Jacoby Brissett Explains Emotions Before Patriots’ Week 1 Victory

Jacoby Brissett and the Patriots earned their first win of the Jerod Mayo era when they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, 16-10, on the road in Week 1 of the NFL season. The Patriots shocked fans across New England and beyond with their underdog victory, leading Brissett to discuss being the team's starting quarterback.

"I think I cried three times before the game," Brissett told reporters, per a team-provided video. "Cry when I got to the stadium, cry when Mayo came up to me and before the game, and he started laughing. He's like, 'Man, you're about to win us this game. You're about to ball out.' I had never heard that from a coach. I mean, that meant a lot to me."

Brissett continued: "And then I cried when I got out there, and we were going out there on offense. My emotions were definitely high. I mean, it's definitely a moment that I can't take for granted. These things don't come by often. Like I said, I don't take it for granted."

The Patriots signal-caller went 15-for-24 and 121 yards without a touchdown. Regardless, Brissett was sure to collect one of the game balls for his first win in his second stint in New England.

Brissett came out onto the field with 2:13 remaining on the clock, and after two first downs, the eight-year veteran took a few knees to secure the victory. Even though he didn't score in the upset, Brissett kept one of the footballs.

"I kept that one, but Mayo got a game ball for sure," Brissett said. "His first one, which he deserved. I don't think people understand the plan that he put in place with us this week and the work that he foresaw for us to get to this point ... nobody believed in us.

"He just kept on preaching, 'The people in this room are the ones that matter.' And that came to fruition. Coming on the road versus a good team. Week 1, new head coach, new offensive coordinator, new defensive coordinator. All these things stacked up against us and none of that mattered once we got between those lines and once we got on that plane to come here. The vision was clear. The communication was clear and we came and executed that plan."