Tom Brady complimented his replacement, Jimmy Garoppolo, on a solid performance in the New England Patriots' 23-21 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday night.

"It was a great night for him and for our whole offense," Brady said on Westwood One Radio during his weekly interview. "I think one thing you realize as the quarterback is everyone being in sync and on the same page and the communication with your teammates is so critical. For us to go in there and get a win like that, it was great for, obviously, our offensive football team. The defense played great, special teams. It's such a team sport.

"Jimmy did everything he was asked to. It was a great way to start the season for our team."

Garoppolo finished 24-of-33 for 264 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. In his biggest miscue, he was strip-sacked in the second quarter.

"It was a great game to watch," Brady said. "It's a tough environment to play in. The team went in there and looked like they were focused and prepared. They played so well in so many areas. It was great to see the offense get off to a great start. It was a great first drive. Lot of great plays by Jimmy, by the skill players. The offensive line did a great job. To get up 10-0 like that was huge on the road. I think that was a great way to start the game for our team."