Cardinals Hold Off Beck Debut as LaFleur Defends Brissett Amid 1-4 Slide

Key points

• Mike LaFleur stated that Gardner Minshew is currently the backup quarterback, though he acknowledged the lineup could change if it offers the best chance for success.
• Jacoby Brissett remains the starter despite the Cardinals' 1-4 record and four-game losing streak, including a 45-21 defeat to the Detroit Lions.
• Carson Beck, a third-round draft pick, has not played in a regular-season game but completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown in his lone preseason start.
• LaFleur praised Brissett's accuracy and resilience in the recent loss, attributing the defeat to overall team performance rather than the quarterback's play.
• The coaching staff plans to discuss Beck's role and potential activation on Tuesday, though no immediate change is expected for the upcoming week.

Background

The Cardinals have suffered four consecutive losses, extending a home losing streak to nine games. This decline follows the trade of wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Houston Texans. Previous coverage highlighted mounting pressure on LaFleur and general manager Monti Ossenfort, with fans and media increasingly calling for a switch to rookie Carson Beck after Brissett threw three interceptions in a loss to the New York Giants. The team's offensive struggles have intensified scrutiny on the coaching staff's decision to retain a 33-year-old journeyman quarterback.

How outlets are covering it

Arizona Sports reported that LaFleur explicitly named Minshew as the current backup while leaving the door open for Beck. CBS Sports argued that Brissett has reached his ceiling, noting that the Cardinals lost to the Detroit Lions despite Detroit having the NFL's worst total defense, and suggested Beck should start by Week 8. Bleacher Report cited ESPN's Dan Graziano, who expects Beck to play eventually but likely not until late November when the schedule eases. NBC Sports quoted Arizona Cardinals.com's Darren Urban, who believes Beck will not start in the immediate future but could become the backup soon if the offense continues to struggle. While LaFleur defends Brissett's recent accuracy, critics point to the team's inability to compete against weak defenses as evidence that a change is necessary.

Why it matters

The decision to retain Brissett despite a 1-4 record and significant offensive struggles reflects the Cardinals' cautious approach to developing their rookie quarterback. If Beck does not perform well when eventually given the chance, the team may be forced to pursue a new franchise quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft. Conversely, a strong performance could solidify Beck's role and alter the team's long-term planning. The outcome of this decision will impact the team's competitiveness in the second half of the season and its draft capital.

What to watch

The coaching staff will hold discussions on Tuesday regarding Beck's role and potential activation. The Cardinals will face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6, followed by the Denver Broncos. If the offense continues to struggle, the team may move Beck to the backup role or give him relief duties. A regular-season debut is not expected until later in the season, potentially around Week 8 or later, depending on performance and schedule.