The New England Patriots were forced to utilize third-string quarterback Jacoby Brissett in the first half of Sunday’s Week 2 meeting with the Miami Dolphins. Backup Jimmy Garoppolo -- starting for suspended Tom Brady -- threw a trio of first-half touchdowns, but injured his shoulder late in the second quarter. The team announced at the start of the third quarter that Garoppolo would not return.
Brissett didn’t complete either of the two passes he threw after entering but got the Patriots to halftime with a 24-3 advantage. Here’s what you need to know about the rookie signal-caller:
Parcells stamp of approval: The Patriots drafted 23-year-old Brissett out of North Carolina State in the third round of the 2016 draft with the 91st overall pick. Brissett came with a stamp of approval from former Patriots coach Bill Parcells, who saw Brissett during his high school days in Florida. Parcells told the Boston Herald, “[Brissett is] a Curtis Martin, Willie McGinest, Troy Brown type player. That’s the kind of guy he is. That’s what New England is getting. Those kinds, those Tedy Bruschi types, those players who’ve been successful -- he’s very similar in his personal life to those kinds of guys."
Originally a Gator: Brissett, a native of West Palm Beach, Florida, spent his first two collegiate seasons with the Florida Gators before transferring to North Carolina State (where he sat out the 2013 season). During his senior season, Brissett completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,662 yards with 20 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.
Strong first impression: While much of the focus this preseason was on Brady and Garoppolo, Brissett managed to make a solid first impression. In the third preseason game against the Panthers, Brissett completed all nine passes he threw for 85 yards and a touchdown.
Rookie duties: Brissett often got tasked with carrying the pads of Brady or Garoppolo off the field during training camp, reminding him of his rookie status. Said Brissett, "I've got to do it, hopefully it will go away [in] a little bit, but it's a part of the process and I'm having fun with it. I just have to put them on and walk out of here.”
A true letterman: During his first season at NC State, Brissett used to write letters to his teammates before each game. “It’s a matter of saying I appreciate what you’ve done so far,” Brissett said. “Or if someone is going through a rough time, it’s a chance to say I’m here for you if you need me. Sometimes, you’ve got to joke with some of them. With the offensive linemen,nah you have to joke with them because they’re never serious, anyway.”