Arizona Cardinals: Bruce Arians Combine presser notes

Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Bruce Arians met with the media at the NFL Scouting Combine

Like General Manager Steve Keim, Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Bruce Arians took to the podium to answer questions from the media from the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday.

One topic of discussion was Cardinals running back David Johnson.  Asked if he thought he was one of the best in the NFL, Arians said not now but has a chance to be one of the best by the time his career is all said and done.  That’s a fair assessment given the guy only started five games in his rookie season.  Johnson didn’t come on strong until late, although he did contribute early on in receiving and special teams as well.

Interestingly enough Arians also took time to discuss one of his former players, Peyton Manning. He said he believes Manning’s side of the story and believes there is some ulterior motive behind the allegations. Arians doesn’t see the story as more than as a college kid being a college kid.  He said college kids do dumb things sometimes and thinks this is only a big story because of who Manning is.

Arians also mentioned current New York Jets head coach and former Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles.  He said the Miami Dolphins made a mistake not hiring him full-time after being an interim head coach.

Arians also briefly touched on quarterback Carson Palmer on Wednesday.  “Mom’s doing good, baby’s doing good, and his golf game sucks,” Arians said.  By baby, Arians was speaking of the child Palmer and his wife just had.

Arians said Palmer was back to golfing, something he gave up during the season.  Arians says though now he is paying for it and losing a lot. It is a testament though to the fact how focused Palmer is during the season.