Arizona Cardinals history of rookie QBs in first start

In Week 10, the Arizona Cardinals faced the Los Angeles Rams, with rookie quarterback Carson Beck making his debut due to Jacoby Brissett's benching and trade, and Gardner Minshew's season-ending elbow injury. The Cardinals' history of rookie quarterbacks starting their first games reveals a mixed record.

Clayton Tune's debut in 2023 ended in a 27-0 loss to the Cleveland Browns, as Tune completed just 11-of-20 passes for 58 yards and turned the ball over three times. In contrast, Kyler Murray's debut in 2019 saw him rally the team from a 24-6 deficit, leading an 18-0 comeback in the fourth quarter, eventually tying the game and sending it into overtime for a 27-27 draw after both teams scored field goals.

Josh Rosen made his first start in 2018 after Matthew Stafford suffered a season-ending injury. Against the Chicago Bears, Rosen completed 4-of-7 passes for 36 yards and an interception in a 16-14 defeat. He improved in his next start, completing 15-of-27 for 180 yards and a touchdown, despite being sacked once and seeing the Seahawks win 20-17 on a last-second field goal.

Ryan Lindley, who debuted in 2012, had a mixed start, completing 9-of-20 passes for 64 yards in a 23-19 loss. He made his first start the following week and performed better, throwing for 312 yards but was picked off four times in a 31-17 defeat. John Skelton debuted a year earlier in a 19-6 loss, completing 3-of-6 passes for 45 yards before going on to start the following week and lead the team to a 43-13 win, despite a modest passer rating of 52.3.

Max Hall, an undrafted rookie in 2010, made two appearances before his first start, where he beat the New Orleans Saints 30-20. He completed 17-of-27 passes for 168 yards but was sacked twice and fumbled twice. Matt Leinart, drafted in 2006, made his debut a week before Kurt Warner's return, completing 6-of-9 passes for 54 yards and an interception in a 32-10 loss.

His first start against the Kansas City Chiefs followed, where he completed 22-of-35 for 253 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, but the Cardinals lost 23-20 after blowing a 20-10 lead.

John Navarre, a seventh-round pick in 2004, made his debut starting against the Detroit Lions, the only game he played that season. He completed 18-of-40 passes for 168 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions in a 26-12 defeat.