Quarterback’s torn ACL derailed the Arizona Cardinals back in 2014
By Jim Koch
The Arizona Cardinals were rolling along with a 7-1 record back in 2014 when quarterback Carson Palmer suffered a torn ACL.
Back in 2014, the Arizona Cardinals were fortunate enough to employ one of the best signal-callers in the NFL. Just one year before, general manager Steve Keim acquired two-time Pro Bowler Carson Palmer for a pair of late-round draft picks. It was an incredible acquisition for the Cardinals, and will certainly go down as one of the best trades in franchise history.
It became obvious right away that Palmer was an excellent fit for head coach Bruce Arians’ “no risk it, no biscuit” offense. In 2013, the duo’s first campaign together, the Cards went 10-6 and barely missed the playoffs. It was a promising season that would set the stage for a sensational start for the Redbirds the following fall.
With a year in Arians’ system under his belt, Palmer led the Cardinals to a sparkling 7-1 start in ’14. That one loss was to the Denver Broncos in Week 5, when Palmer was sidelined with a shoulder injury. The veteran passer quickly recovered from that minor setback, but the worst was yet to come for Arizona.
In Week 10, the Cards played host to the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. With 11:40 left in the contest, Palmer crumbled to the ground, clutching his knee. The 34-year-old suffered a torn ACL, effectively ending any hopes Arizona may have had at winning a Super Bowl championship.
Arizona Cardinals deteriorated in 2014 following Carson Palmer’s injury
Backup Drew Stanton kept the Cardinals afloat for awhile until he sustained a knee injury of his own in Week 15. Stanton was expected to return in time for the postseason, but never made it back. That left third-stringer Ryan Lindley, who turned in a dreadful performance during the Cards’ 27-16 playoff defeat to the Carolina Panthers.
Kyler Murray became the latest Arizona starting quarterback to have his year ended by a torn ACL this past Monday night. The 25-year-old lasted for just three plays during the club’s 27-13 loss to the New England. Obviously, the circumstances are much different for this 4-9 Cardinals crew who’s campaign will thankfully come to an end on January 8th.
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“Big Red” appeared to be destined for great things eight years ago before Palmer’s unfortunate incident. Just another in a long line of disappointments for a snakebitten Cardinals organization.
(Information provided by Pro Football Reference)
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