What to expect from Josh Rosen going forward

The Arizona Cardinals won their second game of the season thanks in large part to Josh Rosen

With quarterback Josh Rosen and the Arizona Cardinals down 15-3 to start the fourth quarter, many fans ruled out a comeback against the San Francisco 49ers. After seven weeks of watching the offense struggle to move the ball, who could blame them?

However, new offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich made the right calls at the right time, Josh Rosen made the right reads, and the entire team learned to execute at the same time. There was a different air around this team that quarter, and they pulled out an 18-15 win over their rival San Francisco.

Arizona may have found a groove under their new play caller. Watching Arizona in that fourth quarter, you saw some characteristics of what Bruce Arians ran.

Admittedly the other three-quarters were a disappointment. Only three points, an offense struggling to move the ball, it was reminiscent of Mike McCoy. The offense looked more creative, definitely, but their execution was lacking still.

Can we expect that same offense moving forward? Or are we looking at a Chicago Bears first quarter?

Looking at the remainder of the teams schedule, they have an opportunity to build momentum for 2019. Take a look:

@Kansas City (25.1 PPG)
Oakland (31.5 PPG)
@ Los Angeles Chargers (22.5 PPG)
@ Green Bay (25.5 PPG)
Detroit (26.2 PPG)
@ Atlanta (28.2 PPG)
Los Angeles Rams (22.2 PPG)
@ Seattle (19.5 PPG)

The toughest scoring defense the Cardinals will play is the Seahawks in Seattle.  They currently give up the 27th fewest points, at 19.5 points per game. The Raiders will be the easiest Defense to go against allowing a huge 31.5 PPG, second most in the NFL.

This offense will have its struggles, keep in mind, they have yet to surpass 20 offensive points this season. But with a new offensive coordinator, against some of the more vulnerable scoring defenses, there is an opportunity.

Don’t think this team will instantly be able to go toe to toe against some of the higher scoring teams like Kansas City or Los Angeles. Rosen has managed to keep games close.

Since taking the helm, the Cardinals sit -19 in point differential, a far cry from the -47 the team saw through three games. This is in part to the Defense improving, and finding good play from guys like Deone Bucannon and Haason Reddick.

But there is no denying the effect that Rosen has had on this team. There is an air of confidence that exudes from the 21-year-old on the field and during press conferences.

He did not waver when faced with a 12 point fourth quarter deficit, and ultimately lead his team to victory. Rosen will not set the world on fire down the stretch. He won’t play himself into Rookie of the Year contention.

What Rosen will do is continue to keep his team in games. He won’t blow up and toss 20 touchdowns. In fact, I would be shocked if he tops 10.

But Rosen will continue to develop a rapport with his receivers. He and Kirk will find the end zone a few more times before the season is up.

He will continue to take his lumps, and that’s fine. That fourth quarter comeback will give him confidence, give him that “I can do this” mentality going forward. If there was any doubt after Denver, it was erased against San Francisco.

Rosen and this young unit have plenty of things to work out, but with the teams franchise quarterback, fans have a lot to be hopeful for.