Few gave the Indianapolis Colts a chance following Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement with a week to go before the season opener, but under headcoach Frank Reich, Jacoby Brissett is proving himself capable of being the starter and possibly more.
At some point, a starting quarterback needs to have a signature game, one where they officially claim the team as theirs as field general. Week 3’s game against the Atlanta Falcons appears to be Brissett.
Brissett carved up the Atlanta Falcon’s defense for 310 yards on 28 completions (37 attempts), 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions.
As if a man on a mission, Brissett started the game with 16 consecutive completions, tying Peyton Manning for second most consecutive completions by a Colt since 1991 (The NFL stats on this started then). He also became the third Colts quarterback to top the 115 passer rating in two of three weeks in a season. The others were Peyton Manning in 2009 and 2004, and Johnny Unitas in 1964. Pretty impressive company.
Brissett opened the tilt with 16 consecutive completions, tying Peyton Manning for second-most consecutive completions in a game by a Colts QB since 1991 (as far back as NFL Research data goes). Brissett also accomplished something Luck never did, becoming just the third QB in Colts franchise history with a 115-plus passer rating in two of the first three weeks of a season — Peyton Manning (2009, 2004) and Johnny Unitas (1964).
Until this game, Brissett threw for less than 200 yards in the first two games as the Colts relied on the running game to carry the weight of the offense. While many may have believed this was done to protect Brissett, he proved the doubters wrong against the Falcons, forcing future opponents to gameplan for him and the running game.
It’s something his coach and teammates expected
Receiver Chester Rogers said, “That’s exactly how he’s been since the minute 12 retired. He’s had this ‘I’m the captain now’ attitude, just this look that told us all, ‘I’m ready. Let’s roll.'”
Head coach Frank Reich went a step further following the game: “Jacoby was unreal. You can’t play quarterback much better than he did today.”
While it’s still early in the season and anything can happen, Brissett has the confidence of his coach and teammates, and that’s the biggest boost a player can get.
