Jacoby Brissett learning from the best, soaking in opportunity

FOXBORO — Rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett was thrown into the most notable controversy in Patriots history, but his focus is making him better every day.

Brissett, selected in the third round of this year's draft from North Carolina State, is competing with and learning each day from Tom Brady, one of the best to ever play, and Jimmy Garoppolo, the understudy who will lead the Patriots through the first four weeks of the season.

It's a unique situation to say the least.

"I'm just learning as much as possible from them," Brissett told me as we talked after Thursday's practice. "Just learning something new and trying to make the most of this opportunity."

Brissett has the good fortune of learning from one the all-time greats at quarterback, understanding that the learning process could be expedited if anything happens to Garoppolo during Brady's four-game suspension to start the season.

"I don't know how to put it into words," said Brissett when I asked him about Brady's preparation and study habits, and what he can learn from a veteran of so many big games in the NFL.  "He's definitely a role model to not just me, but a lot of players on this team."

"I'm watching the previous things he's done on film to be successful," said Brissett. "And things he hasn't done well, to try to learn as much as possible. He's obviously one of the greats."

Before Thursday's workout, coach Bill Belichick shared his thoughts on what he's seen from the rookie QB.

"He’s working hard; learning how to make progress," said Belichick.  "Everybody has their own attributes. He’s a big, strong kid that can run. It’ll probably help him in the pocket, and maybe out of the pocket. We’ll see, we haven’t really gotten into those situations yet, but he’s got physical talent."

Each day at practice, the 6'4", 231 pounder from North Carolina State takes advantage of every opportunity he sees on the field. As the #3 quarterback, opportunities are sometimes limited, so he needs to make the most of every rep when he gets the chance.

"It's an ongoing process of learning," said Brissett. "That's been the most eye-opening thing. Probably the most fun is going out there knowing that you can get better each day."

The biggest key for a rookie is trying to slow the game down, something that can only come with familiarity under center.

"If you don't know what you're doing, it goes fast," said Brissett. "If you know what you're doing, it slows down."

When asked if things have started to slow down, Brissett immediately answered, "Definitely."

Take that as a sign that he starting to figure out what he's doing.

Cox Media Group