NFL.com: Four Cardinals in mix for NFL Comeback Player of the Year

It would be a tad disingenuous to say that the Arizona Cardinals are enjoying a resurgence in 2015, particularly after the team’s torrid start to the 2014 season was ultimately marred after a rash of injuries caused the Cards to quite literally limp into the playoffs.

However, the strength of the Cardinals’ encouraging 4-2 record through six weeks of the NFL season can be credited to resurgent efforts from a handful of key players who last season were either sidelined with injuries, or off-the-radar due to the mediocrity that surrounded them.

In fact, according to NFL.com, there are four Cardinals who are deservingly in the mix for NFL Comeback Player of the Year consideration as we inch closer to the halfway mark of the regular season.

Leading the way for the Cardinals is quarterback Carson Palmer, who ranks tied for second in the league in touchdown passes (14), fourth in passing yards (1,737) and fifth in passer rating (106.9).  Says NFL.com writer Chris Wesseling of Palmer:

2. Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals quarterback: Recently described as a “godsend” to the organization by general manager Steve Keim, Palmer should remain in the MVP hunt all season long. Against all odds, a 35-year-old quarterback written off as a washed-up journeyman two years ago is currently exhibiting more arm talent, better footwork and a higher understanding of the game than his career year of 2005. Bruce Arians believes Palmer is playing as well as any quarterback ever has under his watch, high praise coming from a coach who has worked with Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger and Andrew Luck.

Right behind Palmer on the list is running back Chris Johnson, who’s 445 rushing yards this season rank fifth in the league.

3. Chris Johnson, Arizona Cardinals running back: Johnson merits legitimate consideration simply because he had fallen so far from his 2,000-yard heights of 2009. He was signed as an afterthought in mid-August, five months after taking a bullet to the shoulder. With Johnson leading the way as the NFL’s fifth-leading rusher, the Cardinals are averaging 4.7 yards per carry, a dramatic improvement from their league-low 3.3 yards per carry last season.

Checking in at number four is wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who ranks tied for first in the NFL in touchdown receptions (six) and fourth in receiving yards (583).

4. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver: Fitzgerald’s disappointing production from 2012 through 2014 was due to a confluence of injuries, poor quarterback play and an adjustment to the slot in Arians’ offense after playing the outside “X” position his entire career. That didn’t stop the football world from jumping to the conclusion that the eight-time Pro Bowler was not just past his prime, but also bordering on liability status.

That couldn’t be further from the truth. Palmer has a league-best 148.7 passer rating on throws to Fitzgerald, who leads all receivers in touchdowns, yards per route run and receptions of 20-plus yards. In his 12th season, he’s on pace for career highs in receptions (108), yards (1,458) and touchdowns (15).

And now for a not-so-random anecdote: “It’s a funny thing,” World Golf Hall of Famer Gary Player said last week. “I met Fitzgerald yesterday and he reminded me so much of [Nelson] Mandela. He had such love in his heart and warmth … I know he’s a real superstar, but he really made an imprint on me.”

Rounding out the list at number five is Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu, who ranks second on the team in total tackles (36) and interceptions (two), including an interception return for a touchdown.

5. Tyrann Mathieu, Arizona Cardinals defensive back: “Honey Badger” is a litmus-test player, just as Jordy Nelson was early in 2013 and DeAndre Hopkins in 2014. Their week-to-week excellence is so obvious that the only skeptics remaining are those not watching the games. The best all-around defensive back in football this year, Mathieu was one of a handful of no-brainer picks for our quarter-season All-Pro team two weeks ago.

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