2019 was a great year for fans of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, as they won the 107th Grey Cup over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. A big reason they won that game was because of Chris Streveler, a versatile quarterback used in many different ways (pretty much the CFL’s Taysom Hill). Since he was able to throw the ball, run the ball, and occasionally catch the ball, Streveler garnered interest from a few NFL teams. He ended up signing with the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, and started their final regular season game after an injury to Kyler Murray. Heading into 2021, Streveler is in a competition for Arizona’s backup quarterback spot with journeyman Colt McCoy. 

The Cardinals only played two games in the 2021 preseason, as their third and final game against the New Orleans Saints was canceled due to Hurricane Ida. Unfortunately, this meant less time for Streveler to show what he’s capable of. It’s a good thing that he took advantage of every opportunity he had. 

In the first preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, Streveler looked great, completing 12 of 24 passes for 107 yards in addition to 55 rushing yards on 10 carries. The Cardinals went on to beat Dallas 19-16. In the second preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Streveler had the best play of the night when he threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Ross Travis. Streveler finished the 17-10 loss completing 5 of 6 passes for 74 yards and the aforementioned touchdown. 

The Cardinals currently have three quarterbacks on their roster, and that number isn’t likely to change. Statistically, Streveler had a better preseason than McCoy, but he can’t provide Kyler Murray the same veteran guidance and mentorship that McCoy can. Even if Streveler ends up as the third-stringer, he should still have a minimal role in the offense. Last year, in the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, Streveler had a three-yard carry for a first down. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Cardinals used him in more third-and-short situations during the upcoming season. 

Blue Bombers fans (and fans of the CFL in general) will now wait to see if Streveler ends up winning the second-string job. All 32 NFL teams have to cut their rosters down to 53 players on August 31st, so an announcement should be made around then. If Kyler Murray happens to get hurt, Streveler can hopefully step in and be successful for the Cardinals.