The Arizona Cardinals have to do without Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins. But the perennial backup can be counted on.

Munich – At 35, you exude a certain composure. Even after some pretty impressive performances and wins. Almost twelve seasons in the NFL harden, loosen up.

Even when, like Colt McCoy, you’re not so blessed with big wins and games. He is a “Journeyman”, was drafted in the third round by the Cleveland Browns in 2010 and was a regular starter only in his first two years.

After that, the second tier was his home. From 2013 he played for the San Francisco 49ers, Washington, the New York Giants and since this season for the Arizona Cardinals.

And the “backup for life” is currently saving the Cardinals’ playoff bacon. The 23:13 at the Seattle Seahawks was the second win in the third game under McCoy as starter. He replaces the injured Kyler Murray, who thanks to McCoy can rest his ankle injury.

Colt McCoy: “It’s my responsibility “

The Cardinals also have a bye week in Week 12, after which McCoy will likely go back to doing what he’s done for most of his career – sit on the bench, wait and be there when needed.

“If I’m honest – it’s my responsibility,” McCoy said after the win then. “When my number is called, that’s my role”.

So it’s that simple?

Not quite, as McCoy hasn’t been known as a “hitter,” standing at eight wins and 22 losses as a starter before joining the Cards. In a total of 50 games, he threw for 7,139 yards, 33 touchdowns and 29 interceptions. Most recently against the Panthers (10:34) he had a very weak day, but now gave the right answer.

“Good teams bounce back from bitter losses,” McCoy said. “I didn’t know if I was going to be a part of that this week. I’m glad I was able to respond.”

Head coach Kliff Kingsbury is glad McCoy was able to handle the pressure, as the Cardinals remain the best team in the NFL with a 9-2 record, with the best chance of making the playoffs and a bye week in round one.

Kliff Kingsbury full of praise

“To be in his role and get two away wins in the division and play as efficiently as he did – you can’t ask for more,” praised Kingsbury, who highlighted McCoy’s leadership qualities. “The way he gives himself, that was fantastic. You can see the way the guys are playing, they have a lot of confidence when he comes into the game.”

McCoy completed 35 of his 44 passes for 328 yards in Seattle, also throwing for two touchdowns and finishing with a passer rating of 112.9. It was the veteran’s first 300-yard game since 2014.

It should not be forgotten that the Cardinals have also been missing wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who has been injured in the thigh, for three games – and thus McCoy is also missing an important starting station. Against the Seahawks, tight end Zach Ertz was McCoy’s preferred “weapon.”

“Colt is a great leader first and foremost,” Ertz praised. “He’s been in the league a long time, he understands the booth, he understands what the guys want and he’s seen it all. There’s nothing a defense can do that he hasn’t seen.”

That’s why the Cardinals drafted him. Because even though Murray is playing his third NFL season, the 24-year-old can still learn. McCoy, with his experience, should make sure of that, too.

McCoy as mentor for Kyler Murray

“He’s confident, he’s calm, nothing can rattle him. The last three weeks with him have been fun,” Ertz said. “Everyone knew what a great mentor he could be for Kyler, but he’s also a great football player.”

That’s another reason McCoy exudes a sense of calm.