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Jimmy Garoppolo plays over Ryan Mallett on Friday

Published: Aug 15, 2014 at 01:33 PM

Chris Wesseling

Around The NFL Podcast Co-Host

Is there a changing of the guard on the New England Patriots' quarterback depth chart after Ryan Mallett struggled in his "showcase" game last week?

When Tom Brady exited after two series versus the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, it was rookie Jimmy Garoppolo who entered as the second quarterback.

Garoppolo promptly led a pair of impressive scoring drives, capped off by touchdown passes to fullback James Develin and wide receiver Brandon LaFell as a frustrated Mallett watched from the sidelines.

Bill Belichick is one of the least predictable coaches in the NFL. He has made a habit of completely flipping depth charts during the second week of the preseason for experimental purposes.

It's foolish to suggest that Garoppolo is now locked in as Brady's top backup.

If the Patriots end up carrying just two quarterbacks, though, Mallett is the odd man out.

The latest "Around the League Podcast" talks quarterback battles and debates the gang's preseason power rankings.

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