Michael Floyd, Arizona Cardinals’ offense making progress
Jul 30, 2013, 12:39 AM | Updated: 12:40 am
GLENDALE — It’s only been four days, but many can see the progress being made by the Arizona Cardinals’ offense so far in training camp.
One such person is second-year wide receiver Michael Floyd, who enjoyed another solid day of practice during Monday’s afternoon session at University of Phoenix Stadium.
“I think we’re making good progress,” Floyd said. “On day four, especially good — better than day one. We’re coming together as a whole unit and that’s all you can ask for.”
Floyd, a first-round pick out of Notre Dame in 2012, took a while to get his footing in the National Football League, but once he did, he was a productive player.
In the season’s last nine games, Floyd had 37 catches for 471 yards and a touchdown — even more than perennial Pro Bowler Larry Fitzgerald, who managed just 31 catches for 339 yards and a score in the same span.
Compared to where he was a year ago at this time, Floyd can see the improvement in himself personally, and he’s leaning on others to help that upward trend continue.
“Just being a real pro,” he said. “Having my surroundings with Fitz and Andre (Roberts), guys who have had the experience here and know how to take care of their bodies and know what to do to prepare for this time right now.
“I’m just taking things off their heads, making sure I’m in the right spot at the right times and just going forward.”
Floyd, Fitzgerald and Roberts are all making the adjustment to having new quarterbacks throwing them the ball. When asked about having a veteran like Carson Palmer at the helm of the offense, Floyd couldn’t contain his enthusiasm.
“He throws a great ball,” Floyd said with a smile stretching from ear to ear.
“He has the experience, and that’s what I really like. I can always go to him and pick off his head and he can tell me what he wants,” he continued. “So I’m going to listen to him like I listen to Fitz on what to do on the field and go forward with that.”
Palmer was a little more verbose in his praise of Floyd.
“Very, very smart for a year two guy; he gets it, he understands it,” Palmer said earlier Monday. “He has a natural feel for getting open in zones, which is something you’re not taught. You can sit there and watch film with a guy forever — either you have it, or it’s something that takes years to develop and he’s got it already.
“Phenomenal playmaker. I’ve given him some chances on some 50/50 balls and he’s three-for-three. You hope for two-for-three, you don’t want one-for-three, but three-for-three is outstanding. I’ll keep doing it, I’ll keep giving him opportunities until he gives me a reason not to do it.”
