In a stunning move that’s sending shockwaves through the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals have named veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett as their starter for the upcoming clash against the Seattle Seahawks, sidelining star signal-caller Kyler Murray. This decision, announced just days before the game, highlights the team’s urgent need to protect their franchise quarterback amid ongoing injury concerns and a grueling schedule.
Protecting Kyler Murray’s Health Amid Injury Setbacks
The Arizona Cardinals‘ choice to rest Kyler Murray comes at a pivotal moment in the NFL season, as the team grapples with the dual pressures of contention and player preservation. Murray, the dynamic dual-threat quarterback drafted first overall in 2019, has been the heartbeat of the Cardinals‘ offense, amassing over 12,000 passing yards and 3,500 rushing yards in his career. However, his history of injuries— including a torn ACL in 2022 that sidelined him for most of the year—has forced the coaching staff to adopt a cautious approach.
Recent reports indicate that Murray has been dealing with a nagging hamstring strain sustained during practice last week, which flared up again in the Cardinals’ narrow 24-21 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Jonathan Gannon addressed the media post-practice, stating, “Kyler’s toughness is unmatched, but we can’t risk long-term damage. This is about the big picture for our franchise.” The decision underscores the Cardinals’ strategy to manage Murray’s workload, especially with a brutal stretch of games ahead, including divisional rivalries that could define their playoff trajectory.
Statistically, Murray’s absence creates a void: he’s completed 67% of his passes for 2,100 yards and 15 touchdowns this season, while adding 400 rushing yards. Without him, the Cardinals’ explosive playmaking could suffer, but the move buys time for recovery, potentially returning Murray refreshed for the back half of the schedule.
Jacoby Brissett Emerges as Steady Backup Option
Stepping into the spotlight for the Cardinals is Jacoby Brissett, a 31-year-old journeyman quarterback whose NFL journey spans seven teams and over 50 starts. Acquired by Arizona in the offseason as a reliable backup, Brissett brings a wealth of experience that contrasts sharply with Murray’s high-octane style. Known for his poise under pressure, Brissett has a career completion rate of 62%, with 5,512 passing yards and 28 touchdowns across stints with the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and now the Cardinals.
Brissett’s most notable season came in 2022 with the Browns, where he went 4-2 as a starter, throwing for 2,000 yards and eight touchdowns while minimizing turnovers. Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing praised Brissett’s preparation, saying, “Jacoby’s been our rock in meetings. He’s got that veteran savvy to keep us steady against a tough Seahawks secondary.” This start marks Brissett’s first with Arizona, but his familiarity with the playbook—honed during training camp—positions him well to execute the game plan.
In practice this week, Brissett has impressed with short, efficient passes to receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride, emphasizing ball security over big plays. The Cardinals’ run game, led by James Conner, who has rushed for 750 yards this year, will likely take precedence, aiming to control the clock and limit Seattle’s offensive opportunities.
Decoding the Cardinals-Seahawks Rivalry Dynamics
The matchup against the Seattle Seahawks revives a storied NFC West rivalry that’s often produced nail-biters. The Seahawks, currently 5-3 and riding a three-game win streak, boast a defense ranked seventh in the NFL against the pass, allowing just 190 yards per game. Led by cornerback Devon Witherspoon and linebacker Boye Mafe, Seattle’s unit has forced 12 turnovers this season, making Brissett’s ball-protection skills crucial.
Historically, the Cardinals hold a 18-17 edge over the Seahawks since their divisional realignment in 2002, but Seattle has won the last three meetings, including a 20-10 victory in Arizona last season. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, in his first year, has revitalized the team with a balanced attack featuring quarterback Geno Smith, who has thrown for 2,200 yards and 14 touchdowns, and running back Kenneth Walker III, averaging 5.2 yards per carry.
For the Cardinals, this game is more than just a divisional tilt—it’s a test of resilience. At 4-4, Arizona sits one game back of the NFC West lead, and a win could ignite a turnaround. Analysts point to Brissett’s past success against Seattle; in 2021 with the Dolphins, he completed 25 of 35 passes for 206 yards in a close loss, showing he can hang with their defense.
- Key Stats: Seahawks’ defense has sacked opposing QBs 22 times this season, second in the NFL.
- Cardinals’ Advantage: Home-field edge at State Farm Stadium, where they’ve won four of their last five.
- Weather Factor: Dome game eliminates variables, focusing on execution.
Fan Backlash and Analyst Breakdowns on the QB Gamble
The announcement of Brissett starting over Murray has ignited a firestorm among Cardinals fans, with social media buzzing about the risks. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #SaveKyler and #BrissettTime trended locally, reflecting a mix of frustration and cautious optimism. One fan tweeted, “This better not cost us the division—Murray’s our guy!” while another supported the move: “Smart call. Kyler needs to heal; Brissett won’t turn it over.”
NFL experts have weighed in with varied takes. ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky noted on his podcast, “Brissett is a safe bet against Seattle’s blitz-heavy scheme. He won’t wow you, but he won’t beat himself.” Conversely, NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks cautioned, “The Cardinals’ offense thrives on Murray’s legs. Without that, they might struggle to score 20 points.” Pro Football Focus grades Brissett highly in pass protection adjustments, with an 82.5 rating in clean-pocket situations, suggesting he could stabilize the line if the offensive front holds.
Behind the scenes, the decision wasn’t made lightly. Team sources reveal that Murray himself advocated for rest, prioritizing team success over personal stats. This unity could foster locker room cohesion, especially as the Cardinals integrate rookies like wideout Marvin Harrison Jr., who’s caught 45 passes for 650 yards and five scores.
Comparisons to past NFL QB rotations abound: Think of the 2019 Ravens starting Lamar Jackson after Joe Flacco, or the 2021 Buccaneers easing Tom Brady back from injury. For Arizona, this is a calculated risk in a league where quarterback health often dictates playoff fates.
Playoff Ramifications and Brissett’s Path to Redemption
As the Cardinals prepare for this seismic shift, the broader implications for their NFL playoff aspirations loom large. Currently tied for the NFC’s final wild-card spot, a victory over the Seahawks could propel them into contention, especially if Brissett delivers a turnover-free performance. Looking ahead, the schedule includes winnable games against the Giants and Browns, where a healthy Murray could return to spark a surge.
Brissett’s opportunity isn’t just a one-off; it’s a chance for personal redemption after bouncing between benches. If he leads the Cardinals to an upset, it could extend his career and validate Arizona’s depth strategy. Gannon hinted at flexibility, saying, “We’re evaluating week by week, but Jacoby’s earned this shot.”
For Murray, the benching serves as a reset, allowing focus on rehab and film study. His return could coincide with a softer slate, positioning the Cardinals for a late-season push. In the cutthroat NFC West, where the Rams and 49ers lurk, this gamble might just be the spark needed to chase a division title—or at least secure a postseason berth. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as Brissett takes the reins, hoping this veteran infusion turns the tide in a season full of what-ifs.
