Raiders Opinion: Garoppolo Enters Season Calm And Unbothered -

Jimmy Garoppolo, on balance, could be the exact quarterback the Las Vegas Raiders need in the post-Derek Carr era.

Before the Las Vegas Raiders take the field, they enter 2023 much different than previous years. Jimmy Garoppolo gives the Raiders what they’ve lacked a quarterback that plays unbothered. In the nine years before, controversy and losses surrounded the franchise. People waited almost a decade for the quarterback position to grow into a consistent winner. Garoppolo slams the door on the recent past and brings the future into focus.

Backlash

In a rational world, moving on from a quarterback after losing season attracts positive attention. Yet, the myopia remained strong. People lamented Garoppolo’s playoff failures, injury history and other perceived shortcomings. However, Garoppolo’s and Carr’s playoff resumes fail to match up. In six playoff games, Garoppolo won four of those, including leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance. Despite this, a small, rather vocal minority of the fanbase will cheer every poor training camp showing. In all honesty, that looks rather childish and completely weird.

Lifestyle

As mentioned, Jimmy Garoppolo appears rather unfazed by the criticism from fans and media? Why? To be honest, nothing than anyone can say or do to affect his path. A two-star prospect that only had offers from Montana State and Illinois State toughens you. Playing at EIU didn’t guarantee an NFL future. Additionally, sitting behind Tom Brady would not grant his field time. Meanwhile, Garoppolo went to work. Consecutive strong performances in 2016 helped him secure the bag. That bag, combined with being thrifty ensures long-term financial security. In order words, the quarterback owns middle-finger money. On top of that, Garoppolo lives the life of a bachelor, balling all over the world, yet responsibly. Granted, he dates models and adult film stars but, you’ve never heard of him being out of shape.

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The Anti-Carr

Garoppolo will probably not sit in a press conference and engage in a heated exchange with reporters. His old team, the Niners, traded extensive draft capital to replace him. Trey Lance ended up in Dallas via a late-round pick. Meaning, Garoppolo endures. Whether questions about injuries or playoff struggles abound, the voice doesn’t raise. In fact, Garoppolo’s last tweet occurred on December 10, 2019. He will not start blocking critics or have his siblings swarm dissenting viewpoints. Why? That man is out there, living his best life, unbothered by foolery.

Right City, Right Mentor

When the Raiders moved to Las Vegas, people immediately thought the city would be the downfall of players moving there. Now, if you are responsible heading to Vegas, the city will not change you. The starting Raiders quarterback turns thirty-two in November. As a result, he’s pretty much solidified as the person he will be. Under those conditions, the lights and glamor of Sin City does not matter. Plus, and it is a huge bonus, Tom Brady, as part owner will be around the team. Brady was the underappreciated player thrust into a starting spot. Thank Mo Lewis. Garoppolo was thrust into the starting spot. Thank the legal system. Either way, Brady can look at Garoppolo’s path to Vegas, and understand how to communicate with his understudy.

Overview

Tough skin and millions of dollars in the bank grants Jimmy Garoppolo a measure of security. Poor play or boos will not shake someone that managed to buck convention from Charleston, Illinois to Las Vegas. Regardless of his future with the Raiders, the quarterback will take the field with the same calmness, unlike his predecessor. Whether he’s the stop gap or long-term answer, Jimmy Garoppolo looks at home.