Cardinals Bench Joshua Dobbs; Clayton Tune to Start, per Source
The Arizona Cardinals have made a surprising decision regarding their starting quarterback for the upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns. According to a source, the Cardinals are planning to start rookie quarterback Clayton Tune on Sunday. This news comes after coach Jonathan Gannon hinted that Kyler Murray could potentially start as he continues to recover from an ACL injury.
Gannon stated during a news conference that if Murray is not ready, then Tune will be the starter. However, he did not commit to Murray being active on Sunday if Tune gets the nod. The decision will ultimately depend on Murray’s progress throughout the week.
Joshua Dobbs, who has started all eight games for the struggling 1-7 Cardinals, will be relegated to either the backup role or the emergency quarterback position depending on Murray’s status. If Murray starts, Tune will serve as the backup while Dobbs takes on the emergency quarterback duties.
Gannon emphasized that he is evaluating the situation and will make a decision closer to game time. The team will leave for Cleveland on Friday, giving them some time to finalize their plans.
The change in quarterback comes after Gannon initially announced that Dobbs would start against the Browns following their loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Dobbs had a mixed performance in that game, finishing with 208 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. However, he struggled for most of the game and only had 61 passing yards until late in the fourth quarter.
Gannon admitted that he started changing his mind about the starting quarterback after reviewing the game tape and discussing it with his staff. He believes that starting Tune gives the team the best chance to win.
Dobbs has had a decent season so far, throwing for 1,569 yards with eight touchdowns and five interceptions in his eight starts. However, the Cardinals are looking for a spark on offense, and they believe Tune could provide that.
As for Murray, his chances of making his 2023 debut will depend on his progress throughout the week. Gannon mentioned that Murray is doing well in practice but wants to ensure that he is 100% comfortable with everything they are asking him to do. The team wants to prioritize Murray’s long-term health and ensure that he is fully ready before putting him back on the field.
Murray’s 21-day window to practice after being designated to return from the physically unable to play list will close on November 8, just days before the Cardinals host the Atlanta Falcons. Gannon stated that the team’s decision on Murray’s return will be dictated more by their own evaluation rather than the opponent they are facing.
Despite the quarterback shakeup, Gannon mentioned that all three quarterbacks, including Dobbs, Tune, and Murray, have handled the news professionally. He commended them for their professionalism and said they are all focused on doing what is best for the team.
The Cardinals are hoping that the change at quarterback will provide a much-needed boost to their struggling offense. With a record of 1-7, they are in desperate need of a turnaround. Tune will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and prove that he is capable of leading the team to victory.
The game against the Browns will be a crucial test for Tune and the Cardinals. It remains to be seen how he will perform under pressure and whether he can make an immediate impact. Cardinals fans will be eagerly watching to see if Tune can provide a spark and help turn their season around.
In conclusion, the Arizona Cardinals have made the decision to bench Joshua Dobbs and start rookie quarterback Clayton Tune against the Cleveland Browns. The move comes as a surprise but reflects the team’s desire to find a spark on offense. Whether Kyler Murray will be available remains uncertain, but the Cardinals are focused on prioritizing his long-term health. The upcoming game against the Browns will be a crucial test for Tune and an opportunity for him to prove himself as the team’s starting quarterback.