It’s no secret the Arizona Cardinals are quite a mess entering the 2023 season. They are arguably the worst team in the league and many people believe they will secretly tank the season in attempt to secure the top overall draft pick.
One of the reasons why they are such a mess is their injured quarterback Kyler Murray who may not even play this season.
Despite never-ending concerns about Murray’s commitment, work-ethic and overall durability, he has been named a team captain by first-year head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Alongside Murray, Gannon and the team selected James Conner, D.J. Humphries, Budda Baker, Kyzir White and Dennis Gardeck as captains.
When asked about his decision to make Murray a captain, Gannon stated: “He’s our franchise quarterback, and everything that I want our captains to be, he demonstrates it.”
Jonathan Gannon makes it clear where he and the Arizona Cardinals stand with QB Kyler Murray. #birdgang pic.twitter.com/VjKPNQDmOB
— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals) September 4, 2023
Clearly, this is an attempt by Gannon and the entire franchise to try and save their relationship with Murray. They are entering the season with a clean slate and want to boost up the former #1 overall pick as much as they can.
Murray is still recovering from a torn ACL and expected to miss at least part of the season.
Arizona Left tackle D.J. Humphries praised Murray’s recovery efforts, saying: “He’s earned [being a captain]. The work that he put in the summer that we all got to watch, it’s been impressive and it’s going to come out tenfold when we get back on that field.”
With Murray out for the early part of the season, the Cardinals face the decision of who will take the reins at quarterback. The options include journeyman Josh Dobbs, who was acquired from the Cleveland Browns in late August, and fifth-round draft pick Clayton Tune.
The fact that the team released veteran quarterback Colt McCoy added to the speculation that there are some in the Cardinals front office who wish to lose as many games as possible for draft pick purposes.
In addition to the captain announcement, the Cardinals also made a move to bolster their quarterback depth by signing veteran QB Jeff Driskel to the practice squad. Driskel had previously spent time at training camp but was cut before the initial 53-man roster was finalized.
On a side note, I’m not sure how many Cardinals are going to be willing to run through a brick wall for coach Gannon. After all, he’s not the most inspiring of leaders…
Jonathan Gannon is looking for that FIRE
😂😂 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/abfEh5I5XO
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 4, 2023
What are your thoughts on Murray being named captain?
Yes, it’s a horrible look if a quarterback is NOT named team captain – but has Murray truly earned it?
Who will be out of Arizona first – Murray or Gannon?