Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings: Key Matchups

Arizona’s receivers have to help Carson Palmer out by catching the ball.

A quarterback can only succeed if the guys on the other end of the passes are able to haul them in. Palmer has had some potential big plays dropped by his receivers this year, and it has definitely hurt.

The biggest offender is former first round selection Michael Floyd, who has had several drops, and at the worst times. He’s also having maybe his worst year since his rookie season, on pace for lower yardage totals and number of catches and targets since that first year.

He is coming off of his best game this season. He had a season-high number of catches and yards last week against the San Francisco 49ers. The Vikings are a better defense, though, so he’ll need to be on his game if he wants to contribute.

If Floyd can play up to his potential, with his combination of size and skill, he would make a huge difference, not just in this game, but in the season. He was drafted to be a number one receiver, and needs to play like it.