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We have reached the final position group of our Arizona Cardinals training camp previews, and unlike recent seasons, there is not a lot in the way of uncertainty. The quarterback position is what I am referring to -- and it isn't a joke.
It is true. Here is who is on the roster:
Ryan Lindley, 2012 sixth round draft pick
Carson Palmer, 2013 trade acquisition
Drew Stanton, 2013 free agent signee, on three-year deal
Caleb TerBush, 2013 undrafted rookie
No quarterback controversy here
In 2008, 2010 and 2012 there were questions as to who would be starting at quarterback. Not so this year. The guy is Carson Palmer. It is also the first time that the team has come into the season, aside from Kurt Warner, with a proven quarterback as the starter since Jake Plummer (and some would say that even he was not proven for much of his time here).
Palmer is coming off of a season in which he threw for over 4000 yards for the Oakland Raiders.
Yes, he is 33. No, he has not won a lot of games in his career, and yes there are still questions as to whether he can ultimately elevate the Cards to contention.
There is no doubt that he is a huge upgrade to the Kolb/Skelton/Lindley/Hoyer mess there was in 2012, but the question will be whether that translates into wins.
Even the backup is set
There isn't even any real question as to who will be Palmer's backup. That job belongs to Drew Stanton, who many thought would be the team's starter until the trade for Palmer went down. He signed a three-year contract in the offseason as one of the team's first free agent acquisitions.
The only question -- will Ryan Lindley make the team?
Lindley is surprisingly the only holdover from the 2012 quarterbacks. However, the team still sees upside and a chance to develop a quarterback. His competition is undrafted rookie Caleb TerBush. Can the undrafted kid outplay Lindley, who is seeking to get a chance to erase all that bad tape he put out there in 2012.
...
Kind of nice, right? With all the questions that do exist about the roster, the only one about the quarterbacks has to do with the third string spot. We are ready!
More from Revenge of the Birds:
- 2013 Arizona Cardinals training camp: Previewing the running backs
- Steve Keim won't acquire Steve Keim types of offensive linemen
- 2013 Arizona Cardinals training camp: Previewing the wide receivers
- Arizona Cardinals success with Bruce Arians would be changing history
- Adrian Wilson talks Patriots, Patrick Peterson, No. 24 with local radio
Keep up with Cardinals news and opinions when you are not on the site. Follow Revenge of the Birds on Twitter at @revengeofbirds and "like" us on Facebook. You can follow me individually at @senorjessroot.