Patriots Need to Do More for Brissett, Mason Says
The New England Patriots are in a precarious situation at quarterback. With Mac Jones’ status uncertain following a season-ending ankle injury, the team is relying on veteran backup Brian Hoyer, who is 37 years old and hasn’t started a game since 2019. The Patriots could be in trouble if Hoyer goes down.
Former Patriots offensive tackle Matt Light recently voiced his concern about the Patriots' quarterback situation. During a segment on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football," Light emphasized the need for the team to "do more" for their backup quarterback, Jacoby Brissett.
“I think they need to do more with Jacoby Brissett, if they're going to rely on him,” Light stated. "I don’t think you can just say, 'Hey, you’re the backup. We're gonna have you throw a few passes and then we’re going to put you in the game, in the middle of a critical game, and expect you to perform at a high level.'"
Light continued, "I think they need to do more with Jacoby. It’s not fair to him. It’s not fair to the team. He deserves more reps. He deserves more work, and if he doesn’t get that, you can't be surprised if he doesn't perform."
Brissett, a 2016 third-round draft pick of the Patriots, returned to the team in 2022. He previously played for the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, and Cleveland Browns. While Brissett is familiar with the Patriots' system, he has limited opportunities to showcase his abilities.
The Patriots' current approach to backup quarterback development raises concerns. In a season where the team is looking to contend for a playoff spot, they cannot afford to gamble with their quarterback situation. Giving Brissett more reps and opportunities in practice could pay dividends in the long run.
It's a matter of time before the Patriots' backup quarterback situation becomes a major talking point. The team needs to find a way to ensure that Brissett is prepared to step in if needed. Otherwise, they might face a difficult reality as the season progresses.
