance to get game ready for games that count.

Should Brady even play when the preseason rolls around? Scott Zolak and Mike Flynn (in for Marc Bertrand) discussed New England's preseason game plan on Tuesday, and  both believe that this preseason should belong to Garoppolo.

"I don't think you play [Brady]. Garoppolo has to take the (first team) reps. You have to get [Jacoby] Brissett ready and out there. Maybe those dual workouts [with the Saints and Bears] is where Brady gets a lot of work and Brissett doesn't get those reps," said Flynn.

"Garoppolo needs to prepare all week like he's the starter, warm up as the starter, run out to the field as the starter," added Flynn. "That's your huddle for one, two, three or all four quarters, whatever it may be. That's what he needs; the ability to make decisions out there without a coach hanging over your back. Brady can miss those games and be fine. Garoppolo needs those games and the process of it."

Zolak doesn't want to see Brady risk injury in preseason play, while also pointing to the importance of game reps for Garoppolo.

"What good does it do to play Brady and risk potential injury early in the preseason? Don't play him at all," said Zo. "The actual stadium-feel with a packed house, you're the guy playing, running the clock. This isn't a structured practice. That is the stuff Garoppolo needs; the constant changing of personnel in and out of the huddle -- he has to be able to anticipate that stuff and put it all together there.

"I can see them giving Brady the bulk of it in practice, and then Garoppolo will play in games," said Zo. "[In Weeks 3 and 4 of the preseason], then you really zero in and get Jimmy ready."


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