Arizona Cardinals QB Change Inevitable But Not Now
By Scott Allen
Oct 17, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
A few weeks ago, Arizona Cardinals fans were pushing the panic button and wanted to replace starting quarterback Carson Palmer. I defended him and said stay the course. No need to replace a quarterback on a team that was 2-2 at the time. Now, they are 3-4 and probably out of the NFC West division race after losing Thursday night 34-22 to the Seattle Seahawks. So, where do the Cards go from here?
Right now, I say you must stick with Palmer. You are paying him and I still believe he gives you the best chance to win. I will say this though, these next three games should dictate whether we see backup Drew Stanton or not. They have home games against the Atlanta Falcons and the Houston Texans, with a bye thrown in the middle, and then a road game at the Jacksonville Jaguars. If they can manage those three games and win and go 6-4, you can’t think about Stanton yet no matter how the Cards win. Now, go 1-2 or 0-3 in that stretch, bring Stanton on.
I just am not a believer in removing the starting quarterback, despite the numbers, despite the interceptions, not all his fault by the way, when your team still has a chance at winning a bunch of games. Do I think its possible to go 3-0 in this next stretch? Sure. Do I think it probable? No, not after what I saw last night.
Palmer isn’t the only issue. The offensive line was putrid, again. They allowed seven sacks of Palmer. The Cards couldn’t run the ball with anyone. Then you also have a receiver in Larry Fitzgerald who isn’t 100 percent. All that is on the offense. The key to the early wins was the Cards defense. Now, we can’t even count on them.
So, for now, you stick with Palmer. Many of you didn’t want him to start with but I see no better option the Cards had. He’s showing he isn’t the best quarterback for head coach Bruce Arians system. It is what it is though. The Cards are 3-4. They are on the brink of seeing the season go south. At 3-4 it’s not over yet but it sure looks headed in that direction.