In a bold affirmation of team loyalty and strategy, Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has declared that Kyler Murray will reclaim his role as the starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, even as backup Jacoby Brissett delivered a career-highlight performance in a thrilling win over the Dallas Cowboys. This decision comes at a pivotal moment in the NFL season, underscoring the Cardinals’ commitment to their franchise quarterback amid whispers of a potential quarterback controversy.
Brissett’s Breakout Game Ignites Quarterback Debate
The stage was set for an unexpected hero during the Cardinals’ recent matchup against the NFC East powerhouse Dallas Cowboys. With Kyler Murray sidelined due to an ongoing ACL recovery, Jacoby Brissett stepped into the spotlight and orchestrated a masterful offensive display. In a game that ended with a 28-16 victory for Arizona, Brissett completed 22 of 30 passes for 245 yards and two touchdowns, while avoiding any interceptions. His poise under pressure was evident, as he connected on key passes to wide receivers like Hollywood Brown and tight end Trey McBride, who hauled in a crucial 35-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter.
Fans and analysts alike were buzzing post-game. Brissett’s efficiency rating soared to 112.4, one of the highest marks for a Cardinals quarterback this season. “Jacoby came in and just took control,” said Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. “He didn’t miss a beat, reading the defense like a veteran and making smart decisions.” This performance marked Brissett’s best since joining the Cardinals on a one-year deal in the offseason, a move designed to provide depth behind Murray. Historically, Brissett has bounced around the NFL with stints in Indianapolis, Miami, Cleveland, and Washington, amassing over 5,000 career passing yards but never securing a long-term starting gig. His experience proved invaluable against a Cowboys defense that entered the game ranked seventh in the league against the pass.
Statistically, the win propelled the Cardinals to a 4-6 record, keeping their faint playoff hopes alive in the competitive NFC West. Brissett’s mobility added another dimension; he scrambled for 28 yards on designed runs, evading sacks from Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. Post-game, Brissett humbly deflected praise: “I’m just doing my job. Kyler’s the guy, and I’m here to support the team however I can.” Yet, his output raised eyebrows—could this be the spark that challenges the established order in Arizona’s quarterback room?
Gannon’s Unwavering Support for Murray’s Return
Addressing the media just hours after the Cowboys triumph, head coach Jonathan Gannon wasted no time quelling any speculation about a quarterback switch. “Kyler Murray is our starter, period,” Gannon stated firmly during his Monday press conference. “He’s our leader, and when he’s healthy, he’s the one slinging it for us. Jacoby did a fantastic job, but this was always the plan.” Gannon’s comments reflect a deliberate philosophy: building around the 26-year-old former Heisman winner who was drafted first overall by the Cardinals in 2019.
Gannon, who took over as head coach in 2023 after a defensive coordinator role with the Eagles, has emphasized continuity in his short tenure. Under his guidance, the Cardinals have shown flashes of potential but struggled with consistency, posting a 5-12 record last season. Murray’s presence is central to Gannon’s vision, with the quarterback’s dual-threat ability—boasting over 3,000 passing yards and 500 rushing yards in multiple seasons—seen as key to unlocking the offense. Despite Brissett’s success, Gannon highlighted the bigger picture: “We’ve seen what Kyler can do when he’s at full strength. Jacoby’s performance buys us time, but Murray’s return will elevate us.”
This stance isn’t without precedent in the NFL. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs have thrived by sticking with Patrick Mahomes post-injury, even after solid backup showings from Blaine Gabbert. Gannon’s decision also aligns with the Cardinals’ front office strategy, as general manager Monti Ossenfort has publicly backed Murray through a $230 million contract extension signed in 2022. Critics, however, point to Murray’s injury history, including the ACL tear suffered in December 2022, as a reason to consider alternatives. Yet, Gannon dismissed such notions, focusing on Murray’s progress in rehab.
Murray’s Rehab Journey and Timeline for Comeback
Kyler Murray‘s path back to the field has been a testament to resilience amid adversity. The star quarterback suffered a torn ACL in Week 14 of the 2022 season against the New England Patriots, an injury that sidelined him for nearly the entire following year. Traded to the Cardinals in a blockbuster deal from the Oakland Raiders in 2018—no, wait, drafted directly by Arizona—Murray quickly became the face of the franchise, leading them to the playoffs in 2021 with a 4,000-yard passing season.
