Can we please have a moment of silence for the Arizona Cardinals‘ season?
That’s right, the Cardinals’ season died faster than a hiccup the moment quarterback Carson Palmer went down with a season-ending knee injury. Not all hope was lost for head coach Bruce Arians, who believed backup Drew Stanton could stabilize his team in the absence of their on-field leader. Well unfortunately, Stanton couldn’t shake the injury bug and he too is out due to injury, leaving no one but Ryan Lindley to lead the once heavily favored Cardinals to the postseason and beyond.
Now no disrespect to Lindley, but there’s a reason he’s a third-string quarterback. And if I may do some foreshadowing, I’m willing to bet the Seattle Seahawks are foaming at the mouth at the chance to take on Lindley and will inflict insurmountable pain on him and the Cardinals’ offense.
The Cardinals are in need of a quarterback who can win games. That’s where Tim Tebow comes in.
While there have been rumors and a small group of Cardinals fans clamoring for this to happen, it does not appear this move is in the works. However, if the Cardinals believe they have a snowball’s chance in, well, you know, of winning a Super Bowl with Lindley, they are sadly mistaken.
Now before you ultimately dismiss this, consider all of the variables. Tebow is a winner, albeit very unconventionally, but a winner nonetheless. The reason NFL teams have stayed away from him is due more to his off-the-field persona and circus-like atmosphere he’s likely to bring rather than his ability to lead a team to victories.
Is he the most polished quarterback? No, but what’s more important: Putting a guy out there with zero history of winning big games, or a quarterback who’s shown the ability to make plays when it matters most, has a winning record and a playoff win on his resume?
The Cardinals don’t need Tom Brady walking out of their locker room (although that would be extremely helpful). They have a top-five defense, and having someone capable of extending drives with their legs and doing whatever necessary to win is what will help them come playoff time. Lindley has shown neither, and his zero touchdowns to seven interceptions and a 46.8 career QB rating is a far cry from Tebow’s 17 touchdowns to nine interceptions and 75.3 career QB rating.
Too bad the Cardinals are probably just like every other NFL team where winning is not the most important factor. So with that said, rest in peace to the Cardinals’ season; you were once loved by many.
Brandon Williams is an Atlanta Braves writer for www.RantSports.com. You can follow him on Twitter, @BfreshAlum4UA, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
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