Drew Stanton Proves His Value To Arizona Cardinals
By Scott Allen
Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) runs with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 23-14. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
If there is a bright spot in quarterback Carson Palmer’s shoulder injury, it is the way quarterback Drew Stanton has played in his absence. Stanton, who did enough to not lose the game against the New York Giants, did more than enough to win the game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Stanton’s line against Giants: 14-29-167 no touchdowns, no interceptions
Stanton’s line against 49ers: 18-33-244 2 touchdowns, no interceptions.
Stanton has managed to not turn the ball over once in his two weeks of relief. He played like a starter on Sunday. I am not going to be the first and won’t be the last judging by the hot topic, I am here to tell you the job of starting quarterback is Carson Palmer’s and Carson Palmer’s alone. Period, end of story.
I scoured social media today and no doubt Stanton was getting much love and deservedly so. What I read though was suddenly a loss of memory as to what Carson Palmer is versus what everyone thinks Drew Stanton is. I saw one media post asking if Stanton should be the starter now. It was 100 percent for Stanton. One guy even said “Carson who?” Wow.
Palmer is more experienced as a starter. Palmer may throw interceptions but he still makes better throws. Palmer’s management of game is quicker. He is everything a coach wants in a starting quarterback. That’s not to say Stanton isn’t. However there is a reason why Stanton has been a backup the past four years since his last start in 2010 in Detroit.
Ladies and gentlemen, Stanton would not go the whole season without making mistakes. I saw comments that made it seem Stanton could do no wrong and Palmer no right and that’s just wrong. Stanton, like Palmer, is not perfect. All of this isn’t to say I wouldn’t be alright with Stanton for the remainder of the season if Palmer wasn’t healthy enough. What I am saying though is Palmer is the starter if healthy. Head coach Bruce Arians has said as much and confirmed it again on Monday. He even went as far to say that he thinks Palmer is on track to play in two weeks in Denver after next week’s bye.
So, for now, because if something does happen to Palmer health or performance later in the season, then we re-visit the discussion. Please don’t forget what Palmer meant to this franchise last season. He had a rough start but still led this team to a 10-6 record. Oh, and don’t forget the comeback he made in the second half against the San Diego Chargers to lead the Cards to victory in the opener. Don’t let a couple of nice wins cloud facts here. Palmer is the quarterback. Stanton is a very valuable backup. Now we know we have a backup we can count on and when and if the time comes, he’ll start and be just fine. Not now.