Carson Beck will get his first NFL playing time as soon as possible
The Cardinals announced on Tuesday that Beck, the team’s third-round pick in April’s draft, will get the start at quarterback when they play the Panthers in the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio
“I had no clue I was going to start,” Beck said after Tuesday’s jog-through practice. “I thought I was going to play but I had no expectations. Obviously our schedule has been crazy right now. But I’m looking forward to it.”
Coach Mike LaFleur did not address the media on Tuesday. It’s unlikely starter Jacoby Brissett or backup Gardner Minshew II will play Thursday, although LaFleur has not discussed anyone’s playing status. Beck has improved through training camp thus far, but this will be different
“I want to see a clean operation and make the right play for the Cardinals in that time,” LaFleur said Monday about what quarterbacks need to show in the preseason.”
Beck echoed the notion, saying a good game for him against the Panthers would be having his eyes in the right spot and making the right reads
“It all starts with that position with calling the play,” offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett said. “Being comfortable with the play, make sure everyone is getting up to the line, great cadences, making sure all those little things are there. And then (making) smart, sound decisions.”
Since Brissett’s return to 11-on-11 work, Beck has been playing with the third unit. He has had some good throws and some bad in training camp, but ultimately, it would be difficult to fully evaluate his work at State Farm Stadium based on the stats
He acknowledged that when he analyzes his practice work, he doesn’t want to be “super result-oriented,” as cliché as that might be. As an example, if he had a pass play and the defense dropped into a zone, he wonders if he could fit a pass in down the field
“Well, now’s the time to try,” Beck said. “In the game, the checkdown will be open, but you’ll never know if you can make that throw or test things
LaFleur said Beck’s Sunday practice – the last practice before LaFleur spoke – was Beck’s best. The coach also said he was encouraged by the level being played by the second- and third-units. That’s important given that it will be those players on the field Thursday
Beck said he wouldn’t be nervous, noting that the last time he thought he was nervous for a game was when he was 8 playing for his Pop Warner city championship
“It’s a game at the end of the day,” Beck said. “Not really any nerves. More excitement than anything.”
That comes back to Beck’s age and experience, as a 24-year-old who was in college football for six seasons. He played in multiple high level college playoff games. A start in a preseason game, albeit one nationally televised, won’t faze him
“That’s one of the best things about him, all of his experience,” Hackett said. “His age, his understanding that things are going to go good, they are going to go bad. You can never get too excited, you can never get too frustrated.”
