ARIZONA CARDINALS

Arizona Cardinals QB Carson Palmer is ‘on the spot’

Jul 23, 2013, 10:06 PM | Updated: 10:06 pm

It’s on you, Carson Palmer.

At least, that’s NFL.com writer Bucky Brooks’ thinking, as he nominated the Arizona Cardinals’ new QB as the team’s player who is “on the spot.”

Basically, he’s under pressure to perform.

After struggling through a miserable three-year stretch with scattershot quarterback play, the Cardinals made a bold offseason move in trading for Palmer. While some view the acquisition as a major coup that could fuel a playoff run, the former No. 1 overall pick hasn’t played at an elite level since the 2006 season. There are serious questions about what he can still accomplish at this stage of his career. (Can he be anything more than a game manager?) Regardless, the Cardinals definitely view his arrival as an upgrade. But in the ultra-competitive NFC West, that might not be enough to stimulate a playoff run.

Palmer was brought in to provide stability at a position where the team has had anything but, and the coaching staff believes he will more closely resemble the player who guided the Cincinnati Bengals to the playoffs than the one who struggled to win games with the Oakland Raiders.

And if he does, the Cardinals may actually make a run in what is thought to be the toughest division in the NFL.

Arizona Cardinals

Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals runs onto the field before the game against the Seattle Se...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals’ 2024 schedule to release on Wednesday

The Arizona Cardinals already know what teams they will be playing and where as part of the 2024 NFL schedule release.

21 hours ago

Max Melton warms up ahead of rookie minicamp...

Tyler Drake

‘Opinions are like Gucci belts’: Max Melton determined to prove why Cardinals drafted him

The stars aligned for Max Melton and the Cardinals this NFL Draft, but that didn't stop the outside noise from creeping in.

21 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: How other Arizona athletes can take notes from Kyler Murray’s leadership growth

Wolf & Luke discuss Kyler Murray's growth as a leader and even compare it to what Mike Budenholzer might be able to do for Devin Booker.

22 hours ago

Zay Jones runs after the catch...

Tyler Drake

Arizona Cardinals sign wide receiver Zay Jones to 1-year deal

The Arizona Cardinals signed former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones to a one-year deal on Monday.

24 hours ago

Tip Reiman speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine...

Tyler Drake

Throwing pots: Cardinals rookie mauler Tip Reiman an artist at heart

For Cardinals tight end Tip Reiman, his time spent away from the field includes a hobby that is about the furthest thing from violent.

2 days ago

Darius Robinson...

Bailey Leasure

PFF: Cardinals’ Darius Robinson is one of the best team fits from 2024 NFL Draft

Arizona Cardinals rookie Darius Robinson comes into the NFL with a chance to immediately help the team on the defensive line.

2 days ago

Arizona Cardinals QB Carson Palmer is ‘on the spot’