Cardinals QB Competition Officially Underway

TEMPE -- The Arizona Cardinals won't have Kyler Murray (PUP) or Colt McCoy (released) out on the field for their Week 1 opener in Washington. 

Rather, they'll decide between rookie fifth-round pick Clayton Tune and the newly acquired Josh Dobbs - who will have just two weeks to show what he can do at quarterback. 

Between those two and Jeff Driskel (who is expected to be brought back on the practice squad), Arizona's current room of healthy quarterbacks have yet to start and win a game in the league. 

It's a mystery as to who will get the nod ahead of opening day for Arizona, though both Tune and Dobbs bring interesting cases on their own accord. Tune has flashed strong athleticism and pocket presence while Dobbs knows OC Drew Petzing's system better than anybody on the roster thanks to their previous time together in Cleveland. 

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said he refuses to name a starter in the sake of "competitive advantage" ahead of their battle with the Commanders, though he did say it was a big week of practice for his team:

"Not just for the quarterbacks but for everybody. We're getting a lot of work done this week," Gannon said. 

"Practicing today. We got walk-thru tomorrow, but the mental reps and starting to get into some different things that we're going to try to go execute on game day - I got to make sure we rinse all those things. It's really just our chance for our guys to get a little bit better. I'm pleased where we're at right now with that week."

Dating back to the end of last season, the Cardinals will roll out their fifth different starting quarterback in six games:

Week 14: Kyler Murray

Week 15: Colt McCoy 

Week 16: Trace McSorley

Weeks 17+18: David Blough

When asked what he's looking for in his starting quarterback, Gannon replied: 

"Command, production and their ability to run the huddle and make plays. Operate in the way that we want to operate - that we have to operate - to give ourselves a chance to win," he said.

From an outsider's perspective, Dobbs might have the inside track due to his experience and knowledge of Petzing's system, though it wouldn't be surprising to see Arizona trot Tune out.

Gannon was asked if he felt Dobbs was prepared to be a starter: "Yeah, very. He went in there yesterday and operated accordingly"

When asked if he though Tune could be a starter? 

"I think he's ready to go."