Former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck made his NFL debut on Thursday night, putting together a performance that would have been difficult to script going any better. The quarterback finished the night 15/19 for 188 passing yards and a lone touchdown. One of the misses was a throwaway and another a clear drop, making the completion percentage far more impressive than it might appear at first glance. No question, Beck had a shockingly impressive debut, showing incredible poise and control over an offense that unquestionably didn't have its best playmakers on the field.
The flip side of this is pointing out that Beck wasn't playing Carolina's best defenders, but it remains an undeniably impressive performance. There were three plays that stood out as defining moments for Beck, with one moment coming when Arizona was in the shadow of their own goal line and working to flip the field.
The Georgia and Miami product dropped back in the pocket and threw a perfect strike down the left sideline to hit his open receiver and protect the pass catcher from taking too big of a blow. It was a glimpse at the arm talent Bulldog fans remember well, even if things didn't pan out as hoped during Beck's time with the Bulldogs.
Beck followed this up with an impressive touchdown drive, throwing a dot over the middle to a covered Jalen Brooks, putting the ball in the perfect spot where only his receiver could make a play. Fast forward a series later, and Beck led the Cardinals down the field yet again, throwing a perfect ball to the right corner of the end zone for his first career touchdown pass.
Former Georgia Bulldogs Quarterback Carson Beck Inviting Quarterback Debate
It is simply game one of a long preseason for the Cardinals, but it is fair to wonder if this starts an obvious quarterback debate. Jacoby Brissett or Gardner Minshew aren't giving you a chance to compete in what is a loaded NFC West. Arizona's only hope is that Beck can turn into a viable option at the position and push the franchise into surprise relevance.
Even in a meaningless game, the control that Beck had over the offense and the clear comfort level jumped off the screen. It is the type of performance that Georgia fans were begging to see from the talented quarterback during his time with the school.
While there is no denying that his time with Georgia will be looked at as a failure, this doesn't take away the ability or arm talent that showed up every play Beck took part in during Thursday's preseason opener. It will be interesting to watch from afar whether it is the start of a quarterback controversy and perhaps Beck carving a surprise path into the starting lineup.
There is still a long way to go for the signal caller, but it was undeniably impressive. The type of game that is going to catch league-wide attention at a time when fans are starved for football, and Beck's capable level of play stood out despite being surrounded by backups.
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