Arizona Cardinals: Carson Palmer throws two picks

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer plays one series into the second quarter

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer has likely played his last snap before the start of the regular season on September 11th. After throwing two interceptions, his day is over.

The second interception was returned for a touchdown by the Houston Texans. On the play, Palmer was spun around and hit on the helmet after the ball had been picked. No penalty was called but surely could have and should have been.

He was looked at on the sideline, however it appeared he was just fine. It was not an outing much better than what we saw in the first two preseason games.

After Palmer was picked on his first offensive drive, he started making connections on the second drive. He found tight end Darren Fells for 40-yards, which later set-up a David Johnson touchdown run. By far it was the most impressive offensive drive of the preseason for the Cardinals.

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After the hit though, coach Bruce Arians has seen enough. Palmer was replaced by backup Drew Stanton. For Palmer though, despite the good drive, there were still some issues.

Palmer ended up going 5-9 for 64 yards on the afternoon. Although he looked to get into a rhythm on that second drive with the no-huddle offense, the two picks still did not look good.

The first pick appeared to be a tipped ball but likely would have been picked regardless. The second pick appeared to be a botched screen and a great play by Texans linebacker John Simon who caught the ball and ran it back 59 yards for the score.

So what does it all mean? Not much. None of it counts. Of course if these same mistakes are made a couple of weeks from now against the New England Patriots, it’s a different story.

Whatever kinks there are in the offense now, the starters have two weeks to get it right. For now, it’s just the preseason. That’s the last time we’ll be able to say that about Palmer’s performance though.

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