Cardinals coach Bruce Arians 'more comfortable' with QB Ryan Lindley
Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians said that he's much more comfortable with backup Ryan Lindley at quarterback following the team's 20-17 regular season finale loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Despite a second half in which Lindley threw two interceptions and the Cardinals were held scoreless, Arians was confident in his quarterback as Arizona prepares for the Wild Card round of the NFC Playoffs this weekend.
"Obviously, we're all much more comfortable with Ryan after his performance today. And we look forward to the challenge," Arians said. "Ryan was very cool last week, and I thought he was extremely poised, [and] knew the game plan today."
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Lindley finished the game against San Francisco with 23-of-39 passing for 316 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.
During the week after the team's Dec. 21 loss to the Seahawks, Arians had considered starting rookie Logan Thomas under center, but changed his mind after one practice and Lindley was re-inserted as the starter.
"And all that situation that happened Wednesday was my fault. I should've just kept my mouth shut," said Arians, referring to the team's struggles in practice during the week.
Four different quarterbacks have taken snaps for the Cardinals during their 11-5 regular season. Both Carson Palmer and backup Drew Stanton are out for the rest of the season with injury.
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The Cardinals, Arians and Lindley will begin their playoff run this Saturday when they take on the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte at 4:30 p.m. ET.
- Jack Jorgensen
