GLENDALE – One of the hardest learning curves for rookie quarterbacks is learning cadence, the Arizona Cardinals won’t seemingly don’t have that probably with Carson Beck. Many rookies come from a collegiate system that used non-verbal cadence like clapping. In the NFL, clapping for the QBs has some restrictions that makes it much harder to do without being penalized. That reason alone is why head coach Mike LaFleur is dialed in on pre-snap orientation and teaching cadence.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!LaFleur called cadence “a massive weapon” and sees it an underrated skill that Beck has a much better grasp on than other rookies. At 24 years old coming from pro-style programs like Georgia and Miami, he understands weaponizing cadence for his benefit.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Why the weapon of cadence is important:
“You can try to trick a defense or just kind of keeps them off balance. You can use cadence as a weapon. So obviously that’s something that I’m going to have to practice as I head into this, but I think it’ll be good,” Beck said “You can use that as a weapon if you can get good at it. So I’m excited to kind of dive into that a little bit more.”
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck (19) huddles with his teammates during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe. Syndication: Arizona Republic
LaFleur went deeper into the importance of it by highlighting the upper leg offenses have over the defense.
“That’s the advantage we have on offense is we know when it’s going to be snapped, but we have to be able to use that as a weapon,” LaFleur said. “We have to be able to change it up and do all the things.”
The first-year Cardinals coach highlighted Beck’s 43 collegiate games of experience by stating all the coverages he seen and different positions he played of whether under center, play action and much more. Many use the third-round pick’s age as a negative, not seeing any potential for him to grow. Regardless, Beck disagrees and believes that a player is constantly learning and improving in football.
May 8, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck (19) during rookie minicamp at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Whether its in game, practice or meetings, Beck is more advanced than other rookies because of his experience and not behind them. Being the quarterback of the program that was runner-up in the National Championship game and being a late Day 2 pick puts a chip on his shoulder. During all his early interviews with the franchise, Beck’s motivation to showcase his skills is widely apparent.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
