Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) signals during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
1. Carson Palmer’s Bad Days
You need a solid quarterback to be successful in the NFL. It’s just a fact. On some days, Carson Palmer is indeed that kind of player. During the Cardinals 2013 win streak, Palmer threw only one interception, compared to 21 in the rest of the season.
Inconsistency is a strange creature in sports, because it’s hard to really understand why it’s there. When Palmer has one of those games where he makes his reads, doesn’t stare guys down, and gets good protection, one wishes he was like that on a regular basis. Sadly he isn’t, and it is a stroke of fortune that the Cardinals beat the Seahawks in Seattle despite four picks from Palmer.
There used to be excuses. His offensive line last season wasn’t great, his weapons were limited, and he wasn’t familiar with the offense and its personnel. That’s all out the window now. Jared Veldheer is a much better blind side protector, he has five or six legitimate passing targets, and he’s now used to the scheme. The only thing that really holds back Palmer, and the Cardinals, is himself. That being the case, it’s discouraging to see him go 7-19 for 90 yards in the preseason.
Ultimately, as was the case last season, this franchise will move with Palmer. When he in on his game, there’s few teams that can stop the Cardinals. When he isn’t, they are mediocre.