The Arizona Cardinals offensive linemen have their work cut out for them with a pair of injury-prone quarterbacks to protect
The Arizona Cardinals’ highly-publicized quarterback quandary was finally addressed this offseason. Josh Rosen was drafted in late April to lead the franchise into the future. Free agent Sam Bradford was signed back in March, and will be the club’s starter until the youngster is ready to take the reigns.
A situation that was a major concern just a couple of months ago has worked out just fine. The Cardinals went from having zero signal-callers under contract before free agency began to an almost perfect scenario. Question marks do exist, however.
The concerns have to do with the injury histories of the two. Both have had to miss games, Rosen at the college level and Bradford as a pro. A fact that places added pressure on the Cards’ revamped offensive line.
With the addition of a new coaching staff for Arizona, comes a new offensive line teacher. Ray Brown, who is perhaps 2018’s most important assistant, has a whole new set of pupils in the desert. The 55-year old has taught the position since 2008, for teams such as the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers and Carolina Panthers.
Brown inherits some experienced starters with the Cardinals. Guards Mike Iupati and Justin Pugh have 167 starts in the NFL between them. Right tackle Andre Smith has 85 to his credit, while center A.Q. Shipley has 54 on his resume.
The least-experienced protector of the starting five is left tackle D. J. Humphries. Injuries and what was basically a red-shirted rookie campaign have limited the 2015 first-round draft pick to 18 starts. Having Humphries manning the blindside is a bit concerning. Nevertheless, it appears as if the Cards are prepared to sink or swim with the 6’5″, 307 pounder.
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Arizona’s offensive line certainly has their work cut out for them. The fragility of Bradford and Rosen undoubtedly adds to the responsibility. Keeping both quarterbacks healthy will be key if the Cardinals plan on returning to the postseason any time soon.