- Slug: Sports-Cardinals quarterback debate, 365 words
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By HARLEY YEAROUT
Cronkite News
TEMPE – A 34-0 loss against the Los Angeles Rams has Arizona Cardinals coach Steve Wilks scrambling for answers for the second consecutive week.
It appears, however, that he has an answer for the fans that are clamoring for Cardinals rookie quarterback Josh Rosen to replace nine-year veteran Sam Bradford.
“If I thought it was just that one position, I would be more than willing to say, ‘You know what? We need to make a change,’ ” Wilks said Monday afternoon. “But it’s not just Sam (Bradford).”
The offensive unit as a whole has been stagnant, as the Cardinals have been outscored 58-6 in their first two games.
Bradford, many would argue, is at the center of it.
In addition to his 243 passing yards through two games, ranked 30th in the league, Bradford has a 55.6 passer rating, worst out of 32 qualified quarterbacks in the NFL.
Despite those subpar numbers, Wilks isn’t ready to place the team’s offensive issues on Bradford.
“I think Sam (Bradford) is doing well,” he said. “Is he inconsistent? Yes. Does he need to be a little more accurate? Yes. But that’s not just Sam.”
Through the first two weeks, the Cardinals are averaging the fewest yards per game (175) out of any NFL team.
“I’m disappointed as a whole that we aren’t more productive on the offensive side of the ball,” Wilks said.
In an effort to combat the team’s offensive woes, Wilks plans to create different schemes to create less thinking for his players going forward.
More importantly, he plans to give running back David Johnson the ball more going forward.
Johnson has started slow after missing the 2017 campaign with a wrist injury, carrying 22 times for just 85 yards.
His last full season as a starter, Johnson electrified the league to the tune of 1,239 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.
Moving past an underwhelming first two weeks, the Cardinals host the Chicago Bears in week three with a chance to get their offense on the right track for the first time this season.
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