The Arizona Cardinals’ Quarterback Situation Ahead of Week 1: In Tempe, Arizona, the Arizona Cardinals are gradually gaining a clearer perspective on their quarterback scenario with less than a fortnight remaining before the commencement of Week 1.
Kyler Murray’s PUP Status and Its Implications for the Season Start
Ahead of the Tuesday 4 p.m. ET deadline, Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed that Kyler Murray won’t be removed from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. This decision signifies that Murray will be absent for at least the first four regular-season games. In the event of his reinstatement, he will have a 21-day window for practice and inclusion on the 53-man roster; failing this, he will be relegated to the PUP list for the entire season.
Significant Changes in the Quarterback Lineup: Colt McCoy’s Release
Adding to the dynamic, the Cardinals released quarterback Colt McCoy on Monday, one day before the mandated roster reduction to 53 players. This strategic move follows closely after the recent acquisition of quarterback Joshua Dobbs, a transaction that took place just four days prior. Despite Colt McCoy’s role as the first-string quarterback throughout spring, training camp, and preseason – a position he held since joining the team in 2021 – the Cardinals have chosen to take a new direction, considering his overall performance during this period.
Thorough Evaluation and Decision-Making Process
Coach Gannon elucidated that the decision to exclude McCoy from the season’s start resulted from a comprehensive evaluation encompassing his performance across various contexts. “I don’t think it’s anything he didn’t show us,” Gannon stated. “I think it was just looking at OTAs and then training camp and the games and the full body of work; we just feel like this is the best way to go.”
Kyler Murray’s Previous Injury and Ongoing Rehabilitation
Reflecting on Kyler Murray’s previous injury sustained during “Monday Night Football” in Week 14 of the last season and the subsequent surgery in early January, Murray expressed his initial intention to return by Week 1. However, he later acknowledged uncertainty about the necessary practice before taking a regular-season snap. Should Murray miss the opening four games, Coach Gannon affirmed that the rehabilitation strategy will remain consistent, with a focus on his overall health.
The Challenge of Selecting the Right Quarterback
With Colt McCoy’s departure and Kyler Murray’s unavailability for the inaugural game against the Washington Commanders, the Cardinals must select a starter from Joshua Dobbs and fifth-round draft pick Clayton Tune. Coach Gannon refrained from announcing the starter between Dobbs and Tune on Monday, indicating that the team will undertake a comprehensive evaluation process over the next two weeks before making a decision. Nevertheless, Gannon emphasized that the chosen starter will not be revealed publicly. “I think it’s a competitive advantage for us going to Washington,” Gannon remarked. “But we’ll know who the starter is.”
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Joshua Dobbs’ Fit and Familiarity with the Scheme
Clayton Tune managed the second-string offense throughout most of the spring, training camp, and preseason. In contrast, Joshua Dobbs, recently acquired from the Browns via a trade, brings a distinct advantage due to his prior experience working with current Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork during their time together in Cleveland.
Gannon affirmed that Dobbs’ familiarity with Petzing’s scheme positions him well for the starting role. Despite the inherent challenges of integrating into a new team, Gannon expresses confidence in Dobbs’ adaptability.
The Cardinals had already explored the possibility of signing Dobbs earlier in the offseason, giving them valuable insights into his capabilities. Thus, when the opportunity to trade for him emerged, they swiftly acted upon it.
Dobbs’ skill set harmonizes with the Cardinals’ requirements, showcasing mobility, a strong grasp of the system, and versatility in various playing situations. This, coupled with his familiarity with Petzing’s approach, marks Dobbs as a valuable asset to the team.
Ongoing Decisions and Future Plans
As the Cardinals continue their preparations, whether a third quarterback will be actively included on game day remains open. Gannon responded, “We’re still sorting through it,” signifying that discussions are ongoing to determine the best course of action.
Clayton Tune managed the second-string offense throughout most of the spring, training camp, and preseason. In contrast, Joshua Dobbs, recently acquired from the Browns via a trade, brings a distinct advantage due to his prior experience working with current Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork during their time together in Cleveland.
Gannon affirmed that Dobbs’ familiarity with Petzing’s scheme positions him well for the starting role. Despite the inherent challenges of integrating into a new team, Gannon expresses confidence in Dobbs’ adaptability.
The Cardinals had already explored the possibility of signing Dobbs earlier in the offseason, giving them valuable insights into his capabilities. Thus, when the opportunity to trade for him emerged, they swiftly acted upon it.
Dobbs’ skill set harmonizes with the Cardinals’ requirements, showcasing mobility, a strong grasp of the system, and versatility in various playing situations. This, coupled with his familiarity with Petzing’s approach, marks Dobbs as a valuable asset to the team.
Ongoing Decisions and Future Plans
As the Cardinals continue their preparations, whether a third quarterback will be actively included on game day remains open. Gannon responded, “We’re still sorting through it,” signifying that discussions are ongoing to determine the best course of action.