Josh Rosen was drafted to be the future of the Arizona Cardinals. The future may be now for the 10th overall pick as he heads into his first NFL season. But all indications are that won’t be the case just yet.
Why Josh Won’t Start Week One
According to head coach Steve Wilks, the starting quarterback position is Sam Bradford’s to lose. However, according to the local beat guys, Rosen is being given every opportunity to state his case. Unfortunately for Bradford, he has had trouble staying healthy throughout his career.
There is a chance that Bradford could come out guns blazing like he did for the Vikings last year on their opening Monday night against the Saints. He had 346 yards and three touchdowns with just five incompletions in his Minnesota debut. If that happens, there is absolutely no way the rookie can get on the field. The Cardinals are paying Bradford a good chunk of change for one year and it makes sense for the team to give him every opportunity to lead this team. Bradford makes good decisions with the ball and will be able to command the huddle. Mike McCoy, the offensive coordinator, likes to put a lot on the quarterback’s plate and having a savvy veteran behind the center makes sense.
If the Cardinals were in the AFC, they would be a favorite to make it into the playoffs. Their roster is talented enough to compete in the NFC but it will be difficult to crack the top six. If Bradford stays healthy and the Cardinals remain in the mix, it’s hard to picture how Rosen sees the field. Bradford is the quintessential bridge quarterback. The Cardinals could see Rosen and the team itself, benefiting in the long-term from Rosen sitting a full year and learning behind the veteran.
In today’s NFL, there seems to be more pressure on rookie quarterbacks to produce right away, and for Rosen, it is no different. However, Bradford provides more stability at this juncture than Rosen. Outside of Larry Fitzgerald, there are a lot of question marks at the receiver position. It’s paramount for rookie quarterbacks to have quality skill position guys around him. Yes, the return of David Johnson helps but Rosen can benefit from learning behind Bradford. He is the consummate professional and can help teach Rosen what it means to be an NFL quarterback.
Wilks, who is also in his first year as a head coach, will probably sleep better at night knowing Bradford is his guy early on. He has enough on his plate as a rookie head coach, and for him, the obvious choice is to go with Bradford.
Will Josh Rosen Start Week One
Ultimately, Josh Rosen will likely be behind Sam Bradford when the season kicks off against the Redskins. There is no denying the talent with the rookie but it is an entirely different ball game on Sundays. Rosen will probably see the field as a rookie but it won’t be week one. Learning behind a quality veteran presence like Bradford will only benefit Rosen whom which the Cardinals hope is their guy for many years to come.