With Tom Brady serving a 4 game suspension as a result of "Deflategate" and second string quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo out with an injured shoulder, New England fans turned to the rookie from North Carolina State to keep up the Patriots' reputation as the big dogs on campus. In his first NFL appearance, Brissett left New England feeling concerned for Thursday's game--seeing as though we went from a shutout lead to barely holding out for the win. But it's amazing what Belichick can accomplish in a few days of practice.
Just one short week ago, Jacoby Brissett was a name no one had ever really heard before--sounds a bit like Tom Brady circa 2001. Based on his first performance for the Pats, things weren't looking too good. It seemed as though the first half team had disappeared and been replaced by a whole crew of newcomers. However, with a few days of practice under his belt, Brissett came out Thursday playing like a seasoned professional. He stepped up to the plate and filled the big shoes of being a Patriots quarterback.
So, now we have a new name to find out every little detail about. Here's just a bit from what my research tells me. Brissett is as clean as they come--doesn't drink, smoke, party, and has a perfect record. You won't find one bad thing about the kid, which is exactly the reputation the Patriots look for. He began his college career at the University of Florida in 2011 but transferred to NC State in 2013, meaning he would have to sit out the 2013 season due to NCAA transfer policies. He was the starting quarterback for both 2014 and 2015 seasons, accumulating a total of 43 touchdowns and 5,268 passing yards. He was the Patriots third round draft pick, overall the 91st pick, in the 2016 draft, when he signed a 4-year rookie deal with the Pats.
Brissett's future sure looks to be bright after his performance in Thursday's game. And with his initiative to run the ball himself--including his 27 yard run for a touchdown--Brissett has surely made himself a household name. But with a torn ligament in his thumb, will he be playing next week? The Patriots are holding on by a thread on backup quarterbacks, all we can do is hope for the best over the next 10 days.
