Quarterback Clayton Tune and the Arizona Cardinals (1-7) are set to clash with the Cleveland Browns (4-3) at Cleveland Browns Stadium today at 11 a.m.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Since trading ex-Cardinal Josh Dobbs on Halloween, there was speculation as to if Tune would make his first NFL start of his career or Kyler Murray would make his 2023 season debut.
Now, it is official that Tune will be taking the first snap against Cleveland.
QB Clayton Tune will start for the first time in his career, Sunday in Cleveland! pic.twitter.com/7Pd8HDn5UM
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 4, 2023
As for Murray, he remains on the Physically Unable to Perform List (PUP) and quarterback Jeff Driskel was activated from Arizona’s practice squad to the main roster to backup Tune.
On the other hand, the Browns will have their star QB returning today in Deshaun Watson.
After missing three of the last four games for Cleveland with a shoulder injury, Watson will be under center against the Cardinals.
Since beating the Dallas Cowboys 28-16 on Sept. 24, Arizona are on a five-game losing streak.
In their latest battle, the Cardinals lost to the Baltimore Ravens 31-24 in Glendale on Oct. 29.
Even though the score does look close, Arizona had 17 of their points come in the last seven minutes of the game when it was pretty much over.
Furthermore, the Browns suffered a defeat of their own with a 24-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday.
With one QB making his first start of his career versus another who is returning from a serious injury, today’s clash consists of two teams trying to get back in the win column.
Here is all you need to know before Arizona goes to war with Cleveland:
History
All-time, the Cardinals have a record of 16-33-3 as a franchise against the Browns.
Previously, Arizona crushed Cleveland 37-14 on Oct. 17, 2021 when Murray threw 4 touchdowns and completed 20 out of 30 passes for 229 yards.
Players to Watch
With Zach Ertz on injured reserve with a quad injury and Blake Whiteheart inactive this week, Cardinals tight end Trey McBride started against the Ravens and scored his first touchdown of the season.
Overall, McBride has been the No. 1 TE for Arizona three times in 2023.
Additionally, McBride has recorded 25 receptions for 265 yards.
Look for Tune to target McBride when he can as Cardinals wide receiver Marquise Brown is always a player opposing defenses focus on.
In contrast, it will be interesting to see how Watson does when he makes a comeback for the Browns.
The six-year NFL quarterback has completed 66 out of 107 passes, thrown for 683 yards and connecting on four touchdowns.
Since leaving the Houston Texans as a three-time Pro Bowler, Watson hasn’t been able to get back to his superstar form due to an-11 game suspension for allegations of sexual misconduct.
Last season, Watson would play in six contests, racking up 99 passing completions for 1102 yards and adding 7 touchdowns.
Game Inactives
Cardinals:Â cornerback Kei’Trel Clark, wide receiver Michael Wilson, safety Qwuantrezz Knight, running back Emari Demercado, linebacker Jesse Luketa, offensive lineman Trystan Colon and tight end Blake Whiteheart.
Browns:Â cornerback Greg Newsome II, quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, wide receiver David Bell, defensive tackle Siaka Ika, defensive end Alex Wright and offensive tackle Leroy Watson.
Inactives vs. Cleveland pic.twitter.com/WEEG1zb8eD
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 5, 2023
our Week 9 inactives pic.twitter.com/hEJBoCUeFq
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 5, 2023
How to Watch
If you need the details of how to view the game, click this link here.
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Alec Cipollini is a journalist covering the Arizona Coyotes, Cardinals and Phoenix Rising for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account @AlecCipollini
