The Baltimore Ravens didn't acquire Jacoby Brissett simply to get another quarterback under center. They brought in an experienced player who has spent years navigating different offenses. He has handled difficult circumstances and has found ways to keep his teams competitive. Jesse Minter noted in a Monday media session thathe offers leadership along with solid play.
A familiar opponent is also waiting for him. Brissett opened the 2026 season as the Arizona Cardinals' starter against the Los Angeles Chargers. He completed 27 of 37 passes for 277 yards and a touchdown without throwing an interception. Arizona won 26-14, handing Los Angeles a loss despite the Chargers entering the season opener as 9.5-point favorites.
The circumstances have changed
considerably since that September afternoon. The Chargers are now 0-8, coming off a 44-22 loss to Houston, and searching for answers on both sides of the ball. Brissett doesn't need to replicate his opening-week performance to give Baltimore a chance, but there are four ways he can make his first start with the Ravens productive.
Get the ball out quickly and keep the pass rush honest
One of the most important things Brissett can do is keep the Chargers from dictating the game with their pass rush. He was sacked just once in the first meeting, and his 2.52-second time to throw helped Arizona keep the offense moving. Baltimore needs a similar approach, especially after its offense averaged only 4.2 yards per play against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle can help by creating opportunities for quick completions without limiting the passing game to short, predictable throws. Brissett needs options that allow him to get the ball out on time, establish a rhythm, and prevent the opposing pass rush from having too much time to reach him.
The protection plan has to give Brissett an answer when Los Angeles brings an extra rusher. That can include an available outlet, a receiver adjusting to pressure, or a protection change before the snap. Baltimore should judge progress by how often the offense avoids drive-killing negative plays, rather than simply counting short completions. Getting the ball out quickly matters most when the decision keeps the next down manageable.
Use the running game to create favorable situations
The Ravens shouldn't ask Brissett to carry the offense when they have Derrick Henry and a rushing attack that can help control the game. Los Angeles enters Week 10 ranked 20th against the run, allowing 122 rushing yards per contest. Establishing Henry early could force the Chargers to focus more on the line of scrimmage, create more manageable down-and-distance situations, and keep Baltimore from becoming too dependent on its new starting quarterback.
Baltimore needs to make the Chargers respect the ground game throughout the night. Henry's presence can influence defensive personnel and alignment, giving the Ravens more flexibility with their play calling. Brissett doesn't need to be the centerpiece of the offense for Baltimore to move the ball, and a productive rushing attack would ease the pressure on him while giving the offense a reliable foundation.
Take some deep shots
Establishing the run should create opportunities for Baltimore to challenge the Chargers vertically. Los Angeles is allowing 221.3 passing yards per game, and its recent performance against Houston exposed a defense struggling to contain explosive plays. The Texans piled up 485 yards and 44 points, with C.J. Stroud throwing for 384 yards and five touchdowns. Houston also completed nine passes of at least 15 yards, including two 63-yard touchdown strikes.
Brissett doesn't have to force the issue or turn every passing opportunity into a downfield attempt. However, once Baltimore gets the Chargers focused on stopping Henry, the Ravens should look for chances to attack beyond the underneath coverage. Brissett has the experience to recognize those opportunities, and the offense needs to capitalize when the defense gives him favorable matchups. Playing conservatively throughout the night would only make the Chargers' job easier.
Houston’s success should encourage Baltimore to examine where the Chargers broke down, but it shouldn’t invite them to force vertical throws. Los Angeles had limited those intermediate and explosive completions more effectively earlier in the season. The Ravens need to identify specific openings through formations, motion, and play-action, then give Brissett sufficient protection to attack them. A few well-chosen opportunities can complement the quick passing game without turning his debut into a series of low-percentage attempts.
Make the most of scoring opportunities
The Ravens need to turn productive drives into touchdowns rather than leave points on the field. Baltimore has reached the red zone 27 times this season and scored a touchdown on 16 of those trips, a 59.3% conversion rate. This offense needs to be more productive if it hopes to end its losing streak.
Brissett can help by making sound decisions when the field gets shorter, and the margin for error shrinks. Baltimore doesn't need him forcing throws into tight windows or trying to manufacture a big play on every possession. It needs him to recognize what the defense gives him, get the ball to his playmakers, and keep drives alive.
Against a Chargers team that has struggled to stop opponents, finishing possessions with seven points instead of settling for three could make a significant difference. Brissett has already beaten this opponent once, but Monday presents a different challenge with a different team around him. Baltimore won't need him to be spectacular. They only need him to be decisive. They'll need him to protect the football and take advantage of what the Chargers give him. If he can do that, the Ravens have a better chance of getting their offense back on track.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 4 ways Jacoby Brissett can shine in first Ravens start vs. Chargers
