USA TODAY International Edition
Jacoby Brissett ready to step up, start
Browns QB: ‘ I never look at myself as a backup’
BEREA, Ohio – Jacoby Brissett’s career has taken him to four different places. Not once has he necessarily landed in a location as the team’s preferred starting quarterback.
That fact hasn’t stopped Brissett from establishing himself as a leader within virtually every locker room in which he’s resided. That includes his current stop with the Cleveland Browns, where he was signed to back up Deshaun Watson, at least when Watson’s eligible to play.
“I never look at myself as a backup,” Brissett said Tuesday morning. “I’m just another quarterback on the roster. That trumps everything and I think the leadership just comes from within, I guess. Just the natural position that I’m in that it kind of comes out.”
What also seems to always come out for Brissett is an opportunity to be the team’s starting quarterback, even if it isn’t a long- term situation. Even as a rookie third- round draft pick for the New England Patriots in 2016, he found his way into two starts when Tom Brady was suspended and Jimmy Garoppolo was hurt.
Twice with the Indianapolis Colts, in 2017 and 2019, Brissett was suddenly pushed into starting 15 games each season. The first time came due to an injury to Andrew Luck, the second when Luck abruptly retired.
“Jacoby is a pro,” said linebacker Anthony Walker Jr., who was also Brissett’s teammate with the Colts. “He’s prepared, is going to prepare every day like he’s a starter whether he is the starter or he’s the backup. And he’s always prepared to go. He’s always ready so he doesn’t have to get ready.”
That moment has again arrived for Brissett, only this time with the Browns. This time, he also walked into the situation knowing that it was going to be a little bit more than just your run- of- themill backup situation.
The reality of the situation with the Browns is that Brissett is essentially QB1 – or at least QB1a. That’s thanks to the season- opening six- game suspension which Watson and the rest of his teammates officially learned about Monday.
So again, Brissett, who started five games a year ago with the Miami Dolphins, is in the backup- turned- starter’s role. Not that anything really changes from any other time.
“I mean since I’ve been in this league it’s been the next man up,” Brissett said. “That was the case my rookie year and it’s been that way since I’ve been in the league. That experience obviously helps and helps with not only the playing but with the mindset of understanding that hey, you’ve got to be ready whenever your number is called.”
Brissett, who is 14- 23 as a starter in his career, had to be aware of this possibility from the moment he signed with the Browns. Watson was acquired from the Houston Texans on March 18, and Brissett was signed to a one- year deal the very next day.
The same day Brissett was signed, Case Keenum, who had been Baker Mayfield’s backup the previous two seasons, was traded to the Buffalo Bills. Mayfield remained on the roster at the time, but the clock was already ticking down to his own departure in an early July trade to the Carolina Panthers.
Which, essentially, left Brissett as the guy who was going to be filling in for “The Guy” at quarterback during his absence.
“It’s a little … it feels good that you have that trust amongst the organization,” Brissett said. “And like I said, I’m excited for the opportunity. Extremely confident in myself and my abilities, so like I said, we’re a long way from Week 1, so just continue to get better.”
Brissett’s journey through the first six years of his career was a big draw to the Browns. They were obviously looking for a quarterback who fit his profile of not just being able to back up a starter, but also be thrown into the fire himself in a pinch.
While Tuesday marked the first time all preseason the Browns were even allowed to put on full pads, everything about what they’ve seen of Brissett has matched their initial scouting reports.
“He’s been in some different positions already in his young career,” coach Kevin Stefanski said. “He has a very good way about him, as I’m sure you guys noticed just being around him for a little bit. Very, very intelligent. Very good leader. Has the ability to make plays on the practice field, help in the meeting room. Be accountable throughout the weight room, if you will. He just does all the right things.”
Up until Monday’s announcement, though, the Browns’ focus had primarily been on getting Watson up to speed and ready to play, even with the punishment looming. He took essentially every firstteam snap throughout the offseason and in the first couple of days of training camp.
It wasn’t until Saturday, the fourth full- squad workout of camp, that Brissett started to get any substantial snaps with the No. 1 offense. That continued into this week, an obvious development considering the suspension announcement.
“We have a plan in place,” Brissett said. “So, like I said, when it comes it will come.”