Cardinals' inept red-zone offense needs QB Carson Beck's run ability

Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck deserves a chance and Cardinals fans know it. Beck's potential insertion into the starting lineup shouldn't be perceived as bizarre, yet the complacent decision to stick with Jacoby Brissett signals to spectators a comfort with mediocrity rather than

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What is the story about?

Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck deserves a chance and Cardinals fans know it. Beck's potential insertion into the starting lineup shouldn't be perceived as bizarre, yet the complacent decision to stick with Jacoby Brissett signals to spectators a comfort with mediocrity rather than a commitment to veteran leadership.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) throws a pass under pressure from Denver Broncos defensive lineman Zach Allen (99) during a game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on Oct. 24, 2026.

What Brissett lacks, Beck embodies, and that analysis is based on physical attributes, youth, and outright fresh optimism. The Cardinals offense was yet again unimpressive in their 30-16 loss to the Denver Broncos, and Brissett's statistical output was a result of volume and not efficiency. Brissett's ability to be serviceable doesn't really exceed the potential of Beck nor reserve quarterback Gardner Minshew, but head

coach Mike LaFleur continues to trudge along. The Cardinals came out victorious over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6 because of the defensive efforts, not because of offensive adequacy.

Brissett's stationary play style allows the opposing defenses to blitz on passing downs and this is where Beck's elusiveness can be an asset. Brissett was sacked three times this pass Sunday and the Cardinals converted just five of their 17 third-down attempts. The Cardinals also yielded a touchdown on just one of their five red-zone visits. These statistics are just more reference points to motivate LaFleur to move on from Brissett. It's not as if the Broncos defense is a cake walk, but rather the fact that Brissett had 48 pass attempts and 75 total plays to tally up just one touchdown pass and 272 passing yards. Ultimately, the Cardinals offense needs to try something new and Beck could be that spark needed to help the franchise conjure some hope in what has been yet another disappointing start to the season.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.