Former Chiefs Backup QB Named Starter In Arizona

The Kansas City Chiefs signed quarterback Gardner Minshew last season to back up Patrick Mahomes, and the hope was that Minshew would provide the heroics he was known for if Mahomes suffered an injury.

Mahomes did exactly that, but the heroics never happened, so the Chiefs moved on from Minshew and he signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Now he’s been named the starter in a remarkable development that shows what a mess the Cardinals are as they try to climb out of the basement of the NFC West. 

Minshew helped them do just that on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, as he was subbed in for starter Jacoby Brissett with 1:35 left in the third quarter and the Cardinals trailing 17-3, and Minshew proceeded to lead the Cardinals to four straight touchdowns, then a drive in overtime that produced a 33-30 Arizona win. 

It’s been called “Minshew Magic,” but the Chiefs certainly didn’t see any of it. Minshew was rushed into Kansas City’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers, and the quarterback could barely get the team lined up properly after Mahomes got hurt. 

The result was a 16-13 loss to the Chargers, and more futility followed. Minshew tore his ACL shortly after that, and the Chiefs were happy to move on from him. 

Now Minshew is once again resurrecting his career as a backup in a story line that’s all too familiar. The typical scenario is that Minshew steps in and produces some wins, and many are of the high-wire variety, featuring comebacks like the one he just authored against the Cowboys. 

This doesn’t last, however. Minshew doesn’t have a big arm, and he struggles to make deep throws and play with consistency. The bloom comes off the rose once opponents are able to scout him and see exactly who he’s relying on with specific throws, and that’s when the magic act ends. 

It’s entertaining when he happens, though, so Cardinals fans should enjoy this while they can. They haven’t had much to cheer about, although they are just a game behind the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks with their record currently at 3-5. 

As for the Chiefs, their backup QB situation is murky, but it doesn’t matter. They traded for Justin Fields, who had a poor camp, and there were rumors that he might be moved before the season. But the simple fact is that if Mahomes goes down again, no one is coming to save them, as their roster is built around Mahomes.