The Jacksonville Jaguars dealt with a gauntlet before their BYE, but their schedule will get considerably easier in the second half of the season. Already, they got the news that they won't face quarterback C.J. Stroud when they play the Houston Texans, but he won't be the only starting signal-caller who'll miss a game against the Jags in the upcoming weeks.
Kyler Murray has been dealing with a foot sprain and has been out since Week 6, and because he still has a long way to go, the Arizona Cardinals decided to place him on Injured Reserve. The first overall pick in 2019 will miss at least four games, which means that he won't be available when the Cards face off against Jacksonville in Week 12, and Jacoby Brissett will get the starting nod.
The Jaguars won't have to worry about Kyler Murray when the Cards
Kyler Murray was questionable to play against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 10 but was ultimately ruled out. During his absence, Jacoby Brisset has played well, which is why Arizona isn't rushing Murray. Heck, you could make the case that the decision to place him on IR is a de facto benching, as questions about his future in the desert have already surfaced.
And that's the thing, Murray has shown that he can play at a high level, but hasn't been consistent enough to make you think that he's the face of the Cardinals. Couple that with the fact that he doesn't appear to mesh well with head coach Jonathan Gannon, and it's understandable why Arizona would be ready to move on from the eight-year veteran. But that's a discussion for another time.
For the time being, Murray will not play against the Jaguars, and that should have an impact in the outcome of the Cardinals matchup.
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The Jaguars will face Jaboby Brissett in Week 12
Even before the Cardinals put Kyler Murray on IR, they had named Jacoby Brissett the starter for Week 10. A third-round pick in 2016, he's played for the New England Patriots (twice), the Indianapolis Colts, the Washington Commanders, the Miami Dolphins, and the Cleveland Browns. Since taking over at quarterback this season, the former North Carolina State Bulldog has completed 65.8 percent of his throws for 860 yards with six touchdowns and one interception.
There's no doubt that Brissett is operating the Arizona offense well, but there's a reason he's a journeyman. He will come through when called upon but isn't the long-term answer behind center. Couple that with the fact that the Jags will have enough tape of him when they play the Cards, and they should be in a position to slow him down.
Now, the Jaguars cannot afford to take Arizona or any opponent lightly, but the fact that they won't have to worry about dealing with Kyler Murray in Week 12 will most definitely make things a bit easier and give them an edge.