Arizona Cardinals: 3 key players against 49ers

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyboys defeated the Cardinals 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyboys defeated the Cardinals 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 11: Tackle Jared Veldheer #68 of the Arizona Cardinals walks off the field before the NFL game against the New England Patriots at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 11: Tackle Jared Veldheer #68 of the Arizona Cardinals walks off the field before the NFL game against the New England Patriots at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Jared Veldheer

Saved the most obvious for last.  To say Veldheer has struggled at right tackle so far this season is a major understatement.

While he was only credited with giving up two of the six sacks on Monday night, he has left Palmer scrambling often.  Veldheer has done great things over the first couple of seasons in Arizona but has done nothing this season to resemble that.

Remember, he left during training camp.  His teammates thought he was gone for good.  He came back.  Some believe he only came back for the money.

Related Story: Arizona Cardinals need to consider offensive line changes

Whatever his motivation was to return, he needs to start earning that paycheck.  He is hurting himself and his team with his performance.

He may be past the point of returning to his past glory at left tackle but he is still one of 53 men on this roster being counted on.  Plain and simple he needs to be better.  Not even at Pro Bowl level, just better.  Enough to give Palmer more time to rid of the ball.