The 6-8 Arizona Cardinals were officially eliminated from playoff contention following Sunday's 20-15 loss at the Washington Redskins.
But that doesn't mean coach Bruce Arians is willing to throw in the towel simply to get a higher pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
That's why he announced Monday that Drew Stanton, who began the season as the Cardinals' No. 2 quarterback behind Carson Palmer, will start for the Cardinals on Sunday vs. the New York Giants in place of third-stringer Blaine Gabbert, who has started the Cardinals' last five games following injuries to Palmer and Stanton.
"I just think Drew’s going to give us a better chance to win this game this week, and that’s all it’s about," Arians said.
"For me, we’re not going to throw our hands up and say, 'Hey, let’s lose the games, get a better draft pick.' That’s all bulls--- to me. We’re going to take the guys we think can win this game, and go win this game."
Gabbert, who was signed by the Cardinals in the 2017 offseason, went 2-3 as Arizona's starter and posted a 71.9 passer rating. He threw two touchdown passes in leading the Cards to a 27-24 upset win over the Jaguars on Nov. 26, the Jags' only loss in their last eight games.
Arians said Gabbert "has a great future" despite being benched for Stanton, who started two games this season in Palmer's place before suffering an injury of his own and paving the way for Gabbert to start.
"It is no fault of Blaine. I think Blaine is going to be a hell of a player. But Drew already knows all those scenarios," Arians said. "He’s healthy enough now. It’s just a matter of us getting those touchdowns that are there from experience, and trying to win this game.
"But it is no way an indictment on Blaine; I think he’s played his ass off for three weeks."
The Cardinals will host the 2-12 Giants on Christmas Eve at 2:25 p.m. Arizona time.
