Cardinals rookie Carson Beck is making his first NFL start this Sunday, stepping in at quarterback against the Rams after Gardner Minshew went down with an elbow injury that needed surgery last week. Talk about a trial by fire!
From Preseason Flash to Regular Season Starter
This isn’t just any start, folks. Beck hasn’t even seen a single regular season snap yet. But Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur sounds pumped, telling reporters he’s “real excited for Carson” to get this shot. LaFleur’s message to the young QB is clear: “Just go out and operate , go operate this offense and go play each play as its own. Do what he’s been doing in practice. It’s just an extension of the practice field. Obviously, it’s live bullets and go operate. Go play this game.” We’ve seen flashes from Beck, especially his “impressive preseason debut” in the Hall of Fame game back in August. He was looking good before a rib injury sidelined him. Now, he’s back, but the stakes are a million times higher.
LaFleur’s Confidence, or Just Good Coaching?
Coach LaFleur is saying all the right things, claiming he feels Beck is ready. But he also dropped the truth bomb we all know: “You never really know until you get to the live bullets on Sunday.” He’s basing his confidence on how Beck has handled himself, from OTAs through training camp, and that preseason Hall of Fame game where he operated for a half plus one second-half possession. It sounds like a lot of hope wrapped in a little bit of evidence, right? This kid’s got a huge challenge ahead.
All eyes will be on Beck this Sunday when he faces the Rams. It’s his first real test, his chance to show everyone if that preseason hype can translate to the big stage, or if the “live bullets” are just too much, too soon.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
Leave a Reply