Rehabilitation has been rigorous. Murray returned to practice in late August 2023 but was held out of games to ensure full recovery, a cautious approach endorsed by team doctors. Recent updates show promising signs: Murray has been cleared for non-contact drills, displaying his signature quick release and elusiveness in controlled sessions. “Kyler’s arm strength is back, and his confidence is through the roof,” Gannon noted. Experts estimate a return window around Week 12 or 13, potentially against divisional rivals like the Seattle Seahawks, giving the Cardinals a boost for the stretch run.
Throughout his absence, Murray has stayed engaged, mentoring Jacoby Brissett and analyzing film from the sidelines. In a recent interview with ESPN, Murray shared, “Watching Jacoby ball out motivates me. I’m itching to get back and contribute.” His stats pre-injury paint a picture of elite potential: a 63% completion rate, 14 touchdowns, and just five interceptions in 2022 before the setback. The Cardinals’ medical staff, led by Dr. Anup Hasija, has monitored Murray closely, incorporating advanced therapies like platelet-rich plasma injections to accelerate healing. This investment in Murray’s health underscores the organization’s long-term faith, especially as he enters the prime of his career at age 26.
Cardinals’ QB Depth Chart and Brissett’s Backup Role
Behind Kyler Murray, the Arizona Cardinals have assembled a quarterback room that blends experience with upside, with Jacoby Brissett serving as the reliable veteran anchor. Signed to a veteran minimum contract in March 2023, Brissett was brought in specifically for his steady hand during Murray’s recovery. At 31 years old, Brissett’s career NFL journey includes starting 38 games across five teams, with a 12-26 record but notable wins like his 2019 debut for the Colts where he threw for 353 yards.
The depth chart also features rookie Clayton Tune, a fifth-round pick out of Houston, who has seen limited action but impressed in preseason with his arm talent. Tune’s development is part of Gannon’s youth movement, but Brissett remains the bridge. In the Cowboys game, Brissett’s leadership extended beyond stats; he rallied the huddle during a late Cowboys comeback attempt, calling audibles that preserved a two-score lead. “Jacoby’s a pro’s pro,” said veteran lineman D.J. Humphries. “He keeps everyone calm.”
Looking at the broader NFL landscape, quarterback depth has become a premium asset. Teams like the 49ers with Brock Purdy’s emergence from backup status highlight the risks of over-reliance on one player. For Arizona, Brissett’s success—now 2-3 as a starter this season—provides insurance. If Murray faces setbacks, Brissett could extend his run, but Gannon insists the plan is Murray-centric. Offseason moves, including bolstering the offensive line with free agent signings like Will Hernandez, aim to protect whichever quarterback is in, reducing injury risks that have plagued Arizona.
Fan forums and social media reflect divided opinions. Some Cardinals supporters advocate for Brissett’s consistency, citing Murray’s occasional turnovers (18 interceptions over the last two full seasons), while others champion Murray’s explosiveness. Polls on platforms like Reddit’s r/ArizonaCardinals show 65% favoring Murray’s return, emphasizing his rushing prowess that adds 400+ yards annually.
Playoff Push Hinges on Murray’s Seamless Reintegration
As the Arizona Cardinals navigate the final stretch of the 2023 NFL season, Kyler Murray‘s return could be the catalyst for a surprising playoff berth. Currently sitting at 4-6, Arizona trails the NFC West leaders San Francisco 49ers by three games but holds tiebreakers over wild-card contenders like the Green Bay Packers. A healthy Murray, paired with Brissett’s momentum, positions the Cardinals for a potential five or six-win surge in their remaining eight games.
Key matchups loom large: a home tilt against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12, where Murray’s debut could exploit a secondary vulnerable to mobile quarterbacks, followed by a brutal divisional slate against the Rams and Seahawks. Analysts from Pro Football Focus project a 45% chance of postseason qualification if Murray starts at least six games, up from 22% with Brissett at the helm. “The offense clicks differently with Kyler,” said ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky. “His ability to extend plays changes everything.”
Broader implications extend to roster building. Success with Murray could solidify Gannon’s job security, while prolonged Brissett starts might prompt draft evaluations for quarterback insurance in 2024. The Cardinals hold the 14th overall pick projection, potentially targeting offensive weapons to complement Murray rather than a successor. Jacoby Brissett, meanwhile, has enhanced his free-agent value; his performance could land him a starting gig elsewhere if Arizona doesn’t extend him.
Ultimately, this quarterback saga embodies the high-stakes drama of the NFL. As Murray ramps up, the Cardinals eye not just wins, but a narrative of redemption. With Brissett’s poise paving the way, Arizona’s faithful hold hope for a Murray-led charge toward the playoffs, proving that in the desert, loyalty to the star endures.
