Early Years: Pre-NFL Era
Before the NFL was formed, the Arizona Cardinals were known simply as the Chicago Cardinals. The team played in various leagues, and the quarterback position was less formalized, with players often switching roles.
Notable Early Quarterbacks
- Paul Christman (1945-1949): One of the first notable quarterbacks for the Cardinals, Christman had a unique playing style that allowed him to flourish in a less structured league.
- Charley Johnson (1959-1966): Johnson was a standout during his time with the Cardinals, known for his strong arm and ability to read defenses.
Transition to the NFL
With the formation of the NFL in 1920, the Cardinals joined the ranks of professional football teams. However, it wasn't until the late 1950s and early 1960s that the franchise began to find stability at the quarterback position.
Key Figures in the 1960s
- Y.A. Tittle: Although Tittle is better known for his time with the New York Giants, he briefly played for the Cardinals, showcasing his skills as a quarterback.
- Jim Hart (1966-1976): Hart became the face of the franchise and is often regarded as one of the greatest Cardinals quarterbacks of all time. He led the team to multiple playoff appearances and was known for his leadership and poise.
The 1980s and 1990s: Struggles and Changes
The Cardinals faced significant struggles in the 1980s and 1990s, both on and off the field. The quarterback position saw numerous changes as the team searched for a long-term solution.
Quarterback Carousel
- Neil Lomax (1981-1992): Lomax emerged as a bright spot in an otherwise tumultuous decade. He was known for his strong arm and ability to make plays under pressure.
- Chris Chandler (1997): Chandler had a brief stint with the Cardinals before moving on to greater success with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Move to Arizona and New Beginnings
In 1988, the Cardinals relocated from St. Louis to Phoenix, marking a new era for the franchise. The transition was challenging, and the team continued to struggle in the quarterback department.
Emergence of Young Talent
- Jake Plummer (1997-2002): Plummer became a fan favorite in Arizona, known for his athleticism and improvisational skills. He had several memorable moments, leading the team to the playoffs in 1998.
- Josh McCown (2002-2005): McCown showed flashes of potential during his time with the Cardinals but was unable to secure a long-term starting position.
The Kurt Warner Era
The most significant turning point in Arizona Cardinals quarterback history came with the arrival of Kurt Warner in 2005. Warner's impact on the franchise was monumental, leading to unprecedented success.
Kurt Warner's Contributions
- Super Bowl Run: Warner led the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl appearance in 2009, where they faced the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although the team lost in a thrilling game, Warner's performance solidified his legacy.
- Record-Setting Seasons: Warner set numerous franchise records during his time in Arizona, including single-season touchdown passes and passing yards.
The Post-Warner Era
After Warner's retirement in 2010, the Cardinals struggled to find a suitable successor, once again entering a phase of uncertainty at the quarterback position.
Searching for Stability
- Kevin Kolb (2011-2012): Acquired in a trade, Kolb was expected to be the answer but ultimately struggled with injuries and inconsistent play.
- Carson Palmer (2013-2017): Palmer rejuvenated his career with the Cardinals, leading the team to a 13-3 record in 2015 and earning Pro Bowl selections. His veteran presence provided much-needed stability.
Recent Developments: The Kyler Murray Era
In 2019, the Cardinals drafted Kyler Murray first overall, signaling a new chapter in the team's quarterback history. Murray's dual-threat ability and dynamic play style have captivated fans and brought renewed hope to the franchise.
Kyler Murray's Impact
- Rookie of the Year: Murray won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2019, demonstrating his immediate impact in the league.
- Pro Bowl Selections: Murray has been selected to the Pro Bowl, showcasing his talents and potential as a franchise quarterback.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While the Cardinals have experienced success with Murray, challenges remain. Injuries and team performance have raised questions about the long-term trajectory of the franchise.
Looking Ahead
- Quarterback Development: The Cardinals must continue to develop talent around Murray, focusing on offensive line improvements and skill position depth.
- Coaching Stability: Consistency in coaching staff will be crucial for Murray's continued growth as a quarterback.
Conclusion
The Arizona Cardinals quarterback history is a rich tapestry woven with moments of brilliance and struggles. From early pioneers like Jim Hart to the transformative impact of Kurt Warner and the current promise of Kyler Murray, the franchise has seen a wide array of talents at the most critical position on the field. As the Cardinals look to the future, the lessons learned from their past will undoubtedly guide their pursuit of sustained success in the NFL. With a mix of historical context and the current trajectory, the story of the Cardinals' quarterbacks continues to evolve, promising more excitement for fans in years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals after the team moved to Arizona?
The first starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals after the team moved to Arizona in 1988 was Neil Lomax.
Which Arizona Cardinals quarterback led the team to its first Super Bowl appearance?
Kurt Warner led the Arizona Cardinals to their first Super Bowl appearance in the 2008 season.
What notable achievement does Carson Palmer have in his time with the Arizona Cardinals?
Carson Palmer was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2015 while playing for the Arizona Cardinals.
Who holds the franchise record for most passing touchdowns in a single season for the Arizona Cardinals?
Kurt Warner holds the franchise record for most passing touchdowns in a single season, throwing 30 touchdowns in 2005.
Which quarterback was the first to start for the Arizona Cardinals in a playoff game?
The first quarterback to start for the Arizona Cardinals in a playoff game was Jim Hart in 1974.
What impact did Josh Rosen have during his rookie season with the Arizona Cardinals?
Josh Rosen started 13 games during his rookie season in 2018, finishing with 2,278 passing yards and 11 touchdowns.
Who was the Arizona Cardinals quarterback during their last playoff victory before 2021?
Kurt Warner was the quarterback during the Arizona Cardinals' last playoff victory before 2021, which occurred in the 2009 NFC Championship.
Which quarterback was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft?
Kyler Murray was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals as the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
What is significant about the Arizona Cardinals' quarterback situation in the 2022 season?
In the 2022 season, Kyler Murray suffered a torn ACL, which significantly impacted the team's performance and led to a search for depth at the quarterback position.
