When Brissett first rejoined the team on July 26, the transition was far from seamless. Tight end Trey McBride noted that during those initial huddles, the quarterback frequently relied on terminology from his previous team, often reciting play calls from the prior season. However, that confusion has evaporated over the last five weeks. Brissett has described his current understanding of the playbook as being lightyears ahead of where he stood upon his return, a sentiment echoed by his teammates and coaching staff.
Veteran Approach to a New System
The accelerated learning curve is a testament to Brissett’s decade of NFL experience. Rather than treating the veteran like a rookie, quarterbacks coach Matt Schaub opted for a collaborative approach. Schaub, who played 16 seasons in the league, has engaged in a high-level dialogue with Brissett, focusing on finding common ground between the player’s established habits and the new offensive requirements. This give-and-take dynamic has allowed the pair to refine footwork and concepts efficiently through extra meetings, walkthroughs, and intensive film study.
Brissett has employed various techniques to internalize the new verbiage, including mentally rehearsing play calls whenever LaFleur presents to the team. By physically running through plays repeatedly during practice sessions, he has reached a point where he can anticipate the flow of the offense with increasing comfort. According to McBride, the team is now operating effectively, with Brissett demonstrating a clear grasp of his responsibilities on the field.
Building Rapport with LaFleur
While the playbook is becoming second nature, the relationship between Brissett and LaFleur remains a work in progress. Because the two did not work together during OTAs or minicamp, they have been forced to fast-track their professional connection since late July. Brissett noted that the process involves a healthy amount of vulnerability, with both parties openly discussing preferences and tactical adjustments during specific practice scenarios, such as red-zone drills and third-down situations.
As the Cardinals prepare for their September 13 showdown at SoFi Stadium, the focus remains on deepening that synergy. Brissett expressed satisfaction with the current state of their partnership, highlighting a mutual willingness to adapt and grow. While he admits they are still in the early stages of understanding each other's tendencies, the veteran quarterback is confident in the direction the offense is heading as they transition from the practice field to live competition.
