Arizona Cardinals Get Palmer Back, Defeat Redskins 30-20

Oct 12, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) in the second quarter against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals really couldn’t have asked for a better outcome with their quarterback situation on Sunday with the return of starter Carson Palmer.  Palmer, who had not played since the opening night win over the San Diego Chargers, led the Cards to a 30-20 victory over the Washington Redskins.

Palmer went 28-44-250 and two touchdowns.  For the fifth week the Cards did not throw an interception, amazing considering all three of their quarterbacks have played.  They are the only team in the NFL to not throw an interception so far.  Now, that doesn’t mean teams haven’t had their chances.  Brian Orakpo dropped a sure pick this afternoon for the Redskins but they only count if you catch them.

In the post-game interview with Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, he said that he really didn’t know until Friday that he’d have a good chance to play.  He woke up Friday morning with his shoulder feeling much better, different than before.  After practice and another treatment on Friday the only worry was how his shoulder would react the next day.  All is fine.  Now, Palmer is back.  He had a little rust but for the most part played like he barely missed a beat.

Also looking good was Cards receiver Larry Fitzgerald.  He caught six passes for 98 yards and caught his first touchdown of the season.  He looked like the old Fitz making some great grabs and breaking some great tackles on his touchdown reception.  Cards receiver Michael Floyd also scored his first touchdown of the season.

As for the Redskins, they looked pretty sharp in the first half.  Quarterback Kirk Cousins connected on a nice touchdown pass to receiver DeSean Jackson for 64 yards.  They kept the Cards off balance with mis-direction plays that seemed to have the defense confused at times.

However Cousins threw three interceptions in the second half, including a pick-six with 18 seconds left as they were attempting to drive for at least a game-tying field goal.  In total, the Skins turned the ball over four times.  The Cards did not turn it over on Sunday.

Now it is on to California to face the Oakland Raiders  for the Cardinals and then home against the Philadelphia Eagles in two weeks.  The schedule won’t let up but it appears the Cards aren’t either.  It wasn’t a pretty win today but a win is a win.  That’s all they count at the end of the season.