Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Depth Chart
Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
He became a starter in a moments notice, and he helped the Cardinals make into the playoffs. With a 5-3 record in games Drew Stanton started, he did very well when the team needed him the most.
Stanton is a solid back-up quarterback, who knows Bruce Arians offense very well, and can come in within minutes if needed.
In the three starts Stanton made during Carson Palmer’s first absence, Stanton was able to beat the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers, while the he lost to the Denver Broncos. Stanton only had two touchdowns in those three games, but the running game began to pick up. Stanton suffered a concussion in the teams’ loss to the Broncos and third string quarterback Logan Thomas stepped in.
Thankfully for Cardinals fans Carson Palmer came back the following week, and Stanton was able to recover and slip back into the back-up role. That was until November 9th when Palmer tore his ACL in the 4th quarter. Stanton came in the preceding offensive drive, and helped to engineer the go-ahead touchdown and helped the Cardinals to win.
With Palmer out the remainder of the season, Stanton had to step up once again into the starting role. In the next five games that Stanton started, the Cardinals won three out of five. Stanton was average, but was able to get the points when needed. He had four touchdowns, while throwing five interceptions. After a very disappointing loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Stanton looked outstanding in his final two games against both the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Rams. He was able to get points when needed and keep the ball within the hands of the Cardinals.
Stanton got injured in the 4th quarter of his start against the Rams, just when it looked like the Cardinals would finally have a quarterback that was solid. Ryan Lindley came in and was able to complete a pass that put the Cardinals in field goal range, allowing them to win the game. Stanton never came back after his right knee injury, but looks to be completely healthy heading into training camp.
There is nothing that Drew Stanton can do to keep himself healthy, but the Cardinals beefed up their offensive line, to insure that the Cardinals do not repeat the 2014 season.
Stanton will hope he does not need to come into the game for the Cardinals, but if he has to he is a solid quarterback that can lead the team.