It is still very early in the offseason, but the Indianapolis Colts have an interesting dynamic in the quarterback room with Philip Rivers leading the way and Jacoby Brissett taking the backup role again.
As the Colts lean on the veteran Rivers, they are looking at ways to keep Brissett involved in the gameplan. Head coach Frank Reich even mentioned they are looking at ways to get Brissett on the field a few times every game.
“Nick (Sirianni) and I have already been talking about this – about what does it look like if Jacoby plays five plays a game, seven plays a game?” Reich said Monday. “We are certainly talking about that, open to that and we will keep all options open. Whatever we have to do to win.”
After Reich said this, there was the notion flying around that the Colts might try to use Brissett in a similar fashion as the New Orleans Saints use Taysom Hill. Only, it won’t work nearly as well for the Colts.
The difference in athletic profiles will stop that development dead in its tracks. Hill is an above average athlete whereas Brissett isn’t even close to the type of athlete needed for that type of role.
“We could really see the Colts be creative and use Jacoby Brissett like Taysom Hill” pic.twitter.com/neoNWTFtAG
— Nonessential Jay (@JayVeeThree) April 3, 2020
However, the Colts are still going to look at where Brissett might get some work, especially if it comes in on third-and-short situations—an area he was strong in during the 2019 season.
Working on a bigger story about this, but here’s a look at type of play Colts fans might see next year w/ Brissett on the field up to 5-7 plays per game, according to Reich.
3rd & short, RPO, First down. Brissett was REALLY good in 3rd/4th & short situations last year. pic.twitter.com/adeWnkF3P6
— jimayello (@jimayello) April 3, 2020
The Colts offense is hoping to take a step forward with Rivers under center. His aggressive mentality should translate into more success downfield while keeping the offense moving. Brissett’s lack of desire to look downfield often doomed the Colts as he would take the safer option.
The Colts might not even follow through on this plan when the season comes around. They are simply looking into during the early parts of the offseason. But it seems the Colts are trying to see if they can get Brissett involved in the game despite taking the backup role behind Rivers.