Fansided
Fansided

Arizona Cardinals Were Wise To Sit Josh Rosen This Year

By Erik Lambert

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 11: Quarterback Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass during the first half of the preseason NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 11, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 11: Quarterback Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass during the first half of the preseason NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 11, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The cries for Josh Rosen to start won’t go away. Arizona Cardinals fans want the future to come now. Why bother with this Sam Bradford idea?

It turns out the team has a legitimate reason for it and that was on display in their first preseason game of the year. Despite looking relatively sharp passing the ball, Rosen was repeatedly pressured, hit and sacked by Los Angeles Chargers defense. Yes, he was playing with reserves but this underscores how thin the Cardinals are up front. One or two injuries and the quarterback is in big trouble.

Do the Cardinals really want to jeopardize the future of their franchise before they have a chance to shore up the most important group on the entire offense? This would explain why the team was so adamant from the beginning that Sam Bradford would be their starter. Sure he’s more experienced and can be good when healthy, but it’s also in part because of the offensive line situation.

He buys them time to figure the issue out before Rosen is set to become their guy moving forward.

Bradford’s health stands between Rosen and the field at this point

More from NFL Mocks

There’s no reason to think the rookie will beat Bradford for the job. He’s not ready yet. So the truth is only the notoriously inconsistent health of Bradford will determine when Rosen gets out there. One injury could drastically alter the Cardinals’ plan, which is no doubt why they’re hoping the starting offensive line can give him enough protection to avoid too many big hits.

So often in the past the careers of promising young quarterbacks are undone by enduring vicious beatings in their early days. David Carr and Tim Couch certainly come to mind. Former Bengals Rookie of the Year Greg Cook was never the same after tearing his rotator cuff during his first year. Arizona wants to find a way to prepare Rosen to avoid that eventuality.

The preseason is proving their decision was a wise one. Whether it ultimately pans out depends on luck and the young quarterback himself living up to that potential. Either way, this season should be a fascinating one to follow as things unfold. Bradford hasn’t started a full 16-game season in a long time. So it’s a roll of the dice.

Home/NFL Hot Takes