GLENDALE — When Kyler Murray went down with a foot injury, no one could have predicted Jacoby Brissett would fill in just as well, or even better, for the Arizona Cardinals.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Nov 16, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) throws the ball in the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Brissett isn’t only filling in for Murray, but rather taking control of the role with his reliable, veteran presence on the field. He’s not going through the motions. He’s playing with leadership and a poise that has earned him career performances.
While Arizona has still struggled to find consistency and hasn’t been on the winning end of most of its games, Brissett’s numbers showcase a quarterback doing what he can to help the team win.
Nov 16, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) hands the ball off to running back Bam Knight (20) in the first half against the San Francisco 49ersat State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
In seven games for the Cardinals, including five starts, Brissett has thrown 142 completions for 1,570 yards with 10 touchdowns, both his most since 2022. Murray had 110 completions for 962 yards and six touchdowns in five starts before going down.
Brisett also made NFL history by becoming the quarterback with the most passes with 47 and throwing for over 400 yards in his career for the first time against the San Fransico 49ers on Nov. 16.
The offense under Brissett has also flourished, especially with tight end Trey McBride. McBride has caught six touchdowns from Brissett in their last five games together, compared with just two touchdowns from Murray in 21 games.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) throws the ball against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 16, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Brissett is giving the team a steady presence amid the noise. His 10 years in the league have shaped him into more than just a second-string quarterback; instead, he carries a next-man-up mentality. He’s a leader, and he has been one since the team lost its starting quarterback. The players see it and the fans do, too.
However, Brissett is not the solution to the Cardinals’ overall problems. He can put together strong performances and do what he can on offense, but winning takes a complete team. With penalty issues, defensive miscues and injuries, Arizona can’t rely on a quarterback change to fix everything.
Every one of Jacoby Brissett’s record-setting 47 completions 😎 pic.twitter.com/BBibQ1qppS
— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2025
While the Cardinals’ future remains unknown and questions surround what went wrong this season, one thing is certain.
Brissett may have initially been a placeholder for Murray, but he’s now making a compelling argument that he’s the starter Arizona has needed.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
