Oct 18, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
1. Carson Palmer
How Carson Palmer goes, the Arizona Cardinals go. Clearly the 2014 season told us this. Palmer has thrown 14 touchdowns and just five interceptions over the first six games this season. He’s not just producing stats, he’s managing games.
Palmer is in the midst of a new contract he signed right before he got hurt last November. As long as he stay’s healthy, he’s going to stick around for a couple more seasons. He’s able to create good timing with his receivers and that makes all the difference in the world.
Having played just six games in 2014, it was hard for any receiver to work on consistent timing with him. Larry Fitzgerald is a prime example of a guy thriving over the consistent play of Palmer. Palmer genuinely appears to be happy to be in Arizona playing for Bruce Arians and when your quarterback is healthy and happy, so goes the team.
Honorable mentions: John Brown, Tony Jefferson, Kevin Minter, David Johnson