Ryan Lindley To Make First NFL Start For Cardinals

Ryan Lindley will make first NFL start this week

By Josh Alper on November 21, 2012, 5:30 PM EST

Arizona is hoping the third man is the charm. Coach Ken Whisenhunt announced Wednesday that Ryan Lindley will be the starting quarterback for the Cardinals when they face the Rams on Sunday. Lindley was drafted in the sixth round out of San Diego State this April and replaced Skelton in the first half of last week’s 23-19 loss to the Falcons. Lindley went 9-of-20 for 67 yards in the game and lost a fumble that the Falcons returned for a touchdown. When he entered the game, the Cardinals enjoyed a 13-3 lead over the Falcons, but they were outscored 20-6 the rest of the way despite five interceptions from the defense.

Lindley didn’t look any worse than Skelton, but he didn’t look particularly ready to be a starting quarterback in the NFL either. It feels a bit like Whisenhunt is throwing darts in hopes of hitting on something that works, which is sort of like what it’s felt like watching Cardinals quarterbacks pass the ball this season. That’s why it is hard to be too critical of his decision to ditch Skelton, even if there’s not much evidence that Lindley provides a better answer.

The Rams defense ransacked the Cardinals offensive line for nine sacks in the first meeting of the season so Lindley could be in for a long day on Sunday. That would be fitting as it has been a long season for the Cardinals offense.

If this isn't a golden opportunity to get back on track and secure a win, I don't know what is. The Cardinals, who have lost 6 games in a row, forced to start a rookie QB. No excuse for letting this one slip away.

Mark my words if the rams lose this game wow...

You know.. The Rams have been making backup/rookies look like stars the past 5 years. It would be no surprise if he lights the Rams up.

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Originally Posted by Trevor

You know.. The Rams have been making backup/rookies look like stars the past 5 years. It would be no surprise if he lights the Rams up.

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You're right, and this is always in the back of my mind, but Lindly is the backup of the backup, on a bad team that is in a death spiral. If we let this one get away.........

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Originally Posted by r8rh8rmike

You're right, and this is always in the back of my mind, but Lindly is the backup of the backup, on a bad team that is in a death spiral. If we let this one get away.........

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No question. It would speak very poorly of all involved if we go out there and lay an egg tomorrow. Quite frankly, we will then have to legitimately question exactly how much progress this team has actually made.

Sept 7 1997....jim Drunkenmiller.....A bust that never did anything in the NFL was the starting QB for the whiners in a 15-12 ram loss. That name hopefully will not be bouncng in my head durng this game.

Ryan Lindley doesn't play defense.

We're going to wreck this poor kid!!