With Tua Tagovailoa sidelined with fractured ribs, backup Jacoby Brissett will take over as the starting quarterback in South Beach. The Miami Dolphins offense may not miss a beat with Brissett as the starter. While the organization remains high on him, Tagovailoa has a tendency to hold the ball too long, allowing him to take unnecessary shots from defensive lineman. But Miami’s offensive line has also been subpar through the first two games. The Dolphins could benefit from playing a veteran like Brissett at quarterback to cure some of their offensive woes in the short term.
Brissett is now in his sixth year in the NFL with 32 starts at quarterback. In 2017 and 2019, he was the full-time starter for the Indianapolis Colts. 2017 saw Brissett throw for 3,098 yards, 13 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while in 2019, he racked up 2,942 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
At 6-4, 238 pounds, Brissett is hard to bring down, allowing him to get outside the pocket and extend plays with his legs. He won’t be confused with Lamar Jackson, but he can run the ball outside the pocket and rush for first downs when needed. Brissett excels in short-yardage situations, rushing the ball 17 times last season and converting nine first downs and three touchdowns. With the Dolphins’ offensive line struggling, Brissett can get the ball out quickly, before the pass rush can get home. The former Colt also has a solid arm to get the ball down the field when called upon.
The one thing Brissett does well is taking care of the ball; in 1,023 passing attempts, Brissett has just thrown 14 interceptions. The Dolphins have some speed at wideout with Albert Wilson, Jaylen Waddle, DeVante Parker, and possibly Will Fuller (who has made a career out of being a “gametime decision”) this Sunday against the Raiders.
Last week, Brissett came in for an injured Tua and completed 24 of 40 passes for 169 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. With a full week of first team reps, Brissett should play much better. If Brissett can get the ball in his playmakers’ hands quickly, the Dolphins stand a chance at handing the Raiders their first loss of 2021.
-LaMarr Fields
Twitter: @raiderway83