Sep 14, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) throws a pass against the New York Giants during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
I have to admit, I was a little surprised to hear Sunday morning that Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback Carson Palmer was going to be inactive with a nerve issue in his shoulder. I also worried a little bit about how Drew Stanton, who had not played in a regular season game since 2010, would react in a hostile environment in New York. It was the fear of the unknown.
If I had take a couple of moments to gather my thoughts, it should have been more in the line of thinking this should be fine. The Cards know what they have and have faith in Stanton to get the job done, we all should too. On Sunday, he did just that.
Stanton went 14-29 for 167 yards and no touchdowns but no interceptions either. He didn’t lose the game. He took the Cards down the field several times confidently. He had a connection with receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who for some reason the New York Giants allowed room to move around the field. Fitz fell one yard shy of getting his first touchdown of the season.
Remember, it was Stanton who was signed first before Palmer. For a short while, the Cards had Stanton pegged as their starter in 2013 before the trade for Palmer. Stanton plays with the same playbook that Palmer does. The Cards don’t limit types of plays Stanton can run.
Granted, Stanton wasn’t a world killer on Sunday but the Cards didn’t ask him to be. He managed the game and didn’t make many mistakes. Yes, he did hold onto the ball a little longer at times, which caused him to be sacked four times. However, coach Bruce Arians was not concerned when asked about it Monday. He chalked it up to Stanton trying to make his proper reads. Palmer has been known to do the same thing.
This Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, I would expect much of the same if Palmer can’t go. If that is the case, I’m fine with that and hopefully most Cards fans are as well. Remember, it doesn’t always have to be pretty. Just win baby.