But he faces a different reality.

Brennan might need a strong showing vs. Jacksonville on Thursday just to keep his spot on the roster. With final cuts needing to be made by Saturday afternoon, he’s fighting rookie undrafted free agent Chase Daniel for the No. 3 job. Both will play after Jason Campbell exits Thursday.

The coaches insist the players are relatively even, though it’s just as likely that Brennan would keep his job provided he has a good night.

That doesn’t mean he likes the spot he’s in.

“It’s tough,” Brennan said. “This isn’t where I thought I would be. I realize the situation I’m in. I’m not embarrassed or bummed out about my play at all. I’m two plays from having a great preseason.”

Those two plays ended with interceptions. In each case Brennan showed his inexperience. In the second preseason game vs. Pittsburgh, he stared down the receiver, hesitated on the throw and then threw into heavy coverage. Last week vs. New England, he was late on the throw — after reaching his fifth step he needed to throw; instead he shuffled twice and patted the ball.

After his second interception, he later threw a perfect 33-yard pass down the left sideline to Marko Mitchell.

“I have nothing to be ashamed of in the preseason,” Brennan said. “I could have sat there and made excuses up and pointed the finger and taken some of the blame off me. I didn’t. If I’ve shown anything this preseason it’s that I can handle adversity.”

Ironically, his interception last week might not have occurred had tight end Fred Davis, two plays earlier, turned around in time for a pass to the right front corner of the end zone.

For the summer, Brennan has completed 13-of-29 passes for 166 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.

“He learned from some things and he made some great plays,” said offensive assistant Chris Meidt, who works closely with the quarterbacks. “That’s Colt. You get great plays and then some where his lack of experience shows.”

Brennan does not view this as his personal Super Bowl.

“Because I want to get to the Super Bowl one day,” Brennan said.

Meanwhile, Daniel will run a slightly more complicated version of the offense that he ran last time. Meidt said Daniel can run about 80 percent of the offense. In his last game, vs. Pittsburgh, Daniel had fewer reads and therefore easier decisions to make than the other quarterbacks. Daniel was six-of-eight in his first outing for 58 yards and two touchdowns.

“You want to put a great show on,” Daniel said, “put a brand on your name if it hasn’t been there. I’ve had one great performance this preseason and definitely want to have another.”

[email protected]