Chris Mason: Brissett Deserves Better in New England
The New England Patriots have a new quarterback in town, but many fans are left wondering if they've done enough to put him in a position to succeed.
Mac Jones' departure to the Atlanta Falcons marks a new era for the Patriots, but the arrival of veteran quarterback Bailey Zappe to helm the offense has left many fans feeling underwhelmed. While Zappe has shown flashes of potential, he's still largely an unproven commodity. This brings to light a critical question: Is Zappe the best option to lead the Patriots moving forward, or should they have considered other options, such as the experienced Jacoby Brissett?
Brissett, a familiar face to Patriots fans, has thrived in a supportive environment. He led the Cleveland Browns to a surprising 11-5 record in 2022, proving his ability to perform under pressure and lead a team. His consistent play earned him the trust of his teammates and the respect of the league.
While the Patriots' recent acquisition of veteran Matt Ryan adds depth to their quarterback room, it doesn't fully address the core issue. Ryan's age and injury history raise concerns about his ability to contribute significantly in the long term.
Here's why Brissett would have been a better choice for the Patriots:
1. Proven Leadership: Brissett has already proven himself as a capable starter in the NFL. He brings a level of experience and leadership that Zappe, a second-year player, simply cannot match.
2. Consistency and Stability: Brissett's consistent play and ability to manage games effectively would have provided a more stable foundation for the Patriots' offense. He has shown a knack for making timely plays and minimizing mistakes, crucial traits for a quarterback leading a team.
3. Familiarity with the System: Brissett's time with the Patriots in 2017 and 2019 allowed him to develop familiarity with the team's system and understand the playbook. This would have facilitated a smoother transition into the starting role, minimizing the learning curve and allowing him to perform at a higher level from day one.
4. Enhanced Offensive Potential: With a proven quarterback like Brissett at the helm, the Patriots' offense could have maximized its potential. His leadership, experience, and playmaking abilities would have unlocked the full potential of a talented group of receivers, running backs, and offensive linemen.
The Patriots' decision to go with Zappe is a gamble, but it's not a risk-free one. While Zappe has the potential to develop into a successful starter, the Patriots could have opted for a more established, proven option in Brissett, who has shown he can win in this league.
In conclusion, while the Patriots may have secured some level of offensive stability with the acquisition of Ryan, the potential for success was greater with Brissett. His experience, leadership, and familiarity with the team would have provided a much-needed boost to the offense. The Patriots' decision to go with Zappe may be a calculated risk, but time will tell if it will pay off.
