The Cleveland Browns quarterback situation is always in the headlines these days.
Amid the speculation that Deshaun Watson could be suspended for at least part of the 2022 season, the question then becomes how sure can they be of new QB2 Jacoby Brissett?
Here are three reasons why the Browns should feel confident in Jacoby Brissett potentially becoming QB1 this season.
1. Not His First Time Jumping Into Starter Role On Short Notice
Compared to another infamous time when Brissett became QB1, finding out in July (if Watson’s potential suspension is revealed around that time as reported) will be a luxury for him.
Brissett was the Colts QB2 when legend Andrew Luck abruptly retired on August 24, 2019, just weeks before the opening of the 2019 NFL season.
He took the reins and performed well in 2019.
Colts fans: “Let’s not compare Jacoby Brissett to Andrew Luck”
Jacoby Brissett: https://t.co/3joIcectE2
— Collin Telesz (@CT_Colts) October 27, 2019
Brissett threw for nearly 3,000 yards with 18 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions that season.
In 2022, with the Browns knowing that a suspension is possible, Brissett is certainly getting plenty of reps and extra preparation.
He will be more ready in 2022 than he was in 2019.
2. Signed Him After Trading For Watson
The Browns made the trade for Watson before signing Jacoby Brissett.
One day after trading for Deshaun Watson, the Browns now are expected to sign QB Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal to be Watson’s backup, per sources.
Cleveland adding two QBs in two days.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2022
Case Keenum was traded to Buffalo.
That indicates they did not have complete confidence in Keenum to carry the load and believed Brissett would be a better candidate if Watson was out for an indefinite period.
3. Has Offensive Weapons To Help Him
Brissett is not going out onto the field alone.
He has some outstanding offensive weapons to help him.
Starting with arguably the best offensive line in football, Brissett should have plenty of protection.
He also has a top-tier receiver in Amari Cooper and a stellar running game led by Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.
His supporting cast on the offensive side of the ball is more than adequate to help him if he is the QB1 for the long haul.
And the defense is not too shabby either.
If we end up with Jacoby Brissett at the helm for the entirety of the 22-23 season, what are your record predictions? I’m going with 10-7. Stefanski has our offense set up to be very QB friendly and our defense should be elite this season! #browns #NFLTwitter #Cleveland
— Hardland Browns (@HardlandBrowns) June 10, 2022
What About Mayfield?
For those holding onto the idea that Baker Mayfield could jump in as QB1 if Watson is out, that seems extremely unlikely.
To begin with, he has been excused from mandatory minicamp, and there are reportedly discussions of a potential trade with Carolina.
Admittedly those Carolina discussions have been reported for months, but all signs point to Mayfield not being with the Browns in 2022 and Brissett jumping up to be QB1 if needed.
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