One year into Jacoby Brissett's run as the Cardinals' starter, the quarterback question is back on the front burner. Arizona blew a 14-3 lead and lost 36-24 to the New York Giants after three Brissett interceptions, including a 98-yard pick six on the final play, dropping his record as the team's starter to 2-14, according to reporting by Cronkite News republished by the Arizona Daily Independent.
The consequence is simple. Arizona guaranteed Brissett $15.5 million on a reworked deal, yet the offense remains streaky and short in crunch time. A steady Week 1 win with 277 yards, one touchdown and a 103.1 rating was followed by 541 passing yards and five interceptions over a three-game skid, per the same reports.
Coach Mike LaFleur shut down talk of a switch on Monday. Let's focus on this week and try to be as good as we can be. We were 12 feet away from scoring 30, but we did not and we lost. So we have to improve from it and work to be 1-0 this week, he said, as reported by Cronkite News.
LaFleur walked through the turnovers. The first pick was an attempt to give Marvin Harrison Jr. a chance. The second, he said, came on a batted ball that would draw disagreement. The third came on fourth and goal with the clock expiring. He has to get the ball out of his hands, LaFleur said, adding that staff clarity should keep them out of that spot, per the reporting.
The staff is leaning on the pass. Arizona has thrown at least 35 times in three of four games. With 22 seconds left at the Giants' 4-yard line, the Cardinals called four straight passes, Cronkite News noted. Aggression is not the issue. Execution is.
Behind Brissett, third-round pick Carson Beck offers upside but was drafted as a developmental player and currently sits third behind Gardner Minshew II, per the Arizona Daily Independent. Cronkite News highlighted fan calls for Beck after Sunday and noted he went 15 of 19 for 188 yards and a touchdown in the Aug. 6 Hall of Fame Game.
Complicating any evaluation is protection. Right tackle Paris Johnson Jr. is out for the season with a torn left biceps, the outlets reported. That is a major hit to a line already tasked with keeping a high-volume passing game upright.
This search is not new. The franchise has been chasing a long-term answer since Carson Palmer retired in 2018. If 2026 keeps trending south, April may become the most important month on the calendar. ESPN analyst Jordan Reid has six quarterbacks in his top 50 for 2027, suggesting Arizona would have options if it lands high enough, Cronkite News reported.
The race for draft position is crowded. Through four weeks, the Texans, Titans, Buccaneers, Chargers and Dolphins are winless. The Jets and Commanders are 1-3 and ahead of Arizona in the order, per Cronkite News. The Cardinals' next seven include the Lions, Rams twice, Broncos, Cowboys, Seahawks and Chiefs. That is a rough stretch for any pivot.
