Arizona Cardinals: Palmer measures up for 2017
By Scott Allen
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer has a good record against 2017 opponents
Granted, there are other arguments as to why Palmer is the best fit for the Arizona Cardinals as starting quarterback in 2017, but he does have a good track record against his opponents next season. The past is the past but it is all we have to compare against.
When Palmer announced a couple of weeks ago that he was returning to the Cardinals for at least the 2017 season, it was a relief to some, a disappointment to others. I see it as a blessing if you’d like to see another Super Bowl run.
Palmer is 32-21-1 against his 2017 opponents. He has a losing record against just three of the teams, the Indianapolis Colts (1-3), New York Giants (0-1), and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-3).
His one victory over the Colts came as an Arizona Cardinal in 2013. He missed the New York Giants in 2014 when Drew Stanton started in his place and took them to victory. He is 2-0 against the Bucs in a Cardinals uniform.
Palmer has fared well against the Los Angeles Rams (5-3), Detroit Lions (4-1), and Washington Redskins (3-0). He is 2-1 against the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Philadelphia Eagles.
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Palmer is 3-3-1 against the Seattle Seahawks and 3-3 against the San Francisco 49ers but has succeeded against both as of late. He particularly plays well in Seattle for some reason but struggles at home against them.
What does this all mean? Not really a whole bunch when it comes to a new season and teams filled with different rosters. However it does show a track record of winning.
Not every issue Palmer faced was his problem. The majority of sacks he took in 2016 were the fault of the line, although earlier in the season Palmer had a tendency to hold the ball a little too long.
The point is, Palmer is well-equipped to take this team on another run. No, he’s no Tom Brady but he never has professed to be. For the possible choices that were laid out for 2017, my money is on Palmer getting the Cardinals back on the winning track. That’s not a Super Bowl winning guarantee but rather he gives the Cardinals the best opportunity to win in the end.