Arians: ‘Very good’ possibility Boone, Humphries return next week
Oct 8, 2017, 3:52 PM | Updated: 4:29 pm
Arizona Cardinals' Alex Boone (75) in action during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
As it was plain to see, the Arizona Cardinals offensive line struggled mightily in Sunday’s 34-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Quarterback Carson Palmer was constantly pressured by the Eagles defense. He was sacked twice and failed to reach the 300-yard passing mark for the first time since Week 1.
“(Palmer) had to throw way too quick a couple of times and we just couldn’t protect well enough,” head coach Bruce Arians said.
On the ground, it wasn’t pretty either. Running back Chris Johnson led the way with 21 yards on nine carries as the team only mustered 31 total.
“Offensively we’re 3rd-and-15, 3rd-and-15 too many times whether it be a negative run or a sack,” Arians said.
To make matters worse, right tackle Jared Veldheer suffered a knee injury — although he did return — which just adds to an already banged up O-line.
But there could be some help on the way.
Following the game, Arians said there’s a “very good” possibility of offensive linemen Alex Boone and D.J. Humphries returning to action.
“It’ll make a big difference,” Arians said. “Hopefully our running game would be better and they’ll both be a little rusty, but we’ll hopefully get them back next week.”
Any help, even if rusty, will benefit the Cardinals, who face a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that has allowed a 300-yard passer — including a career-high 369 yards and three touchdowns from Minnesota Vikings quarterback Case Keenum — in all but one game this season.
