Arizona went 7-2 over the final nine games, and the offense, a complex system that HC Bruce Arians installed after being hired in January 2013, was finally understood and, as cliché as it sounds, began clicking on all cylinders.
It's just gotten better during this season's training camp.
Quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald have said it. Arians has repeated it. The Cardinals are “light years” ahead of where they were last year at this time. It's obvious in the route running, which is crisper, and the formations, which aren't discussed by receivers pre-snap.
Palmer was the #22 QB through eight weeks, but was #6 from Week 10 to Week 17, after the team’s Week 9 bye. He said he felt much more comfortable in Bruce Arians’ offense down the stretch and his numbers reflect that. His receiving corps is good with Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd, who had a breakout season in his second year. Still, it’s hard to get too excited about Palmer as anything more than a committee type given the fact that one-quarter of his schedule consists of matchups against the Seahawks and 49ers. He’s a very cheap option and ideal for a QBBC.
Cardinals news
