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.

Head coach Bruce Arians watches as his receivers get set during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Quarterback Carson Palmer watches as receiver Larry Fitzgerald comes down with the catch during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Larry Fitzgerald and Yeremiah Bell share a laugh during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Receiver LaRon Byrd celebrates a touchdown catch during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Tight end Rob Housler gets into the end zone during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Linebacker Reggie Walker returns an interception during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Receiver Dan Buckner lines up during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) QB Carson Palmer takes off and runs during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Cornerback Patrick Peterson backpedals during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Receiver Andre Robers lines up waiting for QB Carson Palmer to receive the snap during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Linemen Bobby Massie (70) and Daryn Colledge (71) prepare for the snap during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Receiver Larry Fitzgerald and safety Tyrann Mathieu battle for a pass during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Receiver Jaron Brown comes down with a pass that looked like it was intended for tight end Rob Housler during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Jamell Fleming (23) and Kerry Taylor (18) battle for the ball during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Receiver Larry Fitzgerald and safety Yeremiah Bell share some words during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Running back Ryan Williams turns the corner after making a catch during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Quarterback Ryan Lindley lines up under center during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Receiver Charles Hawkins runs with the ball during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Cornerback Patrick Peterson is watching his man while Carson Palmer delivers the ball to Andre Roberts during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Cardinals QB Carson Palmer points during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Receiver Larry Fitzgerald turns the corner during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Head coach Bruce Arians (left) and general manager Steve Keim watch during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Running back Alfonso Smith makes a catch during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Assistant offensive line coach Larry Zierlein instructs Bobby Massie (70) and Levi Brown (75) during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Head coach Bruce Arians watches during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Cornerback Patrick Peterson looks during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Receiver Jarett Dillard makes a catch during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Quarterback Ryan Lindley throws during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Tight end Rob Housler stretches during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Quarterback Carson Palmer rolls out during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Pro Bowlers Patrick Peterson and Larry Fitzgerald share a laugh during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Head coach Bruce Arians talks while Pro Bowlers Lorenzo Alexander, Daryl Washington, Patrick Peterson and Larry Fitzgerald look on during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Head coach Bruce Arians speaks to the crowd during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Team president Michael Bidwill speaks during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Linebacker Karlos Dansby flaps his wings during Arizona Cardinals Fan Fest at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11, 2013. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports)

Arizona Cardinals

DeAndre Hopkins, Cardinals vs. Titans...

Arizona Sports

Titans reportedly hosting former Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins on free-agent visit

Former Arizona Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins is visiting the Tennessee Titans for a free-agent visit this coming Sunday, reports Tom Pelissero.

19 hours ago

Garrett Williams introductory press conference...

Delaney Penn

Arizona Cardinals CB Garrett Williams’ 1st priority is to get healthy

Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams discussed his love for making game-changing plays and his initial struggles with the Arizona heat. 

19 hours ago

Aaron Brewer...

Tyler Drake

Arizona Cardinals re-sign LS Aaron Brewer, release Joe Fortunato

The Arizona Cardinals re-signed long snapper Aaron Brewer and released Joe Fortunato on Tuesday, the team announced.

2 days ago

Carlos Watkins...

Tyler Drake

Carlos Watkins ‘sees vision’ the Cardinals are aiming to achieve

After meeting with head coach Jonathan Gannon and DC Nick Rallis during free agency, Carlos Watkins knew his future was in the desert.

2 days ago

Colt McCoy, Arizona Cardinals QB...

Haboob Blog

Why Colt McCoy’s kids may want him to retire

Arizona Cardinals QB Colt McCoy told his kids that the family can get a furry friend when he retires, which isn't happening yet. 

2 days ago

Zaven Collins during OTAs...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals LB Zaven Collins embracing life on the edge

Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins is getting more work on the outside than ever before since arriving to the desert in 2020.

3 days ago

Arizona Cardinals QB Carson Palmer is ‘on the spot’