Carson Beck debut grades: Cardinals rookie QB shines in flashy preseason start vs. Panthers

The Arizona Cardinals gave rookie third-round quarterback Carson Beck the start in Thursday night's Hall of Fame Game preseason opener against the Panthers. Although Beck has no shot to start over returning veteran Jacoby Brissett to begin the 2026 NFL regular season in Week 1, he continued to do everything he could to impress coach Mike LaFleur and the rest of the offensive staff.

With Brissett and veteran backup Gardner Minshew II not in action, Beck got plenty of work in Canton, Ohio. The No. 65 overall draft pick from Miami took full advantage of his first playing time since falling short against No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza and Indiana in January's College Football Playoff championship game.

Carson Beck's stats vs. Panthers

Passing: 15-for-19, 188 yards, TD, 0 INT, 9.9 yards per attempt, 125.4 passer rating

Rushing: 1 attempt, 4 yards

Beck got warmed up with some short passes and a run before getting a chance to let loose with his arm. By his team's second possession, Beck was fully settled in the shotgun, hitting a deep 35-yard strike to wide receiver Jalen Brooks along the right sideline. That was the spark for what ended up being a 13-play, 96-yard touchdown drive. In the end, his numbers made him look savvy rather than inexperienced, thanks to LaFleur's play-calling.

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Carson Beck NFL debut grade

What Beck did well

Beck showed complete command of LaFleur's offense, playing off his vast college experience executing top systems at both Georgia and Miami. He responded well as the team progressed to more aggressive passing, also delivering a longer bomb to Brooks for a 49-yard gain on the Cardinals' third drive.

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Soon after, Beck was able to change things up well in the red zone, throwing a well-placed touch pass on a short scoring fade to wide receiver Simi Fehoko. Beck made good decisions and lived up to his arm talent as a pocket passer. He also brought the energy and leadership that reflect what LaFleur, a 39-year-old rookie coach, is trying to install in Arizona.

Beck didn't need to play at all in the second half to embellish his performance, but he kept going with the crisp offensive flow while getting some extended action in the third quarter. Beck responded well on bootlegs and more downfield shots. Overall, he handled the whole playbook with great confidence.

Although giving Brissett a big salary bump in a new deal would suggest LaFleur is locked into him, Beck's performance should provide more fodder for the rookie seeing more significant starts once the Cardinals are out of playoff contention.

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MORE: Why Carson Beck transfered from Georgia to Miami in college

What Beck didn't do well

Beck didn't see a lot of pressure and complicated defense from Panthers' coordinator Ejiro Evero with that team playing a lineup full of backups. Known for getting the ball out quickly in college, he held the ball too long in taking a late second-quarter third-down sack.

Mendoza and Rams first-rounder Ty Simpson were the only quarterbacks picked ahead of Beck in April. Beck had to wait but a good situation came to him in Arizona, joining a QB room where he could compete early. His playing style seemed to be a good fit with LaFleur, the former Rams offensive coordinator and that has come to fruition.

There's not much more Beck could have done to put a bigger dent in the plans to start Brissett. Should Beck string together more such efficient and explosive work in the preseason, it's a good bet he will get a much longer look come midseason.

Grade: A+