FOXBORO, Mass. — Jacoby Brissett did something Thursday night that no New England Patriots quarterback had done since the days of Steve Grogan.
Making his first NFL start in place of the injured Jimmy Garoppolo and the suspended Tom Brady, Brissett used his legs to announce his presence, racing in for a 27-yard touchdown on a designed quarterback run.
The score — Brissett’s first NFL touchdown of any sort — gave the Patriots a 10-0 lead late in the first quarter of their matchup with the Houston Texans.
😱 @JBrissett12! 😱
27 yards to the HOUSE!
💻📱: https://t.co/cwnT5bPB2K
📺: @NFLonCBS #TNF #HOUvsNE https://t.co/WSJXu2kf2T— NFL (@NFL) September 23, 2016
What do you think? Leave a comment.
.@JBrissett12. WILL. NOT. BE. STOPPED! #Patriots
💻📱: https://t.co/cwnT5bPB2K
📺: @NFLonCBS #TNF #HOUvsNE https://t.co/DadfY4r6Tq— NFL (@NFL) September 23, 2016
Brissett’s 27-yard touchdown scamper was the longest by a Patriots quarterback since Grogan scored from 41 yards out in 1976.
Brissett also showcased his athleticism — and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ retooled game plan — earlier in the quarter by picking up 13 yards on a triple option.
Oh yes, Jacoby Brissett's got the dangles: pic.twitter.com/GgRco9SZAw
— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) September 23, 2016
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images