Whoever is starting at quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals in 2012 is doomed.
With a number of question marks already surrounding the Cardinals’ offensive line, it sounds like rookie tackle Bobby Massie could also be in the mix for a starting job.
The Cardinals recently named journeyman D’Anthony Batiste the starter at left tackle. Batiste hasn’t received a start since 2007, but filled in after injuries hampered the offensive line. With his promotion, Massie made the move into the right tackle spot as the Cardinals desperately search for answers along the offensive front.
Massie, a 2012 fourth-round pick out of Ole Miss, is a raw blocker who fell in the draft due to a lack of polish. He possesses all of the physical tools to be an NFL-caliber tackle, but will need another couple years of experience and observation before he reaches his potential. Apparently the Cardinals aren’t ready to give him that extra time to learn from afar, though.
In the meantime, the Cardinals still have yet to name a starting quarterback. Both Kevin Kolb and John Skelton have turned in less-than-impressive preseason performances, failing to separate themselves from the other. Neither, however, will play in Arizona’s preseason finale as rookie Ryan Lindley will get the final start against the Denver Broncos.
Regardless, whoever receives the starting nod in the regular-season opener will certainly be facing a ferocious pass rush with a journeyman and rookie bookending their offensive line. Top that with an inconsistent running game, and that could leave the Cardinals facing another season during which they finish clinging to the bottom rung of the NFC West.
At least Massie will get some valuable experience early and often in 2012.
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