Unfortunately, “Next Man Up” is a phrase we’ve heard all too often this season with the Arizona Cardinals. From injuries to suspensions, this year has put this statement to the test.
On Sunday against the Rams, starting QB Carson Palmer went down. We all held hope that it was minor, but we all knew it wasn’t.
Drew Stanton is the next man up. Earlier this year he proved a very capable backup for Palmer and now he is faced with the challenge of keeping the 8-1 Cardinals going. Not just this week against the NFL’s best defense, but for the rest of the season.
That’s not the only thing keeping Stanton up at night these days. On Monday, Drew and his wife welcomed their second child into the world. A little girl.
"It is a little bit surreal right now," Stanton said during a conference call with Detroit media on Wednesday. "You almost have to compartmentalize everything. When I was at the hospital last night, with my daughter laying on my chest, that puts everything in perspective. That's much more important than playing this game”.
Stanton’s career stats may not impress many, but he has done an excellent job of protecting the football. He is also excellent at making plays with his feet. Cardinals coach Bruce Arians raves about the strides Stanton has made with his short to intermediate accuracy in the three years they've spent together. Drew also has the support and trust he has earned in the locker room.
In a season filled with trials of all types, the Cardinals have proven to be tenacious and Drew is certainly up to the task of leadership.
Cardinals (8-1) take on the Detroit Lions (7-2) this Sunday, November 16th.