A season that has been defined by surprising all-around team play and marred by injuries to multiple major contributors will pretty much end that way for the Arizona Cardinals.
Regardless of whether Bruce Arians’ squad continues to surprise the NFL world in the playoffs, it appears that Ryan Lindley will be under center for the duration.
Drew Stanton, who was called on to replace an injured Carson Palmer earlier this season, had his right knee scoped on Wednesday and is out indefinitely. A recent check up on Stanton’s knee, which was injured in a Week 15 win over the St. Louis Rams, showed swelling. It was a major setback for a player the Cardinals anticipated might be ready in time for the postseason.
With Stanton unable to go, Ryan Lindley will get the start once again this week against a tough San Francisco 49ers defense. Arizona needs to win this game and have the St. Louis Rams defeat the Seattle Seahawks in order to grab the NFC West title and avoid a road playoff game next weekend.
Unfortunately for the Cardinals, Lindley has been nothing less than a dumpster fire when under center during his NFL career. Since entering the league as a sixth-round pick in 2012, the San Diego State product boasts a 1-4 record and has yet to throw a touchdown in 225 pass attempts (an NFL record). Lindley is also completing less than 50 percent of his passes and has thrown eight interceptions.
Last week against Seattle, Lindley completed just 18-of-44 passes for 216 yards with an interception.
Arians had originally named Logan Thomas the starter for Arizona’s season finale against San Francisco at Levi’s Stadium. However, the Coach of the Year favorite benched Thomas on Christmas after seeing how the rookie performed in practice.
If Arizona does not grab the NFC West title, it will likely open up the playoffs on the road against the winner of the Falcons-Panthers game.
Photo: NY Post