In a surprising turn of events, the Arizona Cardinals have announced that rookie fifth-round pick Clayton Tune will be making his first NFL start this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. This decision comes after the Cardinals traded their starting quarterback Joshua Dobbs to the Minnesota Vikings and signed Jeff Driskel to the practice squad. With the future of Kyler Murray still uncertain due to his ACL tear, the organization is putting their faith in Tune to lead the team to victory.
Clayton Tune, 24, has had limited playing time this season, with just one snap in Week 7 on a fake punt in Seattle. During that play, he completed his only pass for a modest gain of 4 yards. However, Tune has shown promise during practice and in the preseason, where he completed 34 of 59 passes for 353 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. Despite the limited game time, Tune has noticed the increased speed and intensity of the NFL compared to college football, which has prepared him for the challenges ahead.
Learning from Experience
Throughout his football career, Tune has developed a cool, calm, and collected demeanor on the field. This mentality was instilled in him by his former coaches, who emphasized the importance of not showing extreme emotions to his teammates. Keeping a level head will be essential for Tune as he faces the pressures of being an NFL starting quarterback for the first time.
One of the key aspects Tune recognizes is the need to make quick and smart decisions on the field. With the faster pace of the regular season and the heightened energy from players, Tune understands the importance of not hesitating and seizing opportunities as they arise. This ability to make split-second decisions will be crucial in determining his success as a starting quarterback.
A Team Effort
While the decision to start Tune ultimately falls on Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon, he has made it clear that it is an organizational decision that involves other key figures. General manager Monti Ossenfort, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, and even team owner Michael Bidwill are all kept in the loop and have a say in Murray’s return from his ACL tear. This collaborative approach highlights the importance of having a unified vision for the team’s success.
The Arizona Cardinals’ decision to start rookie Clayton Tune is a bold move that reflects their confidence in his abilities. With the uncertainty surrounding Kyler Murray’s return, Tune has the opportunity to prove himself as a capable starting quarterback in the NFL. While he may be relatively inexperienced, his calm demeanor, quick decision-making, and the support of the entire organization will likely contribute to his success on Sunday. As Tune takes the field against the Cleveland Browns, all eyes will be on him, waiting to see if he can rise to the occasion and lead the Cardinals to victory. Only time will tell if Tune’s performance will exceed expectations and solidify his place as a rising star in the NFL.
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