Arizona Cardinals: How Many Playoff Appearances Will the Cardinals Make With Palmer?
Aug 9, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer looks to pass while under pressure from Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry (53) at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
So far in training camp Carson Palmer has given the Arizona Cardinals renewed hope for another playoff run. But can they and will they make the playoffs anytime soon? If so, how many playoff appearances will they make with Palmer at the helm?
As we all well know by now, there was a complete makeover in Cardinal land this offseason. So before we can realistically come to any kind of conclusion on how successful Palmer will be during his tenure. We probably will need to see some regular season game action to get more of an idea.
Having said that, the Cardinals seem to be off to a terrific start this offseason; new GM Steve Keim and new head Coach Bruce Arians have made some terrific moves to improve the roster, creating some tremendous excitement throughout Arizona.
Although, through the eyes of most experts, the consensus is the Cardinals will finish in the cellar in the NFC West this season. However, we must not forget the Redbirds started out 4-0 last season and they looked early on as if they were on their way to having a playoff type season.
However, because of some devastating injuries upfront on their offensive line (last season), as well as the disaster at the quarterback position, the wheels simply came off after that and spun out of control, to say the least. As good as their defense was last year, the offense became too much of a mess to overcome and they were (on defense) simply on the field way too long to hold up.
So far this year in training camp, there has been tremendous excitement in Cardinal land. Carson Palmer has looked great. There seems to be tremendous depth on the offensive line with promising additions such as with (high) first round pick (guard) Jonathan Cooper and the recent free agent signee in right tackle Eric Winston. We also must not forget the Cardinals were without Levi Brown all of last season as well.
Furthermore, with the key additions on defense such as John Abraham and Karlos Dansby, this should give the defense potentially a (much-needed) dynamic pass rusher in Abraham and one of the better inside linebackers in the NFL in Dansby. Dansby should give them a dynamic duo, pairing him up with Daryl Washington, as soon as Washington returns from his four game suspension. Also added to the inside linebacker mix is Jasper Brinkley, as well as rookie (2nd round) thumper out of LSU in Kevin Minter, creating some huge depth at the position as well.
The Redbirds also seem to be loaded at the cornerback position as well, playing alongside all pro Patrick Peterson. With the additions of Jarod Powers, and Antoine Cason in free agency, as well as the controversial draft pick (third round) in Tyrann Mathieu, the cornerback position seems to be a position of great strength. Mathieu is listed as a safety; however he will play a lot of slot corner in certain packages. So far in training camp, Arians has stated that he has been the best player on the field.
Finally, so far Carson Palmer has looked great and should give the Cardinals tremendous stability at quarterback since the days with Kurt Warner at the helm. If the first preseason game was any indication of what’s to come, the quarterback position could be a position of great strength as well. Even the new addition of QB Drew Stanton looked solid and should give them some solid insurance in case Palmer was to go down.
Mentioned previously, realistically we simply just do not know at this time how many playoff appearances Palmer will have at the helm. We still need to see some real season game action for me to give a more accurate assessment. Having said that, the Redbirds seem to be headed in the right (exciting) direction at this point; now let’s wait and see what’s to come of it. However, if I were to give a wild guess at how many playoff appearances Carson Palmer will have during his tenure; then here is my best guess.
Operating out of a glass that is half full, I truly do love the direction the Cardinals have taken this offseason. Therefore, yes I think they have the talent on the roster. I also think Carson Palmer is a perfect fit in Bruce Arians vertical offense. Arians should be able to finally maximize Palmer’s talent (abilities).
In my opinion the Cardinals are going to surprise the league and quickly challenge for a playoff spot and I truly do like Palmer’s chances every year during his tenure in the desert. Yes the NFC West seems to be a brutally tough division this year, so a lot of positive things will need to go right to achieve their goals, although this can be said for every team. But if I was a betting man, I would bet on the Arizona Cardinals.