Why the Arizona Cardinals Can Win With Ryan Lindley

The Arizona Cardinals are vying to be the first team ever to host a Super Bowl. With an 11-3 record, the Cardinals are well on their way to doing so. But, Arizona has already lost two quarterbacks to injury this year and may have to rely on Ryan Lindley for an extended period of time. Can the Cardinals continue to win with Lindley at the helm?

The Cardinals went into St. Louis this Thursday and defeated the Rams 12-6 in a low-scoring defensive battle. A lack of offense has been the downfall for this Cardinals offense since the Carson Palmer injury. But, Arizona boasts one of the strongest defenses in the league led by their potent secondary. Although they sit at 11-3 and control their destiny in the NFC West, the Cardinals have the defending champion Seattle Seahawks bearing down on them for the division lead.

Ryan Lindley is in his second year in the NFL after being a 2012 sixth round draft pick out of San Diego State University. Lindley has performed poorly in his spurts here and there in the last couple of years as he has thrown for 782 yards and 0 TDs with 7 INTs prior to Thursday night. But, I truly believe that the Arizona Cardinals, behind the strong leadership of head coach Bruce Arians, can still win a Super Bowl with Lindley as their quarterback. 

Lindley has to play poised and can’t be timid with the football in hands if he is forced to lead this team. He has to limit the turnovers and put up six when they get the ball in the red zone. Defense will still be the staple of this team whether Lindley or Stanton is the quarterback. If the defense can keep most teams under 20 points like they have seven out of their last nine games, then I would give the upper hand to Lindley and the Cardinals offense to put up enough points to win. The Cardinals could benefit greatly if they can get running back production in Andre Ellington’s absence as he has gave this offense a great dual threat option in the backfield.

The Arizona Cardinals, although they have dealt with some tough injuries this season, are primed for a deep post-season run. Even if Ryan Lindley is forced to lead this team, the Cardinals can still make significant noise in what may be the most competitive NFC playoffs in recent memory.