Arizona Cardinals Jacoby Brissett is an Absentee QB1: Does it Really Matter?

Alex Clancy and Donnie Druin engage in an in-depth discussion about the Arizona Cardinals’ ongoing quarterback dilemma and the team’s offensive outlook for 2026. With the team’s QB1—Jacoby Brissett—still unaccounted for at camp, the two consider whether his absence truly impacts the Cardinals’ offense and if Gardner Minshew or Carson Beck could capably run the system. They weigh the merits and limitations of each quarterback, noting Brissett’s competence and efficiency, but questioning his ceiling as a franchise leader. Delving into the team’s contract negotiations, Alex Clancy and Donnie Druin speculate on Brissett’s demands—potentially seeking assurances and a pay bump into 2027—and the organization's urgency to resolve the quarterback situation prior to training camp. Both agree that 2027 is not the Cardinals’ immediate concern, and debate whether Brissett has legitimate leverage given the team’s current options. The conversation pivots to new offensive coordinator Michael LaFleur, with both hosts optimistic that he could unlock the full potential of the offense. They discuss how LaFleur’s background with creative, quarterback-friendly schemes, combined with an influx of skill position talent, could elevate Arizona even with a mid-tier quarterback. Citing similarities with recent successful systems, Alex Clancy and Donnie Druin project that the scheme’s design will ease the learning curve and mask potential shortcomings under center. Attention then turns to the backfield, centering on rookie Jeremiyah Love and the new dynamics he introduces given his unique speed profile. They analyze Love’s potential usage, debating whether he might be primarily a decoy or emerge as a key offensive weapon. They also consider the committee approach likely to be used in the run game, with Tyler Allgeier and James Conner sharing touches, and caution fans not to expect a traditional workhorse role for the rookie. Throughout, the hosts underscore the importance of offensive innovation, adaptability, and long-term planning for Arizona. They close the episode highlighting the franchise’s renewed excitement on offense, anticipation for training camp developments, and an optimistic—though realistic—view of the Cardinals’ 2026 prospects. Let's discuss.   Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)     Find and follow Locked On Cardinals on your favorite podcast platforms:     Apple https://apple.co/3gzT6Pg Spotify https://spoti.fi/3wsOL7a Audacy https://bit.ly/3xdaqjU Stitcher https://bit.ly/3cFWffn Google https://buff.ly/2yH7WOl Megaphone https://bit.ly/2RUBlC5 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.