In short: The Cardinals enter Season 2 with three quarterbacks competing for the job, but 21-year-old rookie Zack Blackburn offers the most interesting long-term option. With 95 Throw Power, solid accuracy, and strong pocket traits, he should get the QB1 opportunity.
The Three-QB Battle
Don't choose Arizona's starter based purely on Overall Rating.
Carson Beck finished last season with 22 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. His late-season improvement is encouraging, but his slower passing rhythm makes him better suited as a backup for now.
Justin Fields is only a 72 OVR, but his athleticism completely changes how the offense plays. With 91 Throw Power, 91 Speed, 95 Acceleration, and 90 Agility, Fields can escape pressure and turn potential sacks into positive rushing plays.
Then there's Zack Blackburn.
The 21-year-old, 6'4", 224-pound second-round rookie has 95 Throw Power, with 78 Deep Accuracy, 76 Medium Accuracy, and 75 Short Accuracy. His 76 Speed isn't impressive, but his release, pocket control, and deep-ball potential make him an intriguing passer.
In the preseason, Blackburn completed 16 of 23 passes for three touchdowns, showing enough consistency to earn the starting job.
For this roster setup, the recommended depth chart is Blackburn at QB1, Beck as the backup, and Fields as QB3.
Skill Points to Prioritize
Blackburn should invest heavily in Field General early. Improving overall accuracy helps turn his powerful arm into a more reliable weapon instead of creating unnecessary turnovers.
Cam Metaf should focus on Deep Threat, while improving Catching, Catch in Traffic, and Spectacular Catch to address his preseason drops.
On defense, Devin Stewart has 90 Speed and is a strong user-controlled linebacker candidate. Investing in Pass Defense can make him even more useful.
For the offensive line, keep developing Josh Trevino through Pass Protector to give Blackburn a cleaner pocket.
If you want to accelerate roster development, buy Madden 27 coins can help reduce the resource grind and get key upgrades online faster. That lets you spend more time testing Blackburn's offense instead of waiting on every upgrade.
Fix the Roster Around Blackburn
Arizona's biggest roster needs are offensive-line depth and defensive-front depth.
George Fant and Aaron Banks can provide additional offensive-line rotation, while Andrew Billings adds depth at defensive tackle.
For RB3, prioritize speed. Ty Chandler brings 92 Speed and 95 Acceleration, making him useful for rotation work and return duties.
During preseason cuts, don't simply remove players based on Overall. Wide receivers without speed, reliable hands, or a clear role should be moved to the practice squad.
Taylor Demerson can also become trade capital if the free safety room is already crowded.
With Blackburn, Musgrave, Kendrick Bourne, and Metaf forming the foundation of the passing game, Arizona has a clear identity heading into Season 2. If you're building the roster quickly, cheap Mut 27 coins can also help speed up resource-heavy roster upgrades and player development.
Quick Takeaways
QB1: Zack Blackburn
QB2: Carson Beck
QB3: Justin Fields
Prioritize Blackburn's Field General progression.
Upgrade Metaf through Deep Threat.
Add offensive-line and defensive-front depth.
Look for speed at RB3.
Don't make roster cuts based only on Overall Rating.
