The Arizona Cardinals, a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, have had their fair share of notable quarterbacks throughout their history. From the early days of Jim Hart to the modern era of Kyler Murray, the Cardinals have seen a mix of talented and struggling quarterbacks. In this article, we’ll delve into the notable players, stats, and performances that have shaped the Cardinals’ quarterback position.
Early Years: Jim Hart (1966-1983) Jim Hart, often considered one of the greatest Cardinals quarterbacks of all time, played for the team from 1966 to 1983. During his tenure, Hart set numerous franchise records, including career passing yards (29,623) and touchdown passes (267). He led the Cardinals to three playoff appearances and was a four-time Pro Bowl selection. Hart’s consistency and durability earned him the reputation as one of the most reliable quarterbacks in Cardinals history.
The Neil Lomax Era (1981-1988) Neil Lomax, a first-round draft pick in 1981, played for the Cardinals from 1981 to 1988. Lomax held the franchise record for career passing yards (22,771) until Kurt Warner surpassed him in 2009. He led the Cardinals to two playoff appearances and was a two-time Pro Bowl selection. Lomax’s career was marked by his strong arm and ability to extend plays with his feet.
Kurt Warner (2005-2009) Kurt Warner, a Super Bowl champion and two-time NFL MVP, played for the Cardinals from 2005 to 2009. Warner led the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history, Super Bowl XLIII, where they ultimately lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his time with the Cardinals, Warner set multiple franchise records, including career passing yards (15,821) and touchdown passes (105). He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
The Carson Palmer Era (2013-2017) Carson Palmer, a former Heisman Trophy winner, played for the Cardinals from 2013 to 2017. Palmer led the Cardinals to two playoff appearances, including a trip to the NFC Championship game in 2015. He set multiple franchise records, including career passing yards (16,782) and touchdown passes (105). Palmer’s strong arm and ability to read defenses made him a valuable asset to the Cardinals’ offense.
The Kyler Murray Era (2019-Present) Kyler Murray, the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, has been the Cardinals’ starting quarterback since his rookie season. Murray has shown flashes of brilliance, including a strong arm and exceptional athleticism. He has led the Cardinals to multiple comeback victories and has set multiple franchise records for rookie quarterbacks. Murray’s potential and upside have Cardinals fans excited for the future of the franchise.
Notable Stats and Records Some notable stats and records for Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks include:
- Most career passing yards: Jim Hart (29,623)
- Most career touchdown passes: Jim Hart (267)
- Most career passer rating: Kurt Warner (95.5)
- Most career rushing yards by a quarterback: Kyler Murray (1,444)
- Most career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback: Kyler Murray (20)
FAQ Section
Who is the all-time leading passer in Arizona Cardinals history?
+Jim Hart is the all-time leading passer in Arizona Cardinals history, with 29,623 passing yards.
Who is the only quarterback in Arizona Cardinals history to lead the team to a Super Bowl appearance?
+Kurt Warner is the only quarterback in Arizona Cardinals history to lead the team to a Super Bowl appearance, which occurred in Super Bowl XLIII.
Who is the current starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals?
+Kyler Murray is the current starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, entering his fourth season with the team in 2022.
In conclusion, the Arizona Cardinals have had a mix of talented and struggling quarterbacks throughout their history. From Jim Hart to Kyler Murray, each quarterback has brought their unique strengths and weaknesses to the position. As the franchise continues to evolve, one thing is certain – the quarterback position will remain a crucial aspect of the Cardinals’ success.
