NFL Arizona Cardinals

Drew Stanton Is Key To Arizona Cardinals’ Week 11 Win

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By @jerry2landry

Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Drew Stanton

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Week 11 features two teams in relatively unfamiliar territory. The Arizona Cardinals are standing at 8-1 for the first time in 66 years, and the Detroit Lions are experiencing their best start (7-2) since 1993. The last time the Lions were in this position, they promptly went on a three-game losing streak. The last time the Cardinals started this way, they were playing for the city of Chicago.

So what else stands out in this intriguing matchup, besides an Eastern Time Zone team playing a Pacific one under the roof in an arid climate? 

Drew Stanton.

Last week, Carson Palmer suffered a season-ending ACL tear, defaulting Stanton into the starting role during the fourth quarter against the St. Louis Rams. Stanton thrived and led the Cardinals to a comeback victory.

Can Stanton generate the same momentum against the NFL‘s No. 1 overall defense? The Lions currently rank second against the run and third against the pass in yards per game. Stanton will be at home, which helps. But this also won’t be his first start for the Cardinals, which may help him find his comfort zone faster.

Even if the Cardinals may be set up to steal a win at home against the Lions, look for it to still hinge on the play of Stanton. Although Bruce Arians will curate a game plan which should help Stanton flourish as a game manager, Stanton still can’t afford to make typical inexperienced QB miscues. In addition, Stanton must also avoid throwing interceptions from out of the pocket or coughing up the football on an inevitable sack from Detroit’s devastating D-line. Stanton will have to play within himself and try not to do too much unless it’s asked of him late in the game.

If Stanton can help keep Arizona on the positive side of the turnover battle and show poise under Detroit’s pressure, then he can manage his way to victory and a 9-1 record for the Cardinals.

Jerry Landry is an ACC Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jerry2Landry, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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