Zero.
That is how many incompletions Jacoby Brissett threw during the Miami Dolphins second preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons. The Dolphins’ new addition to the QB room this offseason was an impressive 8-of-8 for 99 yards and one touchdown – good for a quarterback rating of 157.8.
Obviously, it is important not to place too much stock into preseason numbers, especially against teams like the Falcons that are heading into the upcoming season with a fair amount of questions on the defensive side of the ball. But, even if you ignore the perfect completion percentage and near-perfect QB rating, Brissett is proving that he was the right choice for the open backup quarterback role in Miami.
And why exactly is that?
1. He Understands His Role With the Dolphins
Since coming into the league in 2016, Brissett has worked two seasons as a starter and three as a backup. He has experienced what it is like to lead a team during a down/rebuilding year, as he did in both 2017 and 2019. And he has also handled the responsibilities as a second-string quarterback behind very talented veteran quarterbacks on winning teams (2016, 2018, 2020). Brissett handled both roles professionally, if not exceptionally, and was able to learn from each of the situations he was placed in. As a backup to Tom Brady, Andrew Luck, and Philip Rivers over the past five seasons, it is undeniable that Brissett has added to his foundation of knowledge and put himself in an even better situation to be a mentor to a young QB.
That education will serve him well in Miami this season. This Dolphins team has a young QB, is retooling, and a threat to make some noise in the AFC East. It isn’t just speculation that he knows his role on the team either.
1B. No, Really, Look at These Quotes
Many of the first quotes that Brissett gave after signing with the Dolphins drove that point home loud and clear. In his introductory press conference, Brissett had these quotes among others:
“I’m a team player first, and I do whatever the team needs me to.”
“I’ll be the best teammate I can be.”
“I’m excited to see how we mesh. I’m sure it will all work out fine after everything I’ve heard about (Tagovailoa).”
It was clear from just his first introduction that Brissett knows why he was brought in. He is talented and still improving every year, but he is also a near-veteran who has been around the league enough (and learned from enough talented quarterbacks), that he will be extremely valuable as a mentor and practice piece for a team looking to capitalize on the potential of their young starting QB. Obviously, Brissett wants to compete for playing time, but he is also aware that he can, and will, provide value in practice, in the video room, and in countless unheralded situations as he works with Tua Tagovailoa.
When it comes to his actual ability, perhaps the most beneficial part of his game as it relates to his value in practice is…
2. His Mobility Will Help the Team Defense Prepare for Other Mobile QB’s in the Division
In his two seasons as a starter, Brissett combined for 488 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. While those aren’t eye-popping numbers, they represent his mobility. Not only can Brissett make plays with his feet, but he can also make throws on the run. This will undoubtedly help the second team get consistent looks at mobile quarterbacks without having to overuse Tua in situation drills. With the division being full of quick QB’s – Josh Allen, Cam Newton, and Zach Wilson – this part of Brissett’s value cannot be understated. Being able to give the Dolphins defense consistent looks as they prepare to face mobile quarterbacks at least six times this season should come in handy.
Even more importantly, Brissett’s ability to mimic Tua’s mobile style of play means that the team won’t need to drastically alter their play-style and playbook if Brissett replaces Tua for any reason during the season. It is likely that the Dolphins front office thought of this before the signing, but even if it was inadvertent, it is a beneficial coincidence.
While it is unlikely that Brissett and Tua could share the field for some combination of Wildcat formation or trick play setups, their dual mobility at least leaves that possibility open – something else that just adds to Brissett’s versatility and value.
3. His Familiarity With Dolphins Head Coach Brian Flores
When Brissett came into the league as a rookie with the Patriots in 2016, Brian Flores was already eight years deep into his tenure as a coach with the team. That 2016 season was Flores’ first as a Linebackers Coach for the Patriots. While they coached/played on different sides of the ball, Flores remembers Brissett well and had nothing but praise for the quarterback just after the Dolphins signed him. When Flores was asked about Brissett and what he brings to the team, the coach wasn’t shy to give praise, saying, “He’s a guy’s guy… everyone kind of gravitates to him.”
While there is more to being a successful player than being likable, it is obvious that Brissett is precisely the type of player that Flores wants on this Dolphins squad. Retooling with a younger team is all about chemistry and making sure everyone knows their role and can fit into it. With Flores’ quickness in complimenting Brissett’s role in that chemistry, you have to think that Flores knew exactly what they were getting with the Brissett signing. That level of mutual respect will be extremely valuable this season as Flores continues to try to get the team to buy into his vision for the future.
But perhaps most importantly…
4. Jacoby Brissett is Just PLAIN GOOD at Quarterback – and Not Just For a Backup Role
Brissett has started 30 career games – 15 each in both 2017 and 2019. Over those two seasons, he had a 31-to-13 TD-to-INT ratio as a passer. He also proved that he can be a red-zone rushing threat as he added eight touchdowns on the ground across those two seasons. He has size, durability, and the ability to take a hit when needed. While his arm strength may be his largest detriment as a passer, he has even improved on that since entering the league. In 2019 (as the Colts starter), Brissett proved that he can be a successful game manager.
He is capable of limiting turnovers while avoiding three-and-outs, and he has a great IQ as field general. He might not be able to singlehandedly beat a defense, but he is more than capable of working with the pieces around him and making everyone else look better – including the team as a whole.
With the exception of the rookie QB’s such as Trey Lance and Justin Fields (who may start sooner rather than later), it is tough to argue about a better backup quarterback in the NFL. Gardner Minshew and Case Keenum might be in the discussion, but Brissett has proven to have better tools than both. Drew Lock over in Denver, and Tyrod Taylor in Houston could be in the discussion, but their arms are a downgrade from Brissett’s. Basically, Brissett is wobbling perfectly along the line of “Is this guy too good to be a backup?”. If you’re the Miami Dolphins, that is exactly the type of question you love to be able to ask about your number-two quarterback heading into the season.