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5 players the Arizona Cardinals can’t afford to lose

By Scott Allen

Jul 29, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) calls signals at the line of scrimmage during training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) calls signals at the line of scrimmage during training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) attempts a pass against the St. Louis Rams during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) attempts a pass against the St. Louis Rams during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Drew Stanton

We saw the value of Stanton two seasons ago in 2014 with the injuries starter Carson Palmer had in the beginning of that season with his shoulder and then later with his torn ACL.  Luckily Stanton only had to play in clean-up situations last season.

We saw what happened when Stanton himself went down at the end of 2014.  They were left with a third-stringer with very little experience and not much talent.

If Palmer goes down and then if something were to happen to Stanton, the Cardinals are left with either Matt Barkley or Jake Coker.  Barkley was the third-stringer last season in Arizona but there are still many doubts about his arm strength.

As for Coker he is an unknown.  We know what he was able to do in college at Alabama, but this isn’t Alabama.  Coker could win the third-string job in camp but he is still a year or two away from being able to be second-string.

Stanton also wants the starting job after Palmer leaves.  If anything major were to happen to Stanton, those plans could go by the wayside as well.

Next: RIP Super Bowl plans?

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