The Arizona Cardinals finally showed signs of life, but it was without Kyler Murray. The quarterback missed his third straight game recently with a foot injury. It was Jacoby Brissett who once again took over under center. The veteran QB did not just manage the game; he led the Cardinals to a 27-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys, ending their five-game losing streak.

Jacoby Brissett completed 21 of 31 passes for 261 yards and 2 TDs without any interceptions. It was the kind of calm, on-schedule performance that Arizona had been missing with Kyler Murray. Additionally, he has passed for at least 260 yards in every start this season. However, on the other side, Murray hasn’t passed for over 220 yards in five games this season.  

“Jacoby Brissett… the offense looks so much better under him,” Eisen said on the latest episode of The Rich Eisen Show.

Host Eisen and former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner broke down the quarterback situation in Arizona perfectly. In fact, Warner agreed to what the podcaster said, explaining that Jacoby Brissett simply plays better within the Cardinals’ offense.

“He’s (Brissett) always been, a pocket-type passer that plays on time and on schedule,” Warner noted.

Kyler Murray, on the other hand, thrives on improvisation. He can make big plays when the pocket collapses, but sometimes that unpredictability hurts the rhythm of the offense. But Warner also noted that both Arizona quarterbacks bring “different” strengths.

“Even though Kyler may not do some of the things Jacoby has done, he does other things that make their team better or different or special in different ways,” Warner said.

Still, it is undeniable that what Brissett has been doing with the Cardinals’ offense, Murray couldn’t. When the Cardinals signed Brissett in March, it looked like a smart, safe move. He was supposed to be the steady backup – not a quarterback sparking midseason debate in Arizona.

Kyler Murray already has a $230.5 million contract and was supposed to be the team’s long-term guy. But suddenly, that job doesn’t look as secure as it once did. Even Rich Eisen had earlier admitted on his show what many fans have been thinking. 

“I know Kyler Murray is their guy,” Eisen said, “I know Kyler Murray is the first overall pick from years ago, and they want him to work out… But the eye in the sky doesn’t lie. Nor do my two eyes watching this. And Jacoby Brissett brings a more veteran presence, a calmer presence.”

The numbers back that up. Arizona started strong with two wins, but started struggling soon. In three games, he threw just 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions before going down with an injury. The offense stalled, and the frustration grew. As a result, many fans and analysts believe that head coach Jonathan Gannon should move on from his QB1. And it looks like a big possibility, considering Murray just got placed on IR. 

Jacoby Brissett to become QB1 as the Cardinals place Kyler Murray on IR

Now, things are shifting fast in Arizona. Head coach Jonathan Gannon announced on November 4 that Jacoby Brissett will start against the Seattle Seahawks. One day later, the Cardinals officially placed Kyler Murray on injured reserve, meaning he’s out for at least four more weeks.

Doctors had warned that Kyler Murray’s foot injury could take 4-8 weeks to heal, so his absence isn’t shocking. However, it does give Jacoby Brissett a golden opportunity. Still, Gannon insists nothing has changed with Murray’s status. 

“He’s doing well,” Jonathan Gannon said while talking about Murray. “He wants to be out there. He’s a competitor. I talked to him today. He’s a good teammate, and he’s working to get healthy.”

But when reporters pressed Jonathan Gannon about Jacoby Brissett earning a longer run as QB1, he simply replied, “I got nothing to add on that, guys.”

That silence says a lot, doesn’t it? If Brissett keeps winning, it’ll be hard for Gannon to go back to Murray – no matter how big the contract or reputation. Fans love the spark Brissett has brought, and teammates seem more settled under his leadership.

For now, Arizona’s offense belongs to Jacoby Brissett. And the way things are going, he’s making a strong case that maybe, just maybe, that’s exactly how it should stay for the Cardinals this season.