Cardinals backup quarterback Drew Stanton makes most of preseason opportunity

Make no mistake, there is no quarterback competition when it comes to the Arizona Cardinals these days.

Carson Palmer, who went 4-of-6 for 77 yards and a touchdown Friday night, will be the Week 1 starter regardless of what transpires — outside of an injury — during the preseason.

But backup Drew Stanton’s performance in the Cardinals’ preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers was still impressive in its own right.

While he was going up against Mike McCarthy’s second-team defense, the 29-year-old looked comfortable both in the pocket and outside it.

On his first series, Stanton led Arizona on an eight-play, 52-yard drive highlighted by a beautiful 36-yard connection with Charles Hawkins and a one-yard touchdown strike to Jalen Brown.

In all, Stanton played four offensive series and went 8-of-14 for 107 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed the ball twice for eight yards.

Stanton, who is now with his fourth NFL team, signed a three-year, $8.2 million contract with the Cardinals back in March 2013.