What began as a wide-open and exciting training camp has ended in chaos and head-scratching in Glendale. Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon begins a remarkable tank job which should lead to fans wondering what could come next.
First came the acquisition of quarterback Josh Dobbs, followed by the release of veteran and fan favorite Colt McCoy on Monday afternoon. Jeff Driscoll, who was also released, could return to the practice squad. Given the merry-go-round that is the Cardinals quarterback position, Driscoll could be a starter at some point this season.
Welcome to the National Football League Jonathan Gannon, fans in Arizona thank you for a level of inexperience and incompetence only known to Cardinals fans.
Gannon, who earlier this off-season made clear that 2023 was not a reclamation season, has set things up to be viewed as a total rebuild. Cutting McCoy, a veteran who may have been the safest option while Kyler Murray worked his way back, is now elsewhere. Rookie Clayton Tune now competes with journeyman Josh Dobbs. Dobbs was most recently with the Cleveland Browns and has more than a few NFL zip codes to his credit. He comes to Arizona via Tennessee, Detroit, and Pittsburgh. He goes from being the No.2 quarterback with the Browns to competing for the starting gig in Arizona.
So, what can fans take away from this Helter Skelter approach to the most important position on the field? Fans are already using the word “tank” in hopes of securing another Heisman Trophy winner in USC quarterback Caleb Williams. But it is not just Cardinals fans, but those in the media as well.
Cardinals Jonathan Gannon Is Tanking in Arizona
NFL Network commentator Rich Eisen doesn’t buy into the idea that the Cardinals aren’t tanking. Looking at the recent activity of veterans like J.J. Watt retiring, DeAndre Hopkins elsewhere, Isaiah Simmons traded for a seventh-round pick, and now McCoy being cut.
But are the Cardinals really taking the gas pipe in 2023 or are they just looking at the best long-term option for Arizona? Even with a healthy Murray, the Cardinals have a lot of flaws. perhaps Arizona should clear the deck for 2024? Why not go all-in on youth instead of a piecemeal approach to the season? More simply, why not hitch the Cardinals wagon to a USC standout who most believe is the absolute goods at quarterback?
One question worth asking is if the rumblings out of Los Angeles about Williams not wanting to play in Arizona are true. Williams is rumored to like the idea of playing in Miami, who has their own quarterback problems with Tua Tagovailoa. Furthermore, if Williams is paying attention to Gannon and company, what must he think of the Cardinals?
Which brings us back to Gannon and his stewardship of the Cardinals. Gannon’s actions will certainly leave a mark on current and former Cardinals players. NFL veterans have a long memory and a brotherhood where they talk amongst themselves. Trust that Gannon will not be viewed favorably thus far into his head coaching debut.
Main Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
