Arizona Cardinals: Grading the quarterbacks

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Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws during the first half against the Oakland Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Carson Palmer

Palmer started the preseason opener on Friday night. He went 3-5 for 38 yards. He didn’t start so well, almost throwing an interception on his first throw.

To be fair, Palmer did see some pressure on the play. After that though, he seemed to get back into rhythm. He looked like the Carson Palmer of the 2015 season.

Clearly not in MVP form or even mid-season form yet, Palmer still made some nice plays as he got the Cardinals into scoring position. He completed a couple of nice passes to receiver J.J Nelson for 11 and receiver Michael Floyd for 30. A completion to receiver Larry Fitzgerald didn’t work out so well, losing three yards.

Palmer’s only drive ended up a field goal on the scoreboard. For the first preseason game, that was just fine. By the time preseason ends, hopefully Palmer will have found the end zone a couple of times.

I would not look for Palmer to get much more playing time in San Diego next Friday. He likely will see a quarter or two of action against the Houston Texans on Sunday August 28th.

Grade: B+

Next: A top-32 NFL quarterback?

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