Thoughts of Next Year’s Arizona Cardinals Team

Nov. 25, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Arizona Cardinals quarterback (14) Ryan Lindley throws a pass in the second half against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

I can’t help it, but after the Arizona Cardinals latest debacle against the St. Louis Rams, my thoughts have turned to next year’s team…specifically who will be the Cardinals starting quarterback in 2013.

I think we can pretty much rule out John Skelton — he’s had more than enough chances to prove he belongs as the Cardinals starter, and has failed the test.  Look for Skelton to play out the rest of the season on the bench, and the Cardinals to release him before the season begins next year.

Ryan Lindley? Well, it will be interesting to see whether Coach Whisenhunt continues to start Lindley and give him a few extra starts to see if he can improve, or goes back to Kevin Kolb for the last five games now that Kolb is relatively healthy again. Lindley looked sharp in the first half against the Rams, but completely fell apart in the second half, throwing four interceptions, two of them for touchdowns.

And if Kolb does start the last five games, and plays well, will the Cardinals keep this injury prone and erratic quarterback as their starter?

And if it’s not Lindley or Kolb, do the Cardinals try to draft a quarterback for the future, or gamble in the free agent market again?

Lots of unanswered questions, as you can see.  But these are the questions I’m asking myself now…and unfortunately not whether the Cardinals are going to win or lose their final five games.  I know it sounds crass, but I really don’t care.