After Thursday night’s 45-10 thrashing at the hands of the visiting Denver Broncos, the Arizona Cardinals announced Friday morning that they are parting ways with offensive coordinator Mike McCoy. Quarterbacks coach Byron Leftwich has been promoted to the vacated role.
What proved to be McCoy’s ultimate demise was that Josh Rosen posted a total Quarterback Rating of 1.9 against the Broncos, the second worst number in the NFL this season besides Nathan Peterman (1.1) in Week 1. There was growing frustration in the front office that McCoy was perhaps overwhelming the rookie Rosen too early in his career. Additionally, the inability to get running back David Johnson more involved in the offense was also a contributing factor.
This marks the third time in 22 months McCoy has been delivered his walking papers. McCoy has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the San Diego Chargers and OC of the Broncos in that time frame.
Rosen struggled mightily against the Broncos’defense, throwing three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. In four starts this year, Rosen is averaging below 200 yards passing per game and has yet to throw multiple TD passes in the same game.
The Cardinals offensive personnel hasn’t been much help either. The aforementioned Johnson has been a shell of his breakout 2016 self. He is averaging below 50 yards per game rushing and has just 166 yards total receiving.
Future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald might finally be showing his age this season as well. He’s averaging just 36 yards per game receiving with only one touchdown. Rookie Christian Kirk has shown glimpses of potential star power but still continues to develop a rapport with his young signal caller.
Head Coach Steve Wilks is in his first season at the helm of the Cardinals, replacing the retired Bruce Arians. Wilks inherited Leftwich from Arians’ staff and the former nine-year NFL quarterback has ascended quickly up the coaching ladder. Leftwich began as a coaching intern in Arizona in 2016, then was named quarterbacks coach the following year. He will now be tasked with turning around one of the worst offenses in the NFL.