NFL Quick Reaction: Why the Cards Did the Right Thing in Going With Max Hall

QB change is seen way too often in today's NFL. 

Other than the Cardinals, three teams have already changed their starting quarterback based on performance (Philadelphia, Oakland and Buffalo). 

Two others have had different quarterbacks due to injuries and suspensions (Pittsburgh and Detroit) and one actually probably would've made a change if the backup hadn't gotten hurt (Jacksonville). 

And now the Cardinals have come in and crashed the party. 

In many of those cases, though, things have worked out performance wise, even if the teams haven't won all their games. 

Let me tell you briefly why I think this is the right thing for Arizona...

1. The Future

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 26: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals waits to be introduced before the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinal

It appears that this season, unless Hall pulls a Kurt Warner, may be tough to pull out a winning record, especially with problems elsewhere on the team. 

But with Hall in the lineup, the Cardinals get a good luck at whether or not he is in fact, the QB of the future. 

Along with that, if the Cardinals appear to have a plan, it generally helps with keeping players around for longer. 

Like Larry Fitzgerald for instance. 

2. The Run Game

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 3: Running back Tim Hightower #34 of the Arizona Cardinals carries the ball against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on October 3, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

If any part of the offense may benefit, it may be the run game. 

That may seem contradictory as it is difficult to run the ball when the defense feels the freedom to blitz and have no fear of a rookie QB. 

But eventually, I hope this will the offense change its focus into more of a run-oriented attack. 

The Cardinals have not been able to run it consistently, but they also haven't tried to. 

With Hall, they have no choice but to try to run it. 

3. Larry Fitzgerald and the Rest of the Receivers

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ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 12: Steve Breaston #15 of the Arizona Cardinals runs up field against Larry Grant #59 of the St. Louis Rams during the NFL season opener at the Edward Jones Dome on September 12, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cardinals beat the R

I know he's not going to say it, but maybe the happiest person is Larry. 

How many times did Anderson miss Larry on his throws?

I don't know the exact number, but at least 50% or more of Anderson's throws towards Fitzgerald ended up on the ground or in the opponent's hands. 

Even if Hall can hit Larry one out of every two times, it will be an improvement at this point. 

4. The Defense

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ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 19: Michael Turner #33 of the Atlanta Falcons rushes against Adrian Wilson #24 of the Arizona Cardinals at Georgia Dome on September 19, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

What Derek Anderson didn't do in the regular season that he did in the preseason was move the ball. 

As a result, the defense has been on the field an exorbitant amount of time. 

This can into focus in the past three games, two in which the Cardinals were blown out. 

If Hall can just complete a few simple throws a game that Anderson did not, then the defense will benefit from the rest. 

5. Ken Whisenhunt

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 26: Head coach Ken Whisenhunt of the Arizona Cardinals watches from the sidelines during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals def

Many have questioned the coach in the previous few weeks. 

How could he let go of Leinart? Why is he starting Derek Anderson? What is he doing with the play calling?

At least for one week, he gets a chance to do whatever he wants with the offense. Max Hall is a rookie after all, and as such, a blank blackboard as it were that Whizzy can write on. 

I don't think he could do that with Anderson (and his inaccuracy) or with Leinart (because he tends to not listen to his coaches---just a theory, not proven). 

With Hall though, Whisenhunt has a chance to influence Hall the way he wants.