ARIZONA CARDINALS

Kurt Warner: Drew Stanton’s fearlessness separates him from other backup QBs

Nov 21, 2014, 10:04 PM | Updated: 10:04 pm

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No one expected the Arizona Cardinals to have a 9-1 record while losing their starting quarterback for the rest of the season.

Former Cardinals star Kurt Warner said backup quarterback Drew Stanton is a big reason for the team’s great success.

“I think the thing that I love about Drew is that, when you watch a lot of backup quarterbacks come into play in this league, you see a lot of guys that are only trying to manage the game,” Warner told Doug and Wolf on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Friday. “They’re guys that are just trying not to make a mistake, but they don’t give you that added extra that you have to have at that position. What I love about Drew is that he’s come in firing. He’s come in not afraid to make plays down the field, and that means you’re not afraid to makes mistakes.”

After Carson Palmer’s season-ending ACL tear November 9 against the St. Louis Rams, Stanton became the Cardinals’ number one quarterback.

Stanton led the team in a 31-14 comeback victory over the Rams, and followed it up with a 14-6 win against the Lions last Sunday. Stanton had 306 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions versus Detroit.

“Is he as solid as maybe a Carson (Palmer) across the board, and maybe as accurate?” Warner said. “I don’t think so…

“You need two or three big, game-changing throws, and he’s come in and that’s what he’s given them. That’s exactly what he’s done. He’s not afraid to make those throws and make those attempts.”

Stanton’s two interceptions last Sunday were the first he’s thrown in five games this season. He has five touchdowns and completion rate of 53.6 percent.

Warner said it’s been fun to watch the Cardinals have so much success and be able to close out games this year.

“You’re going to be in a lot of close games. Can you find a way, or do you have the players that can change the complexion of a game at the end of the game? And that’s what this team has done. It’s been fun to watch because it’s been different guys every week. They’ve asked different guys to do it, and different guys have stepped up, and it reminds me a little bit of that run we went on to get to the Super Bowl.”

A large part of Arizona’s ability to finish games is Stanton’s play, Warner said.

“That’s what I love about Drew in the short period of time that he’s played is he gives this team that chance to win those close games because he’ll make a throw or two that other quarterbacks would be afraid to make.”

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