NFL: Biggest questions facing the NFC West in 2017

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Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Cardinals: Which Carson Palmer will we see?

The past two seasons have been a tale of two Carsons. In 2015, Palmer posted a 104.6 QB rating after a career-high in touchdown passes with 35 and yards with 4,671. The Cardinals got all the way to the NFC Championship game thanks to the stellar play of the veteran gunslinger.

Then suddenly, last season, Palmer was ordinary. His QB rating was lower at 87.2, and his yard per attempt average dropped from 9.1 in 2015 to 6.9. Not entirely Palmer’s fault but at the same time, his drop-off in play considerably affected the lack of season-long success on offense for the Cardinals.

May 16, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald during team OTA workouts at the Cardinals Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Palmer is at a stage where his days are dwindling. So what you see is what you get with him. An improvement on the offensive line will help, as will some receiving help around veteran wideout Larry Fitzgerald. Palmer has significant help with running back David Johnson, who totaled 2,118 yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns.

However, we should expect plenty of attention from opposing defenses on Johnson which means steady play from Palmer will make the difference. Palmer is far from being a “perfect” quarterback, but productive play from Palmer can be the difference between a playoff run and another losing season.

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