Arians: Drew Stanton will be Cardinals backup quarterback
Throughout the preseason a big question on the Cardinals' roster was whether Stanton or Gabbert would be the backup to Palmer at the start of the season.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) throws for a touchdown as Oakland Raiders linebacker Shilique Calhoun (91) closes in during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Throughout the preseason a big question mark on the Arizona Cardinals’ depth chart was whether Drew Stanton or newcomer Blaine Gabbert would be the backup to Carson Palmer at the start of the regular season.
That question has been answered.
“Decision’s made, Drew’s our backup,” head coach Bruce Arians said with Bickley and Marotta on 98.7 FM, Arizona’s Sports Station.
This preseason, Stanton has played two games, combining for 13-for-21 for 129 yards and one touchdown. His counterpart, Blaine Gabbert, has played in three games, going 30-for-48 for 412 yards and adding one touchdown and an interception.
“Blaine’s been a great surprise, like Steve (Keim) said, it was a no-risk proposition,” Arians said. “Is he ready to be our No. 2 in the season? I doubt it just because he doesn’t know the offense well and he’s seeing a lot of vanilla stuff out there.”
With the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Francisco 49ers prior to his arrival in Arizona, Gabbert completed 56 percent of his throws and registered 38 touchdowns in his six-year career.
When asked what Arians would do if another team came calling for Gabbert, Arians wasn’t too keen on the thought of moving the veteran quarterback.
“It would be a tough decision because of the future and the age of the other two guys,” Arians said. “That would be a real interesting conversation.”
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Comments
26 Comments
I'm thinking this is more about not about how well either has played, but how well both know the playbook and personnel.
If Palmer goes down, instantly you can bet opponents are going to come after either QB. If it's just short term, BA almost has to favor the guy who has seen more film, the option who is best at change the play/ change the formation better, and that almost always comes down to experience.
IMO, if Palmer goes down and its season ending, not just the rest of a game or a couple games, with him not only goes any chance the Cards have of making the playoffs in 2017, but it would likely be the end to Palmer's career. In that case, while Stanton might get the initial replacement, we could see Gabbert in there as soon as the very next game to show what he can do.
I already know what Stanton can do, and its won't be pretty.
8-5 as a starter and winning a game in 2014 in relief as well is not pretty?
Justin Harvey...Gabbert should be the backup. Stanton has proven in his last opportunity that the stage of starting QB (in event of injury) is too big for him. Haven't seen any real improvement from him. A very mediocre backup and Gabbert clearly offers more upside.
Arians went with the conservative choice. Whatever happened to his
"NO RISK IT, NO BISCUIT"
calling card???