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According to the Boston Herald](http://bostonherald.com/sports/patriotsnfl/theblitz/2014/08/sourceryanmalletttostartpatriotspreseasonopenertonight), citing a source, Ryan Mallett will get the starting nod at quarterback for the Patriots in Thursday night's preseason opener against the Redskins in Washington.
Tom Brady had an impressive couple days of joint practice action against Washington earlier this week in Richmond. He was by far the best passer on the field, for either team, consistently running New England's passing attack with productive precision. He looked quite comfortable not only working with returning weapons like Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola, but also with veteran newcomer Brandon LaFell.
Mallett is heading into the final year of his rookie contract that he signed as a third-round pick in 2011. There have been plenty of trade rumors, reports and speculation surrounding the backup passer for the last year-plus and this could be a chance to get him extended action to prove his value to any potential suitors. It's also worth noting, should the Patriots consider a trade, that the team did recently reportedly work out veteran quarterback Brady Quinn.
For the comparison purposes, Brady has sat out the preseason opener in the past, including 2005, 2008 and 2011. Last summer he saw two series of action to open the exhibition slate against the Eagles. He did not throw a single pass on the first drive that consisted of six straight runs to a touchdown. On the second drive he completed seven of his eight passes on an 80-yard march, the final a 13-yard touchdown throw to Shane Vereen.
Do you like the idea of Ryan Mallett staring the preseason opener? What do you expect from the fourth-year backup? Let us know with a comment below!
