Sometimes, a team needs more than a new face in the huddle. It needs someone who can walk into a difficult situation, command respect, and remind everyone that there is still plenty of football left to play. That doesn't mean one player can erase four consecutive losses, but who knows? Maybe Jacoby Brissett's arrival has given theBaltimore Ravens a welcome change in atmosphere.
Brissett hasn't been in Baltimore long enough to establish the kind of chemistry that takes months to develop, but his new teammates are already noticing what he brings. More importantly, his presence appears to be making an impression beyond the quarterback room, where the Ravens could certainly use a little renewed confidence.
Jacoby Brissett's arrival has brought a different energy to Baltimore's locker room
Calais Campbell knows Brissett from their
time together with the Arizona Cardinals, so the veteran defensive lineman isn't evaluating him solely on a few practices in Baltimore. Campbell understands how Brissett prepares and what he brings as a teammate. After the Ravens' recent struggles, he also recognizes the importance of having someone who can change the mood around the building.
Campbell spoke with the media on Thursdayand acknowledged that getting the team's energy back had become a responsibility for its leaders. Brissett's arrival, however, made that job a little easier.
"But that one kind of made it a little easier because you see the belief in him, and knowing what he's capable of doing, and then seeing the way he comes in and he's ripping the ball, giving guys opportunities, and it's like, 'Oh! This guy has a little juice.' So, it was good for the whole team."
That's an interesting endorsement because Campbell isn't simply talking about Brissett's experience or leadership. He's describing the effect of watching the quarterback operate. When teammates see a player arrive with confidence and immediately demonstrate what he can do, that belief can spread throughout the locker room.
Zay Flowers is getting his first opportunity to play with Brissett, and the early connection has given the receiver reason to be encouraged. Flowers has noticed how quickly the veteran has picked up the offense, but one particular quality stands out when discussing their work together: timing.
"He plays on time. As soon as you're coming out of your route or soon as you think about looking up, the ball is in your chest, so he plays on time. He's smart, and I'm excited to get to play with him this week."
For a receiver, that kind of timing can make a significant difference. Flowers doesn't have to spend extra time waiting for the football or adjust unnecessarily after completing his route. Brissett's anticipation lets the play develop as intended, giving the receiver a chance to make something happen after the catch.
The next test is whether that timing survives the situations practice cannot fully reproduce. Pressure can force Brissett off his spot, coverage can disrupt a release, and a receiver may have to adjust his route. Baltimore needs the quarterback and his targets to recognize those changes together. Flowers’ early assessment is encouraging because it gives them a starting point, but maintaining that connection under pressure will determine its value.
The Ravens aren't going to solve every problem simply by putting Brissett under center. The Los Angeles Chargers will provide a much tougher test than practice, and Baltimore still has plenty to prove. But Campbell's comments suggest the quarterback has already made a difference in the locker room, while Flowers' assessment offers an early indication of what he could bring to the passing game.
Brissett doesn't have to be spectacular on Monday night to make his presence felt, but he does need to give the Ravens something they haven't had enough of lately: consistency and confidence on offense. His teammates have already seen the enthusiasm he brings to the building and the timing he can provide in the passing game. Now comes the part that matters most. If those early impressions carry over against the Chargers, Brissett could give Baltimore more than a temporary lift. He could help restore some belief in what this offense is capable of accomplishing.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Calais Campbell, Zay Flowers reveal Jacoby Brissett's impact on Ravens
