Birdgang MVP – Arizona Cardinals Regular Season Week 3
By Tony Burgess
Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) runs with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 23-14. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Once again, the Arizona Cardinals came out on top in their week 3 game against the San Francisco 49ers bringing the Cards’ record to 3-0. For half the game, it was all about defense for both sides. For another half of the game, it was all about the long ball in the passing game.
At halftime, it was difficult to figure out who would end up becoming our Birdgang MVP of the week because no specific player was truly standing out at that point. The only thing the Cards had going for them was their solid defense like they have been showing the entire season.
When the 2nd half of the game came around, though, things changed and, for the Cardinals, it was for the better. The Cards opened up the passing game much more giving quarterback, Drew Stanton, the opportunity to show what he is made of.
Stanton would accept the challenge and he would perform with absolute poise and confidence. This is why Stanton is our Birdgang MVP of week 3.
Stanton would get all of his receivers involved as he would throw to 6 different receivers throughout the game. Stanton would also make big plays of 45, 24,24,22 yards all in the 2nd half of the game to bring the Cardinals back from a first half deficit.
What would be most impressive about Stanton would be he toughness after taking many big hits including roughing the passer penalties. Despite the intense pressure right next to him, Stanton was able to not only many nice passes but he was able to throw deep passes with ease. Stanton just looked confident out there.
We do have to give an honorable mention to free safety, Tony Jefferson, who had an impressive game of his own. Jefferson was able to lead the team in tackles with 10 and record a big sack on 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, late in the game.
While watching the broadcast of the game yesterday, the announcers started to hype up Drew Stanton saying there may be a quarterback controversy in Arizona. I am not sure if that would actually be the case or not but, regardless of who has been at the quarterback helm, the team has gone undefeated in 2014 thus far. We shall see how this plays out in the coming weeks.