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Garoppolo Shows Progress In Patriots Preseason Win Over Bears

BOSTON (CBS) -- Thursday night was a nice step in the right direction for Jimmy Garoppolo.

The Patriots quarterback overcame a slow start against the Chicago Bears, finishing the night 16-for-21 for 181 yards and his first touchdown pass of the preseason in New England's 23-22 win.

"Still not our best; we started with another three-and-out which isn't good. After that we got into a nice rhythm," Garoppolo told reporters after the game.

At first, Tom Brady was slated to start but reportedly cut his right thumb just prior to the game. That led to a late change of plans for the Patriots and Garoppolo, but the QB was prepared.

"It was a good test, I guess. It always keeps you on your toes," he said. "Coach always preaches you never when your number is going to be called. You have to be ready for it."

"That's part of football," said coach Bill Belichick. "Things happen that are unexpected, and he's been prepared for that since the day he got here."

Garoppolo's best drive was at the end of the first half, putting together a seven-play, 57-yard scoring drive, directing the two-minute, hurry-up offense to near perfection.

He went 5-for-7 on that drive, hitting receiver Chris Hogan for a nice 20-yard gain on second-and-10 before finding tight end A.J. Derby in the end zone from 16 yards out a few plays later. Garoppolo hit Hogan over the middle of the end zone for the two-point conversion, giving New England a 17-11 lead as they went into halftime.

Garoppolo played the first drive of the third quarter, ending his night with a bad incomplete to James White in the red zone that could have been picked off. Those are the drives both Garoppolo and Belichick said they need to finish, but overall it was a strong showing for the man who will start the first four games of the regular season.

It wasn't perfect, but the progress was there for Garoppolo. He'll have a much tougher test next Friday when the Patriots visit the Carolina Panthers, but the Patriots have to be pleased with his progress two games into the preseason.

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