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Jacoby Brissett Opens 2026 NFL Season Leading PFF Grades for Arizona Cardinals

PUBLISHED Sep 16, 2026, 5:08 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 26

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Sources: 26

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett opened the 2026 National Football League regular season by achieving the highest Pro Football Focus player grade among qualified signal-callers. Following a 26-14 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, Pro Football Focus data confirmed Brissett earned an overall grade of 86.1, ranking first among 30 qualified quarterbacks across the league. During the Week 1 matchup, Brissett completed 27 of 37 pass attempts for 277 yards, recording one touchdown pass and zero interceptions. His performance featured an average depth of target of 8.2 yards and a passing grade of 81.5. Arizona head coach Mike LaFleur and the organization leaned on Brissett after he inked a reworked contract during the offseason. The veteran quarterback distributed passes to targets including tight end Trey McBride, who recorded 95 receiving yards and a touchdown. The Cardinals secured the opening-week win to establish early momentum in the NFC West division standings.

By Neha R. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On March 2026, Arizona Cardinals released starting quarterback Kyler Murray.
On June 8, 2026, Jacoby Brissett returned to mandatory minicamp.
On July 26, 2026, Jacoby Brissett signed a reworked contract.
On September 4, 2026, coach Mike LaFleur named Brissett starter.
On September 8, 2026, teammates voted Jacoby Brissett team captain.
On September 14, 2026, Jacoby Brissett started game against Chargers.
On September 14, 2026, Brissett completed twenty seven passes successfully.
On September 15, 2026, Pro Football Focus ranked Brissett first.
On September 16, 2026, analysts evaluated Brissett performance this morning.
On September 20, 2026, Cardinals scheduled their next game match.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Arizona football fans celebrate unexpected early season quarterback ranking success.
Possible long-term US impact: Cardinals evaluate veteran contract value for future franchise roster decisions.
Most affected groups: Arizona Cardinals supporters, sports analysts, and NFL fantasy football participants.
Reader priority: Monitor official team injury reports and weekly league power rankings.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 26
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 26

Explain Framing

Left: Emphasizes organizational labor dynamics, contract disputes, and player management accountability. Center: Focuses strictly on verified statistics, player grades, and game outcomes. Right: Emphasizes individual grit, traditional leadership, and competitive meritocracy in sports.