Earlier this season, the Arizona Cardinals placed Kyler Murray on Injured Reserve. The decision wasn't particularly shocking when you take into account that the seventh-year quarterback wasn't able to get healthy and struggled when he was available. The Jacksonville Jaguars won't have to deal with him when they face the Cards in Week 12, but that doesn't mean that the game will be a walk in the park.
Jacoby Brissett has filled in for Murray, and the Arizona offense has surprisingly been more efficient. Since taking over, he's completed 66.7 percent of his throws for 1,570 yards with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions. That's the kind of statline that you expect from a solid starter. Head coach Liam Coen acknowledged the challenges the Jags will face when they play the Cardinals.
The Jaguars could have their hands full against Jacoby Brissett
Heading into the Arizona game, Liam Coen met with the local media. He heaped praise on Jacoby Brissett, pointing out that he's kept close tabs on the veteran quarterback throughout his career. Here's the skinny.
"He's always thought he could really throw it. I mean, always, you watch the way he's played. I evaluated him kind of at length last year in Tampa," Coen told the press corps (1:44 mark). "We're just doing quarterback stuff, free agent-wise. And watched him a lot. I thought he was impressive then. And man, the guy 47-of-57 last week, you look at his numbers since Week 6, the numbers are pretty impressive. "
Coen continued, "And they're throwing at a good click right now, and their skill players are playing at a high level. So, I mean, Jacoby's everything I've heard of him, I don't know him personally, he's just pro's pro, just not really outcome-driven, and just kind of goes through it, knows his talent, knows that he can throw the ball really, really well at a high level. And, man, you get into a situation ultimately, and it fits for them right now, and they've been able to score points."
A third-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2016, Brissett was traded to the Indianapolis Colts the following year. Since then, he's played for the Miami Dolphins, the Cleveland Browns, the Washington Commanders, the Pats (again), and now Arizona. Throughout his career, the former North Carolina State Bulldog has appeared in 94 starts with 58 starts, completing 61.7 percent of his throws for 1,2970 with 63 touchdowns and three interceptions.
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The Jaguars pass rush needs to get after Jacoby Brissett
Jacoby Brissett has seen virtually every look NFL defenses have to show. If the Jaguars want to have a shot at containing him and the Arizona offense, the pass rush will need to pick up where it left off in the win over the Chargers.
Against Los Angeles, the Jags tallied 18 total pressures and four sacks. Josh Hines-Allen, along with rookies Danny Striggow and B.J. Green II, routinely rattled Justin Herbert. They'll need to do the same with Brissett. The issue is that the Arizona offensive line is much better than the Chargers, so Hines-Allen and the rest of Anthony Campanile's group will need to elevate their game.
Ultimately, the Jaguars have a golden opportunity to keep building a strong case to make the playoffs when they face the Cardinals. It will be up to them to take advantage of it.