It was clear that the Baltimore Ravens needed a quarterback after injuries to Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley. Simply put, undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano isn't going to cut it. And considering the options, trading for Jacoby Brissett is a great outcome.
Fagnano was exceptional in preseason, but at the end of the day, he's an undrafted free agent. We saw that he struggled to handle pressure on Sunday, and it's an unfair ask to have him start given the roster. Thankfully, Brissett will allow the Ravens to avoid overtaxing Fagnano (starting in Week 10, as the trade still needs to be finalized).
Brissett is a low-end starter, but he's an elite backup. During his 11-year career, Brissett has started in 73 games, including 20 starts over the past two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, and he's been fairly productive. Between his poise in the pocket, ability to handle pressure, game-management chops, and solid arm strength, there are plenty of reasons to feel decent about Brissett.
Why Jacoby Brissett can help keep the Baltimore Ravens’ offense afloat
Right now, the playoffs don't feel super likely for the 4-4 Ravens. However, Brissett gives them a chance to stay afloat and make the playoffs without Lamar. At the very least, Brissett's presence should ensure that the Ravens' offense won't be a total train wreck as it was on Sunday.
Not only does Brissett carry a wealth of experience, but he specifically has experience playing under a bad offensive line. According to Pro Football Focus, the Ravens' offensive line ranks 28th while the Cardinals' line ranks 30th. Brissett is going to be pressured a ton, and luckily he can handle it (somewhat).
So far this season, Brissett has recorded 1,719 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while completing 63.3 percent of his passes. These aren't tremendous numbers or anything, and Brissett was benched for Gardner Minshew last week. Still, Brissett is a guy who can keep the Ravens' offense afloat to some level. Moreover, last season (with similar line concerns), Brissett recorded 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. That's pretty darn solid, and it bodes well for his ability to keep the Ravens' offense stable.
Needless to say, the Ravens' offense won't be nearly as dynamic with Brissett. They can be decent, though, and that gives them a chance to fight back and earn a playoff spot. The name of the game is to keep the offense above water, and that's a reasonable proposition with Brissett leading the charge.
Whether Lamar returns shortly after his IR stint, or Brissett leads them to the playoffs for him to return, there's a genuine chance he does enough to keep the team afloat. That's all the Ravens can ask for from their stopgap QB. Even if you aren't sold on the vision, it's hard to think of someone else who was available and would be up for the task.
Likewise, Brissett should help some of the Ravens' weapons get back on track. Zay Flowers had his first game without a reception in his career against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Part of this was on him, as he had a couple of drops. Still, the quarterback play was a big factor. They are different styles of players, but Trey McBride and Michael Wilson both were super productive with Brissett throwing them the ball in Arizona.
Whether it's hitting Flowers in the short/intermediate game or chucking it down the field, Brissett will help ensure that Flowers' struggles are short-lived. The Ravens don't have a ton of dependable pass-catchers outside of Zay. However, Rashod Bateman, Ja'Kobi Lane, Mark Andrews, and Josh Cuevas should all see catchable passes.
To be clear, the Ravens will primarily be a run-heavy team. They always are, and Derrick Henry is a beast. Regardless, having some variety in the offense is vital, and Brissett will help give the Ravens exactly that.
All in all, while Brissett is far from a perfect quarterback, he's perfect for what the Ravens need: someone who can help their offense be solid for the time being.
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