To the surprise of many, the Miami Dolphins may be facing a quarterback controversy heading into the season. The late emergence of 1st rounder Tua Tagoavaila, paired with the departure of Ryan Fitzpatrick all but guaranteed a starting spot for Tagovailoa in 2021.
Brissett’s Pedigree
The former NCAA champion was thrown a curveball when the Dolphins front office signed former Colts signal-caller Jacoby Brissett. Aside from serving as a backup to three Pro Bowl quarterbacks in his five-year career, Brissett has performed well when given the opportunity. In two years as a starter, Brissett hovered around the 3000-yard mark each season without surpassing seven interceptions. Brissett even won two out of three games when filling in for Tom Brady as a rookie, throwing zero interceptions.
After posting an impressive 88.0 passer rating in the 2019 season, Brissett spent the 2020 season backing up Phillip Rivers, an accomplished veteran. Brissett’s rare combination of playing and learning experience makes him a viable candidate for the starting spot. Miami’s defense finished top five in fewest points allowed per game, leaving them with little reason to take risks offensively. Brissett already worked with three offensive coordinators prior to signing with Miami, therefore the transition to a new offense shouldn’t be an unfamiliar process to him.
Although Tagoavaila showed flashes in 2020, he admittedly hasn’t fully grasped the ins and outs of an NFL offense. The Alabama product had the luxury of throwing to four future 1st-round wide receivers throughout his time in college. Although his ball placement and mobility have raised eyebrows, he is still developing as an overall field general.
An NFL team’s championship window is quite short. The Dolphins aren’t in need of a spark plug, they simply need one last puzzle piece. Pairing Brissett’s tactical, experienced offensive approach with Miami’s stingy defense would make the franchise a legitimate Super Bowl contender.