It is no secret that Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen has struggled in the 2018 NFL season. However, general manager Steve Keim is still optimistic about his progression.
There is some concern regarding Rosen's development amidst the team's struggles this season. According to Darren Urban of the team's official website, Keim actually feels the experience has been beneficial:
“I think he's ahead,” Keim said. “The one positive in all this is he is getting those game snaps right now, instead of having them delayed in his career. So he is going through the growth period right now. There are a number of things Josh can still work on, seeing the field and some of those different concepts, areas where he can improve. But to have the kind of poise and pocket presence he has, and some of the throws he has made, is outstanding.
“There are times, we all know, when he looks like a rookie out there. There are times you look at him and say, ‘He's got a chance to be a heck of a player.' “
It is encouraging to see that Keim is still optimistic about Rosen's development. The Cardinals pulled the trigger on making the rookie a starter back in late September. There is no question that he has gotten plenty of snaps in since then. However, a lot of playing time early on does not necessarily equate to more success.
The Kansas City Chiefs essentially did the same thing Arizona did in last year's draft by trading up to select quarterback Patrick Mahomes with the 10th overall pick in the draft. However, they took their time with his progression by having him serve as a backup his entire rookie year. He is now in the midst of an MVP-caliber campaign for a Chiefs team that sits atop the AFC Conference with an 8-1 record.
While there is no surefire way to develop a young quarterback, the fact remains that a team must surround him with the best supporting cast as possible. It has become evident this season that Arizona has not provided that for Rosen.
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