Arizona Cardinals have the most stable QB situation in the NFC West
By Jim Koch
The Arizona Cardinals are the only team in the NFC West that appears to have no major question marks at the quarterback position.
Many fans of the Arizona Cardinals breathed a huge sigh of relief when the club signed Kyler Murray to a $230.5 million contract extension. After months of haggling between the organization and it’s star passer, the two sides finally reached an agreement that will keep Murray in the desert through the 2028 season.
Sure, Murray has his detractors. Many of the franchise’s observers, including yours truly, have had issues with the 25-year old’s small stature and questionable ability to lead. In spite of the pessimists, Murray has already been to two Pro Bowls and won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
While Murray could be considered a strength of the Cardinals heading into the 2022 campaign, the rest of the NFC West has major question marks at the position. The pronounced deficiencies among the signal-callers of the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks could work to defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s benefit this coming fall.
It would not be outlandish to think, in fact, that the Arizona Cardinals have the most stable quarterback situation in the division at the current time. Let’s check out the NFC West’s quarterback situation.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback situation vs the NFC West: Los Angeles Rams- Matt Stafford/John Wolford
The Los Angeles Rams had high hopes when they acquired Matt Stafford back in March of 2021, and the talented passer delivered in a big way. In his 17 starts last fall, the 13-year professional threw for 4,886 yards and 41 touchdowns while leading the Rams to their first Super Bowl championship in 22 years.
A potential roadblock, however, could put a stranglehood on the club’s chances of repeating. It’s being reported that Stafford is dealing with “bad” tendinitis in the elbow of his throwing arm. A procedure that was designed to manage the issue was performed, but wasn’t entirely successful.
Los Angeles is putting on a good face in regards to the problem, but a loss of velocity on Stafford’s passes has to be a concern for head coach Sean McVay and his staff going forward. A prolonged amount of missed time for the 6 foot 3, 220 pound Stafford could help the Cards in their quest to overtake the Rams for the division title.
Backup John Wolford has just one start on his pro resume which, oddly enough, came against the Redbirds back in 2020. The “Red Sea” can only hope that the bum elbow that is ailing Stafford will hinder the veteran’s effectiveness over the next several months.