TEMPE, Ariz. — Veteran backup Jacoby Brissett was the fill-in for Cardinals franchise quarterback Kyler Murray in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday after Murray’s ailing foot saved him out of motion.
In a clumsy improvement, Arizona’s offense seemed higher than it has all season.
The Cardinals (2-4) nonetheless misplaced their fourth recreation in a row, falling to the Colts 31-27, but it surely was jarring how nicely the offense functioned with Brissett within the pocket. The 32-year-old accomplished 27 of 44 passes for 320 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, the perfect passing output for the Cardinals this 12 months.
It is unclear if Murray will return this week in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers. However third-year coach Jonathan Gannon was adamant on Monday that Murray stays the starter.
“When he is wholesome and able to play, he’ll play,” Gannon mentioned.
Murray was speculated to be the savior for the Cardinals when he was drafted with the No. 1 general choose in 2019 after profitable the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma.
And it isn’t like he is been a bust. He is a two-time Professional Bowl choice, he led the crew to the playoffs in 2021, and he is produced loads of highlights along with his his potential to throw and run.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and extensive receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) stroll off the sphere after the crew’s loss in an NFL soccer recreation in opposition to the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. Credit score: AP/Ross D. Franklin
However in his seventh 12 months with the franchise, frustration is mounting.
Whether or not it is Murray or Brissett beneath middle in opposition to the Packers, the Cardinals are working out of time to show their season round.
“We’re crew,” Gannon mentioned. “I do know their file is what their file is, and ours is what we’re, so I’m not discounting that as a result of our file reveals that we’re not soccer crew. However I do assume the battle is there and we’ll simply preserve sawing away. We’ll simply preserve sawing away.”
What’s working
It was Sunday for a few of the Cardinals’ lesser-known cross catchers, together with Zay Jones, Michael Wilson and tight finish Elijah Higgins.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon speaks throughout a press convention following an NFL soccer recreation in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. Credit score: AP/Michael Conroy
Jones had his best recreation for Arizona, catching 5 passes for 79 yards. He performed an even bigger function than regular as soon as star receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. left the sport within the second quarter after being positioned within the concussion protocol.
What wants assist
The Cardinals’ defensive entrance was quiet on Sunday, sacking the Colts’ Daniel Jones simply as soon as.
That is not what Arizona had in thoughts throughout the offseason, when the crew poured cash into revamping the entrance seven, bringing in Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell.
Gannon mentioned he thought the cross rushers performed pretty nicely, however that there have been breakdowns within the secondary that allowed Jones to make fast throws.
“They made some changes, so we have simply bought to ensure we preserve making changes,” Gannon mentioned. “You’ve bought to have an effect on the passer, that all the time must be a core staple of us. We’ve bought to ensure to place them in the best spots and profitable, and it’s not simply the entrance, it’s the again finish as nicely.”
Fill up
Brissett. The QB as soon as once more confirmed why he is thought of one of many NFL’s high backups. If Murray has to overlook one other recreation or two, it seems the offense is in good fingers.
“The starvation is there, the passion remains to be there,” Brissett mentioned. “There’s a whole lot of soccer left, and I believe the blokes perceive that. We’re not as far off because it appears.”
Inventory down
Murray. It is arduous to be essential of a man who did not even play, however Brissett’s efficiency was an eye-opener. Via Murray’s first 5 video games this season, the Cardinals’ passing offense ranked thirtieth within the NFL.
Accidents
Gannon did not have updates on Harrison (concussion), RB Emari Demercado (ankle) or TE Travis Vokolek (neck/concussion), all of whom have been damage in opposition to the Colts.
Key quantity
9 — The Cardinals have misplaced their final 4 video games by a mixed 9 factors.
Subsequent steps
The Cardinals host the Inexperienced Bay Packers on Sunday.
