Quarterback Jim McMahon was named by Buddy Ryan to start for the Arizona Cardinals in place of Steve Beuerlein this Sunday in Cleveland. The announcement made Wednesday marks the first quarterback change of the two-week season.
The 0-2 Cardinals are ranked 28th in offense and first in defense. McMahon replaced Beuerlein in the third quarter of last Sunday’s loss to the New York Giants. After the game, Ryan said Beuerlein would start against the Browns, then changed his mind after watching the video.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to play,” McMahon said. “I don’t think you can put all the blame on Steve Beuerlein for why we’re 0-2. That’s ridiculous. Steve made some good plays but unfortunately things aren’t working out right now. Unfortunately, I made some stupid mistakes I shouldn’t have made.”
The Cardinals are the fifth team McMahon has started for. He has won games for the Bears, Chargers, Eagles and Vikings.
“Jim will hopefully get us out of this tailspin,” Ryan said. “I looked at everything and I thought we have to do something to win some games.”
