The Indianapolis Colts made an upgrade to the quarterback position after a less than desirable season by Jacoby Brissett.
Indy went out and signed veteran quarterback Philip Rivers to a one-year deal worth $25 million.
Head coach Frank Reich talked to Brissett after the signing and let him know that he’d be the backup to Rivers going forward.
Obviously, Brissett wasn’t thrilled about heading to the bench, but he’s going to make the most of it.
Reich on Jacoby's reaction: "I called Jacoby. … Honestly, he wasn't happy about it, but he's a great teammate and a great leader, and I'm sure he'll be good."
— Jim Ayello (@jimayello) March 31, 2020
Why Did Brissett Get Benched?
The 2019 season started off strong for Brissett, but didn’t end on a good note.
Brissett finished with 2,942 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions during his 15 games with the Colts.
On paper, Brissett had a fairly decent season for it being his second full season as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
However, the second half of the season did not go the way the Colts planned.
In the last seven games Jacoby Brissett passed for four touchdowns. He also ran for four as well.
In the last 3 games, Brissett had more rushing TDs than passing. One. Not by one, only one score in three games 🤮
— Mike Valverde (@RFLRedZone) January 7, 2020
It’s never a great sign when your quarterback only throws four touchdowns in the final seven games of the regular season.
He looked like a completely different quarterback in the second half of the season, which is likely part of the reason the Colts decided to bring in Rivers.
The Colts are trying to compete for a championship and Brissett could need more time before he’s ready to lead an organization.
Will the Colts Still Use Brissett?
The Colts decided to bring in Rivers, which means he’s going to start every game unless injured or said otherwise.
There’s still a chance Brissett gets traded, but most organizations already have their quarterback or plan to take one in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Colts appear to be stuck with Brissett for at least one more season, but plan to make the most of it.
Reich says even though Brissett isn't the starter, that doesn't mean he won't see snaps. Might we see a Taysom Hill scenario? I wouldn't rule out 5-7 plays a game. "Certainly open to that," Reich says.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 31, 2020
Brissett is going to be the backup to Rivers, but the Colts still want to get Brissett involved.
Reich wants to keep Brissett in the game plan, so maybe we’ll see a Taysom Hill type of scenario.
The New Orleans Saints would often times use Hill in their plays even when Drew Brees was at quarterback.
However, Hill is a much better athlete than Brissett, but we’ll see what happens.
It sounds like the Colts want to keep Brissett involved, but his role is going to be significantly reduced.
Will Brissett Ever Start Again for Indy?
It’s unlikely that Brissett starts for the Colts again during the 2020 season.
Brissett is under contract for the 2020 campaign, but is a free agent after the season.
Possibly, Brissett sits and learns from Rivers for a season and comes back as the starter in 2021.
Although, the Colts may decide to draft a future quarterback in the upcoming draft to take over after Rivers leaves.
Reich on QB situation beyond 2020, considering Philip Rivers and Jacoby Brissett aren't under contract with team after this year:
"It is fluid."
Said team is continuing to explore QB options in this year's draft. Rivers, Brissett remain year-to-year options, too.
— Andrew Walker (@AWalkerColts) March 31, 2020
It doesn’t appear the Colts are quite sure at the moment who is going to be the starter after 2020.
There’s a good chance the Colts aren’t going to dish out big money to Brissett after benching him for Rivers.
All the signs are pointing to Brissett being done in Indy after the season, but that all depends on how the 2020 season plays out.
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