Arizona Cardinals Will Survive Without Carson Palmer
By Erik Lambert
Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer reacts as he is taken off the field on a cart after suffering an injury in the second half against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
It’s really unfortunate that days after the Arizona Cardinals handed Carson Palmer $50 million for three more years, he tore his ACL. However, it’s not the end of the road. While he had earned the job as the starting quarterback, his loss does not cripple the team. Here is why.
Bruce Arians
In his many years in the NFL, there is nothing Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians hasn’t seen. He knows better than most about how to make adjustments in the wake of a big injury. He’s done it all year and people forget he actually did it early this season. Palmer missed three games back in September and early October. During that time Arians managed to lead his troops to a 2-1 record. He likes backup Drew Stanton, who brings some ability to the table as he showed in the win over St. Louis. The trick will be finding what he does best and maximizing it.
Throw in an assortment of solid weaponry such as Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Ellington, Michael Floyd and John Brown and it’s not too hard to fathom them keeping things running.
The Defense
In truth the Arizona Cardinals are not 8-1 primarily because of Carson Palmer. He’s a big part of it, sure, but that distinction must go to their defense. Under coordinator Todd Bowles, the unit is 3rd against the run and 6th in points allowed. Of their nine games in 2014, they have allowed more than 20 points just one time, and that was in their lone loss to the Broncos. This group is playing some of the best football in the NFL and should continue to do so. Why? They’re talented, they’re reasonably healthy and they’re very well coached.
Palmer will be missed. He is a good player with valuable experience but the success of Arizona will continue.