Arizona Cardinals: Can Michael Floyd Win the Most Improved Player Award?

December 30, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) catches a touchdown in front of San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver (29) in the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Cardinals fans had high expectations for wide receiver Michael Floyd last season, but he failed to meet them.

Floyd struggled mightily in the first half of the 2012 season, and he finished the season with poor numbers. Floyd averaged a mere 2.8 catches per game, and he only caught two touchdown passes. He flashed his potential in Week 17, when he caught eight passes for 166 yards and a touchdown, but he was extremely inconsistent.

As NFL.com stated, Arizona’s “revolving door” at quarterback didn’t help Floyd. However, he’s going to have to be more consistent to be a producer with new quarterback Carson Palmer. Palmer likes to throw deep passes, and Floyd, who is 6’3″, can use his height and speed (he has a remarkable 4.42 40-yard dash), will benefit from that.

With Larry Fitzgerald taking up opponents’ top cornerback, Floyd will be able to take advantage of mismatches. If Floyd can produce consistently, he would transform Arizona’s offense. Fitzgerald and Floyd are similar receivers, and the duo should wreak havoc on defenses.

Palmer is a great fit for Floyd, and the two will work well together. Expect Floyd to take advantage of the Cardinals’ pass-first offense and, well, dominate. Floyd should be able to top 1,000 receiving yards, and he should be able to take home the Most Improved Player award.

I think Floyd will catch 82 passes for 1,207 yards and eight touchdowns. He may not come away with any awards at the end of the season, but he’ll certainly turn heads with his performance.