What Does The Arizona QB Fiasco Means For Larry Fitzgerald?

Likely nothing good is the obvious answer. But just how far does Larry Fitzgerald’s fantasy value plummet now that it appears there isn’t a desirable option available for the Cardinals at QB?

It was announced on Thursday that Derek Anderson will start in place of Matt Leinart during the Cardinals third preseason game, which is generally thought to be the dress rehearsal of the preseason. It’s familiar territory for Anderson, as his career in Cleveland was marked by the continued shuffling with he and Brady Quinn in the starting role.

Leinart has looked anything but impressive in the preseason, and it’s difficult to claim Anderson has looked more better. Aside from from a freakish 2007 season in which he threw 29 touchdowns and compiled nearly 3,800 yards, Anderson has been downright painful to watch at quarterback. Not the greatest choice facing Ken Whisenhunt.

The most common comparison to Fitzgerald’s current situation with subpar quarterback play would be Randy Moss’ tenure in Oakland. I’m not sure that analog works perfectly. Fitzgerald doesn’t have quite the history of temperamental behavior that Moss does. Unfair or not, Moss has a reputation for dogging it when his team isn’t faring well. That’s not something very often said about Fitty.

Nevertheless, unless the very unlikely prospect that Anderson rediscovers his 2007 form comes to pass, Fitzgerald’s stats will mightily suffer. And that’s not even taking into account the preseason injury that he is currently recovering from. Though his skills may not warrant it, until he has a respectable passer, Fitzgerald cannot be seen as a top fantasy option at receiver.