INDIANAPOLIS — Jacoby Brissett played a game to remember Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, as the Arizona Cardinals’ backup quarterback filled in for the injured Kyler Murray.
Despite a 31-27 loss, Brissett’s passing game, poise and leadership have left lingering questions about who should really be starting for the Cardinals.
Oct 12, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) passes the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Brissett’s performance against the Colts included completing 27 of 44 passes for 320 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The scoreboard doesn’t reflect the backup quarterback’s entire game, but rather his readiness and execution during each offensive drive.
While he may not be seeing nearly as much playing time as Murray, Brissett’s quick decision-making and experience have helped a struggling offense find a groove that hasn’t been seen much this season.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws the ball against the Carolina Panthers at State Farm Stadium on Sept 14, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In his last five starts, Murray averaged 68.3% completion of his passes for 962 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. However, Murray’s speed is the difference maker and why he is Arizona’s starter. But with the team’s first three losses of the season coming to field-goal walk-offs, rushing ability may not be a priority for the starting quarterback position.
Cardinals fans quickly took notice of the difference on offense, especially with several starters sidelined by injury.
This offense looks like it was built more for Jacoby Brissett’s type of skillset than Kyler’s.
That’s an issue. Great coaches build a scheme for their roster. Average coaches bring a system and try to make players fit to it.
— Espo (@Espo) October 12, 2025
Jacoby Brissett has 320 passing yards today.
Over the last 21 starts, Kyler Murray has only 2 games with 300+ passing yards.
Brissett was impressive today without Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion), James Conner (ankle) and Trey Benson (knee).
— Jesse Morse, M.D. (@DrJesseMorse) October 12, 2025
Jacoby Brissett operated this offense better than we’ve seen Kyler Murray operate this offense this season. Would you sit him down next week against the Packers if Kyler is healthy? No. And that means we have a full blown quarterback controversy in Phoenix. #holdontoyourbutt
— Ron Wolfley (@wolf987FM) October 12, 2025
Watching how this Cardinals offense looks with Jacoby Brissett at QB against a solid Colts defense…. It might be time to have a conversation about Kyler Murray
— Ki (@kiande2015) October 12, 2025
For now, Brissett’s performance won’t cause any drastic changes to the Cardinals’ offense. It will, however, be something that will continue to be talked about. More questions about Murray’s ability to lead the team are expected to resurface, especially when he returns from injury.
Oct 12, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) and wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The Arizona Cardinals’ next matchup will be against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 1:25 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Brissett-Petzing chemistry leads Cardinals to offensive success in 31-27 loss to Colts
