ROTB Roundtable: Ryan Lindley, Playoffs, and Regular Season MVP

But before we ring in the new year, the Writing Staff answered three questions surrounding the team.

Don't forget to answer the questions yourself in the comments below, and happy New Years!

1) What are your thoughts on Ryan Lindley's performance against the 49ers?

Jess Root: I thought it was fantastic considering his previous starts. It gives you hope that he could make it somewhere in the league as a backup. He wasn't perfect and the turnovers weren't good, but it was the first time you feel optimistic about him as a QB. Yes, he had the mistakes, but when you get two TD passes from Lindley, you have to do more elsewhere to win the game.

BigRedBilly: A wide range of thoughts because at times he played very well but at other times not so well at all.  In a pinch I think he's capable of playing adequately enough to win in Carolina, provided the defense can remember how to play tackle football.

Randy Fields: Pleasantly surprised. I have to admit I didn't expect much out of him and he was getting into it. It really seems like with time Lindley could work in Arians offense. Which is good to know going into the offseason. I'm confident enough with his two weeks of progress to think with help from the D, the Cardinals could win this week.

2) What are your expectations for the coming Playoffs?

Jess Root: If it is Lindley starting, I only expect it to be one-and-done. Based on the defensive play over the last few games, you can't be terribly optimistic. They have not stopped the run well and have struggled with running QBs. Guess what? Carolina has a good running attack and has a mobile QB.

BigRedBilly: I would be very disappointed in a one-and-done after the 11-5 record and all we've been through this year.  Hoping history repeats itself from the 2008 playoff game in Carolina and just going to take it one game at a time and hope for the best.

Randy Fields: I expect the Cardinals to lose in the playoffs, but when is yet to be decided. The injuries have been too much to overcome and now their run will end, but I expect them to win this week. At least be a spoiler!

3) Who was the regular season MVP?

Jess Root: If you go by most valuable, then it was clearly Carson Palmer. You could also go with Jared Veldheer, although you never could pick a tackle for MVP. If you go by who had the best year, you have to look at Calais Campbell, Alex Okafor or Rashad Johnson (even with the tackling issues).

BigRedBilly: That's a tough one in a 'Team is what it takes', 'Next man up' kinda season.  I guess I would have to go with Pro-Bowler Calais Campbell as the Cardinals MVP.

Randy Fields: Cardinals regular season MVP is Carson Palmer. When he was in the offense was clicking and putting up points which helped the D and kept the wins rolling in. When he went down the D stepped up and Stanton did enough to win. Now on to our fourth QB the D is on the field too long and the Offense isn't putting up even 20 points.

My second choice is our stud LT. What a FA find!