Arizona Cardinals: A Current Look at the QB’s

Jun 10, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks Carson Palmer (left) and Drew Stanton throw during mini camp at the teams Tempe training facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks have been, are, and will always be scrutinized by fans and experts.  Why?  Because they are the Arizona Cardinals.  Yes, the Cards need a franchise quarterback but that person does not have to play in 2014 or even 2015 for the Cards to be successful.  Let’s take a look at who is currently on the roster at the quarterback position.

Carson Palmer – Yes, he is sometimes erratic.  Yes, he will make you tear your hair out sometimes.  Outside of the top four or five quarterbacks in the NFL though, who doesn’t?  Many people, not myself included, were ready to yank him after sub par performances in Tampa Bay and New Orelans.  He is going to throw his interceptions.  That’s who he is.  He will also throw some amazing passes that make up for his mistakes though.  Look at the game in Seattle last season.  He throws four, count them, four first-half interceptions.  What happens?  He wins.  Yes, defense was phenomenal and they wouldn’t have won without them but how did they win?  By scoring on offense.  That amazing fourth-quarter pass to Michael Floyd was something else.  The man will make plays.  Say what you want.  He’s not Tom Brady but he isn’t John Skelton either.  Unless he falls to injury, he is your 2014 starter.

Drew Stanton – The man has not complained, at least publicly, one bit about his situation.  Initially brought in to compete for the starting job in 2013, once Palmer was signed, he was the number two guy.  He played alright in the preseason in 2013 and I would look for him to get most of his 2014 reps there as well.  He is a decent fall back guy though if something happens to Palmer.

Logan Thomas – You have to think he will end up being the number three guy on the depth chart.  Yes, he’s raw.  He has an arm though.  I don’t think the Cards would have drafted him if they didn’t think he could come right in and compete for the second or third spot on the depth chart.  He should be the number three guy in 2014 though.  We’ll see how it pans out.

Ryan Lindley – Unfortunately this man’s time in a Cards uniform is probably coming to end this August.  I think there is a spot somewhere in the NFL for him but I don’t think it’ll end up being in Arizona.  He’ll compete for the third spot but I can’t see the Cards keeping him unless somehow the Cards shock us all and decide to keep four quarterbacks.  That won’t happen though as coach Bruce Arians has previously said they could get away with just two guys.