While the national media, local media and Browns fans debate the length of a possible suspension for quarterback Deshaun Watson, the bigger question is who is backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett? Will quarterback two become quarterback one? I personally believe Watson won’t be suspended for the 2022 season whether it’s because no cases have been settled or the NFLPA suing the league because the suspension is too harsh. But there is a possibility of a deal being brokered which could lead to a six to eight-game suspension. That makes the starting quarterback of the 2022 Cleveland Browns Jacoby Brissett for those games. So, who is Jacoby Brissett?
After starting his college career at the University of Florida, Brissett transferred to North Carolina State in 2013. Because of transfer rules, he sat out in 2013 and became the starter in 2014. In two years at North Carolina State, he completed 458 out of 765 passes (60%) for 6033 yards with 46 touchdowns and eleven interceptions. His QBR was 133.5. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2016 draft. Due to QB Tom Brady’s “deflategate” suspension and an injury to QB2 Jimmy Garoppolo, Brissett’s first start was against the Houston Texans. In a 27-0 victory, he was 11 for 19 for 103 yards and carried the ball eight times for 48 yards and a touchdown
On September 2, 2017, Brissett was traded to the Colts because of an injury to starter Andrew Luck. He started 15 games and finished 276 of 469 (58.8%) for 3098 yards, 13 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a QBR of 81.7. However, the Colts were 4-11 and Brissett was sacked 52 times. His best season as a starter was 2019 with the Colts. He was thrust into the starting role due to the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck on August 24, 2019. He started fifteen games and the Colts went 7-8. His best games that year were victories against the Falcons, the Chiefs and the Texans. Against the Falcons, he threw for 310 yards, two touchdowns and completed his first 16 passes. Against the Chiefs, the eventual Super Bowl Champs, he threw for 151 yards and ran for the Colts’ lone touchdown. Against the Texans, he threw for 326 yards and four touchdowns. He was named AFC offensive player of the week. He finished the season 272 of 447 (60.8%) for 2942 yards, 18 touchdowns, six interceptions and a QBR of 88. He also rushed for 228 yards and four touchdowns.
Jacoby Brissett is a career backup quarterback at this point and in the past has shown over a short period of time he can win games. If he starts six to eight games for the suspended Deshaun Watson with this Browns roster, I expect at least a .500 record. However, if Brissett starts all 17 games, the Browns might be hard-pressed to make the playoffs.
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