Logan Thomas solid in Arizona Cardinals’ preseason opener

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Logan Thomas entered this training camp the favorite to be the Arizona Cardinals’ No. 3 quarterback behind Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton, but he was in no way a lock to keep it.

Some uneven performances over the first two weeks of camp left some wondering if he would be able to hold off rookie Phillip Sims, but if his performance in Saturday night’s 34-19 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the preseason opener is any indication, the second-year pro out of Virginia Tech is well on his way.

Thomas completed 9-of-15 passes for 107 yards and one interception, though the pick came on a ball that bounced off of receiver Jaron Brown’s chest and into the hands of a defender. He also had what appeared to be a touchdown pass to Brittan Golden overturned after a replay.

Did Thomas have a great game? No, but it was a step in the right direction.

“Other than two plays where he had protection issues, I thought he played pretty solid,” Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said.

Thomas received the bulk of the work in the second and third quarters and also picked up 18 yards on four carries, including one 15-yard run that showed what kind of threat he can be on the ground.

“I feel alright,” Thomas said about his night. “Obviously I want to have a touchdown there. Had a couple good drives. I was really proud of how our offense played. Very physical and ran the ball really well.”

Thomas said he did not feel like he necessarily needed a night like this one. And to be fair, in last season’s preseason opener against Houston he completed 11-of-12 passes for 113 yards and one touchdown, so it’s not like he has never put together a good effort in a game.

But with the way his camp has gone, it was nice to see him play well in live game action. Thomas looked comfortable, moving around while keeping his eyes downfield looking for a receiver.

“He stood in the pocket and threw extremely well,” Arians said.

The key from here, Thomas said, is to build off this performance and stack good days together. He said he’ll leave this one thinking about the things he could have done to make it a great game, but otherwise felt confident and comfortable in putting the ball where he wanted to.

Maybe it’s just one game, and a preseason one at that. Or, it’s possible he is a young quarterback who is slowly improving at his craft. Time will be the real judge, but one preseason game into the schedule, Thomas’ arrow seems to be angled in an upward trajectory.

“The second year from your first year is supposed to be the biggest jump,” Thomas said. “And I feel a lot better, especially within the offense in understanding what B.A. is looking for.”

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