Carson Beck raises eyebrows in Hall of Fame Game with controversy brewing
Carson Beck raises eyebrows in Hall of Fame Game with controversy brewing
Andrew GambleFri, August 7, 2026 at 3:14 AM UTC
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Carson Beck starred as the Cardinals fell to the Panthers on a walk-off touchdown -Credit:Getty Images
Carson Beck surprised fans around the NFL in his Arizona Cardinals debut during Thursday's Hall of Fame Game.
Selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Beck landed with the Cardinals, where he is expected to sit behind starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett. He signed a four-year, $7.4 million contract and has been enjoying his offseason and training camp so far.
Handed his opportunity to start by new head coach Mike LaFleur in the Hall of Fame Game against the Carolina Panthers in Canton, Ohio, Beck balled out in Arizona's 33-30 loss. He completed 15-of-19 passes, throwing for 188 yards and a touchdown to receiver Simi Fehoko.
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Beck played the opening two quarters and the first drive of the third, compiling a passer rating of 125.4. Ultimately, fans were delighted with what they saw from the rookie.
“He balled out! He will be a NFL starter at some point this year,” one user said. Another wrote: ”He will be the starter this season. If he can maintain this level of play. His ball placement tonight was 10/10.”
“Going 15 of 19 with a touchdown is impressive, but Beck’s poise throughout the debut stood out most,” added another. One more fan posted: “Can’t even lie he looked legit. Third and fourth stringers but legit.”
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“Proven winner and processor with the football. Matter of time until he overtakes career backup Jacoby whose record was 1-11 last year,” another wrote.
Others posted more praise, with one writing: “He’ll be a fantastic backup for the next 12 years.”
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Beck’s play suggested there could be a quarterback controversy coming in Arizona. However, some wanted to point out that the Hall of Fame game — the first preseason contest — is not the highest level of play.
“We’re at the time of year where casuals convince themselves every backup QB should be a starter because they’re watching them play against second and third string defenses,” one user posted.
Beck was taken out in favor of Kedon Slovis, who finished the rest of the game. 24-year-old Beck starred from the opening drive, operating the Cardinals' offense to precision as he made throws at the short, intermediate and deep levels of the field.
Beck was careful with the ball and overall looked strong on his debut, which also featured some pre-snap checks under center. The third-round pick was poised and confident, and led three scoring drives on four possessions.
With a fine debut under his belt, Beck is likely to see more action during the preseason, as quarterbacks ahead of him on the depth chart, such as Brissett and Gardner Minshew, will feature sparingly. If Beck continues to thrive, the Cardinals will have a quarterback controversy on their hands.
Source: “AOL Sports”
