The Arizona Cardinals are on a bye this week, but that doesn't mean there isn't a potential controversy brewing in the desert.
Drew Stanton, who has started in place of the injured Carson Palmer the last two weeks, has completed 32 of 62 passes (51.6 percent) for 411 yards and two touchdowns, and has managed not to throw an interception.
With the Cardinals recording victories against the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers in both his starts, some are starting to wonder if Stanton may have Wally Pipp'd Palmer.
Stanton's stats won't wow anyone, but he's been able to guide the team past at least one tough foe in San Fran. With a stifling defense and strong special teams, the Cardinals don't necessarily need a world-beater at quarterback, just someone to protect the ball and make enough plays to keep the offense functioning - Stanton's exact attributes.
With receivers Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, and talented newcomer John Brown, along with running back Andre Ellington, there is plenty of firepower on the offensive side of the ball. And while Palmer gives the team more of an opportunity to put up big points, he also has more of a propensity to take chances and turn the ball over.
The winning formula for Arizona over the past couple weeks hasn't been to score and score; it's been to hold onto the ball, take advantage of opportunities when presented and make timely plays. Stanton has been the key in employing this tactic.
Stanton though, is trying not to count his chickens before they hatch. He's happy to be in the position he's in, but preached that patience is what's gotten him to this point.
"You see guys get opportunities, and the guys that make the most of it stay in the league and the guys that don't find themselves out of the league," Stanton said. "I kept saying, 'My time will come, my time will come,' and just be patient."
Palmer though, seems ready for a return to the field - and his starting spot - next week against the Denver Broncos.
"I'm fired up to be 3-0. I'll definitely be ready against Denver," he told ESPN in a text message.
"It's super important to get 100 percent before we start preparing for Week 5,'' he said. "I'm fired up to be healthy and can't wait.''
Palmer, who is suffering from nerve damage in his throwing shoulder, was the unquestioned starter in Arizona at the beginning of the year.
While certainly happy that the team has continued winning in his absence, Palmer is no doubt feeling pressure to return to the field as quickly as possible.
But with the injury keeping him sidelined, and the team unable to precisely diagnose or treat the issue which at times has had him unable to even grip a football, an opportunity presented itself for Stanton, and things in Arizona are no longer as clear as they once were.
