SANTA CLARA – The man who mostly remained on the sideline for his first 3 ½ NFL seasons understands how Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes benefited as a rookie from being a backup to a respected, hard-working veteran.
Jimmy Garoppolo started two games for the New England Patriots while filling the role as Tom Brady’s backup since 2014. The knowledge he gained from watching and observing appeared to serve him well when he got his chance last season with the 49ers.
Mahomes is off to a scorching start for the 2-0 Chiefs, as he is getting his opportunity to lead his team after Kansas City cleared the way for him to take over with an offseason trade of Alex Smith to Washington.