Miami’s Backup QB Job is in Good Hands

With Tua Tagovailoa out against the Raiders, backup QB Jacoby Brissett hopes to provide the spark Miami is desperately looking for.

BILL INGRAM / Palm Beach Post via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Let’s be honest: the last week has sucked for Dolphins fans.

Going into the most important game of Miami’s young season, the hype was building for a potential upset against the reigning AFC East Champion Buffalo Bills. This was the week where it all was supposed to come together.

Tua Tagovailoa, Brian Flores, and the Miami Dolphins were looking to make a leap into being true contenders. This game was prime real estate to make a statement.

But as we all know, the complete opposite happened.

Behind a struggling offensive line, Miami was unable to get anything going in the air or on the ground. Unable to score any points, Miami couldn’t capitalize on multiple red-zone trips. But the worst consequence came from under center.

Young franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was knocked out of the game with broken ribs, and will miss the game this Sunday. He could also miss more games depending on pain tolerance.

But even after the tough loss, the season isn’t over.

The Dolphins are still second place in the AFC East, holding a 1-1 record. Along with this, they face the 3rd easiest schedule over the remainder of the season.

While Tagovailoa gets back to full strength, the Dolphins have a more than capable backup in Jacoby Brissett.

Early Career

Brissett was drafted with the 91st overall pick by the New England Patriots in 2016, and following Tom Brady’s Deflategate suspension and Jimmy Garoppolo’s injury, he was able to go 1-1 as the starter. He was also able to form a connection with former Linebackers Coach Brian Flores.

Showing the ability to manage the game, the Colts traded for Jacoby, following injury concerns to Andrew Luck. While his team disappointed, posting only a 4-11 record with him as the starter, Brissett was able to make several nice throws, post a solid 3,098 yards, including a long of 80 yards.

Development

After a 2018 season where he didn’t start a game, Luck retired before 2019, which led to Brissett being inserted into the starting lineup.

Considering the circumstances, he was solid, posting a 7-8 record, nearly 3000 yards and an 18-6 TD:INT ratio, including 14 in the first 6 games. Following his hot start, he suffered an MCL sprain that hindered his ability to move in the pocket. Combining that with injuries to key receivers, Brissett struggled in the second half.

Jacoby Brissett throws a touchdown to TY Hilton.

Following a season in which he showed flashes, Brissett was replaced with Phillip Rivers, and saw little opportunity in 2020.

2021

After Ryan Fitzpatrick signed a deal with Washington, Miami was in the market for a new backup.

With Tagovailoa’s injury history, the Dolphins were looking for someone with experience in managing games. Also looking for someone who could help Tua learn the ins and outs of the game.

With his relationship with Head Coach Brian Flores, Brissett was the perfect fit. He signed a 1 year, 7.5 million dollar deal with Miami on March 16, 2021.

Brissett signs with Miami.

Brissett looked solid in camp and preseason, making nice throws throughout, including a touchdown to Salvon Ahmed in Chicago. He also had a stout performance vs. the Falcons, going 8 for 8 with 99 yards and a touchdown. He has seemed to fit with the system that new offensive coordinators George Godsey and Eric Studesville are running.

Jacoby Brissett throws a TD to Salvon Ahmed.

Now, with Tagovailoa out for at least this week, Brissett offers another chance to prove himself as a starter in this league. In little experience, he has put up solid stats, doing enough to win games, and that’s just what Miami needs, going up against the Raiders, Colts, and Buccaneers over their next 3 games.

Given his previous experience, it is clear that Jacoby Brissett has what it takes to keep the Dolphins in the thick of the AFC, and it will be exciting to see what he can do as Miami waits for their franchise QB to return.

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