Rams quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has played once against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, the place where his NFL career began.
Yet, Sunday’s game against the Patriots will mark the 11th-year pro’s true homecoming — even if it will be as a backup.
In 2020, Garoppolo led the San Francisco 49ers to victory over the Patriots. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, however, the stadium was empty.
“I can remember one of the first third downs, I rushed for the first down and yelled — and I heard an echo of my voice,” Garoppolo said. “It wasn’t as climactic as I was hoping for.