Drew Stanton didn’t play in the Hall of Fame game, watching teammate Blaine Gabbert play well and speculation about the Cardinals’ backup quarterback job gain steam.
The talk wasn’t fueled internally – both coach Bruce Arians and GM Steve Keim emphasized Stanton was in control of the No. 2 job – but it didn’t hurt that Stanton shined in his initial preseason appearance Saturday night in a 20-10 win over the Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium.
“You always need this kind of performance,” Stanton said, after completing 11-of-15 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown.