The Arizona Cardinals have named Jacoby Brissett their starting quarterback for their Week 10 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, coach Jonathan Gannon announced Tuesday.

Brissett has filled in for starter Kyler Murray, who’s been out with a foot injury, and has been sharp.

He played well in close losses to the Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers and led the Cardinals to a win against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football. Brissett finished 21-of-31 for 261 yards and two touchdowns and also rushed for a score against Dallas.

Since Murray injured his foot Oct. 5, Gannon has said Murray would return to his job once he is completely healthy. He is in the second year of a massive five-year contract extension he signed in 2022.

Brissett, however, has outplayed Murray in recent weeks. In five games under Murray, the Cardinals averaged 20.6 points and 288.4 yards per game. In three under Brissett, they have averaged 25.7 points and 356.7 yards.

Gannon said he hasn’t ruled Murray out and explained his reasoning for naming Brissett the starter this early in the week.

“With the clarity that it provides game planning for our team, I think that’s important.”

Riding the hot hand

If the Cardinals are serious about winning this season, this was not just the right move, it was the only move. The offense has been better and more explosive with Brissett on the field. That’s been clear to everyone.

After Monday night’s win over Dallas, star tight end Trey McBride didn’t take a side in the QB debate, but he told ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt that “one thing that Jacoby does is he keeps us calm and he keeps us poised in the huddle. He really gives us confidence.”

Gannon’s announcement gives Murray time to heal his foot – which he injured Oct. 5 – and it lets Arizona ride the hot hand. It keeps the locker room happy. It quiets a restless fan base. It’s the best-case scenario.

But it’s also a short-term solution to a bigger Murray problem. Brissett’s three games as QB1, even with only one win, has always been more about Murray than about Brissett himself. Brissett has such poise. Brissett has great command. Why hasn’t Murray played with similar qualities?

The 28-year-old Murray is in the second year of a five-year, $230.5 million contract that he signed in 2022. Players carrying that kind of financial weight are not easily moved, but the Cardinals won’t have a choice this off-season. After seven mostly uninspired seasons with Murray, it’s time for them to move on. – Doug Haller, Cardinals beat writer