Despite The Numbers, Cardinals Palmer Not As Bad As Some Think
By Scott Allen
Sep 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Arizona Cardinals defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
I kept hearing on the radio yesterday just how much Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer isn’t the answer, that he is nothing more than a stop-gap quarterback and just really isn’t that good. Well, I’m here to tell you, he is a heck of a lot better than what the Cards had last season despite when the numbers may show.
Sure, Palmer has thrown some boneheaded picks so far in the first four weeks of the season. However, find me a quarterback outside of Peyton Manning who doesn’t throw picks. Yes, the Cards offense was “putrid” as head coach Bruce Arians put it on Monday. Yes, offensive players are catching on to Arians’ system a little slow. The fact is, they are winning games they probably should have lost. The Cards could be 0-4 but instead are 2-2. They could of course also be 3-1 if the defense that showed up in Tampa in the second half, had shown up in the fourth quarter against the St. Louis Rams.
The bottom line is wins. Palmer isn’t the long term answer but he is a better answer than John Skelton. Better than Kevin Kolb, despite the comparison of the first four games this year versus last. He’s better than Brian Hoyer and I say this knowing what Hoyer is doing in Cleveland. He is better than Ryan Lindley. He is much better than Derek Anderson. He’s better than Max Hall. Do you want any of those guys back? Yes, the Cards need to find a franchise quarterback but please John Gambadoro’s of the world – PLEASE tell me just exactly what else were the Cards going to do over the last two drafts? Draft Blaine Gabbert? I know a lot of people who lobbied for him around here. Tell me, please, just how well he’s doing.
Did you want the Cards to go draft a quarterback like Mike Glennon? Doesn’t seem like he’s picking it up too quickly down in Tampa Bay. Did you want Geno Smith? I see how well he’s doing and I know a lot of Cards fans wanted him too. So let’s not sit here and pretend that the Cards really had a lot of options in this last offseason or two. There is no sense in complaining about what they have. Palmer won’t be here forever, so you’ll eventually get your wish. He’s here for a couple of seasons though, so get used to that my friends.
Drew Stanton might be given a shot if the season goes south but I guarantee you Palmer will be this team’s starting quarterback for as long as Arians can keep him there. Arians’ conviction in making him the starter from day one that he arrived in Arizona told me he knew what Palmer brought to the table. If you don’t like it, go find your football food at another table. Palmer won’t blow you away and you will get very frustrated with him at times. I do, but it is what it is and you can’t fault the Cards for grabbing him at virtually no risk or setback in finding a franchise quarterback down the road. It’ll take time. This isn’t New York. It’s not win now or else in Phoenix. It just doesn’t work that way here.