Getty Image / Norm Hall
NFL fans are fully convinced the Arizona Cardinals are going into tank mode this season after the team’s latest decision for the quarterback position.
Kyler Murray‘s health is still a concern and Colt McCoy is no longer on the roster. So, who will be starting?
According to Adam Schefter, Arizona is not planning “to activate QB Kyler Murray off the Physically Unable to Perform List by Tuesday’s 4 pm ET deadline.” If that’s the case, he’ll at least miss the first four games of the season.
Cardinals do not plan to activate QB Kyler Murray off the Physically Unable to Perform List by Tuesday’s 4 pm ET deadline, which means he then would ineligible to be active during the first four games of the season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 28, 2023
Shortly after that decision was made, Schefter reported that McCoy was released from the team. Either Joshua Dobbs or Clayton Tune will be named the starter for Week 1 against the Washington Commanders.
And now the Cardinals have released veteran QB Colt McCoy, per league sources.
Either veteran Josh Dobbs, whom Arizona acquired last week, or rookie fifth-round pick QB Clayton Tune will start opening day at Washington.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 28, 2023
The quarterback situation is completely up in the air right now. You’d think McCoy would have been the best option, as he’s been a solid backup for the Cardinals in recent years.
However, head coach Jonathan Gannon wants to go a different route. Even so, he’s still not naming who will start in Week 1 “because he wants to maintain a ‘competitive advantage,'” per Ari Meirov.
#Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon says he won't name a Week 1 starting QB because he wants to maintain a "competitive advantage." pic.twitter.com/m8wJvSkKX0
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 28, 2023
I’m not sure what kind of competitive advantage this gives the Cardinals considering their options are either a journey-man quarterback or a rookie selected in the fifth round.
The Commanders’ defense probably isn’t too worried about who will start for Arizona, as there can’t be that much difference.
But still, all signs are pointing to the Cardinals embracing the tank, and NFL fans are fully convinced.
— Chris M DFF Dynasty Football ⚙ (@force_fantasy) August 28, 2023
Perfect use of this viral clip.
Cardinals refusing to admit they are tanking pic.twitter.com/z6AXWlg9OK
— Sharp App: Sports Betting (@TheSharpApp) August 28, 2023
Do the Cardinals have Caleb Williams in their sights?
Cardinals locking up that #1 draft pick
— Drink More Water | Get More Sleep 🐬 (@hughart_michael) August 28, 2023
If this is what the franchise is doing then I respect the move. Williams looks amazing.
They want Caleb Williams and don’t want anyone else even coming close. 🤣
— Outl✭w Cowboy (@Outlaw_CowboyFB) August 28, 2023
The Cardinals will eventually name a starter within the coming days, as their Week 1 matchup takes place on September 10.
And if the franchise ends up finishing in last place, then Kyler Murray trade rumors will hit full swing. But we still have an entire NFL season before any of that happens.