Arizona Cardinals GM Steve Keim: QB Carson Palmer ‘has to pick up his game’

Oct 7, 2013, 6:17 PM | Updated: 6:17 pm

After the four-quarterback carousel the Arizona Cardinals went through in 2012, Carson Palmer appeared to be the team’s long lost answer behind center.

Acquired in a trade with the Oakland Raiders back in April, Palmer was supposed to bring to the table something the Cardinals had sorely missed since Kurt Warner’s 2009 retirement: a veteran quarterback with a big-play arm and an ability to make good decisions under pressure.

Well, that script hasn’t exactly played out for Palmer through the first five games of this season.

The two-time Pro Bowler has thrown nine interceptions (tied for second-most in the NFL) overall, including three picks in Arizona’s 22-6 victory over the Carolina Panthers Sunday.

While the Cardinals have managed to win each of the last two weeks in spite of Palmer’s costly errors (five combined INTs in Week 4 and 5), general manager Steve Keim didn’t hold back when assessing the 31-year-old’s most recent performance.

“He didn’t play well yesterday and made some critical mistakes, particularly with his decision making,” Keim told Arizona Sports 620’s Doug & Wolf Monday. “I think Bruce [Arians] hit on it yesterday. Two of those balls he was trying to force into Larry [Fitzgerald]. One time I don’t he didn’t see [Luke] Kuechly, but he saw Andre Roberts flash on a shallow cross. Then he tried to force it into Larry on a little seam. And, he just made a really poor decision.”

In 2012, Palmer only had two games in which he threw two or more interceptions. He’s already achieved the dubious feat on three occasions in 2013.

To make matters worse, Arizona actually got better production out of the Kevin Kolb-John Skelton duo (109-of-183 for 1,190 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions) through the five weeks of last season than they’ve received from Palmer (106-of-180 for 1,185 yards, five touchdowns and nine interceptions) in the same span.

“I heard Carson say yesterday that he has to be better than that and that he’s been in the league a long time,” said Keim. “And I completely agree. He has to pick his game up.”

Although Palmer’s errors are well-documented thus far, Keim also noted that the offensive woes are not all on No. 3. In particular, the Cardinals’ general manager focused his attention on wide receiver Andre Roberts and tight end Rob Housler.

“We need to help him in terms of the supporting cast,” said Keim. “Andre Roberts dropped a critical third down conversion on a slant. Rob Housler has to pick his game up significantly.

“I mean Rob is a guy who has all of the tools in the world but has not put it together on Sundays. He runs a seam on another third down conversion and doesn’t get his head around. So, there are also times where we aren’t helping Carson Palmer.”

Palmer could certainly use some help against Arizona’s Week 6 opponent, the San Francisco 49ers.

The reigning NFC champions have the second-best pass defense in the league (allowing 189 passing yards/game) and have picked off four passes over their last two contests.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Carolina Panthers wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington (58) during the first half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Cardinals running back Rashard Mendenhall (28) is tackled by Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58)during the first half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is pressured by Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis, right, and Greg Hardy (76) during the first half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks to throw under pressure from Arizona Cardinals nose tackle Alameda Ta'amu, right, during the first half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) escapes the reach of Arizona Cardinals defensive end Matt Shaughnessy (91) and John Abraham during the first half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is sacked by Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) during the first half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) looks to run as Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Colin Cole (92) defends during the first half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) pulls in a pass as Carolina Panthers cornerback Drayton Florence (29) and Mike Mitchell defends during the first half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) intercepts a pass as Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) defends during the first half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) tries to break away from Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tony Jefferson (22) during the first half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) signals first down against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) escapes the tackle of Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) during the first half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals' Daryl Washington, right, gets blocks by Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams, middle, as Panthers quarterback Cam Newton looks to throw the ball in the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals' Tyrann Mathieu, left, sacks Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) in the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals' Jay Feely (4) connects for a field goal against the Carolina Panthers with the help of holder Dave Zastudil (9) in the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson (21) intercepts a ball intended for Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) in the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals running back Rashard Mendenhall (28) scores a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) makes a catch as Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Thomas (22) defends during the second half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) during the second half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is sacked by Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Wawhington (58) during the second half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is sacked in the end zone for a safety by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) during the second half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) is knocked down by Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) tries to escape Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) and Daryl Washington during the second half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) intercepts a pass as Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) defends during the second half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd, right, is tackled by Carolina Panthers strong safety Robert Lester during the second half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) celebrates after a NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 22-6. Cardinals' Tyrann Mathieu (32)looks on. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals' Jim Dray (81) celebrates his touchdown catch against the Carolina Panthers with teammate Lyle Sendlein (63) in the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals defeated the Panthers 22-6. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals tight end Jim Dray (81) celebrates his touchdown with Larry Fitzgerald during the second half of a NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 22-6. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals' Jay Feely (4) pumps his fist after kicking a field goal as Carolina Panthers' Armond Smith (36) looks for the ball in the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals defeated the Panthers 22-6. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) leaves his pink cleats at midfield after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 22-6. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians, left, and Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera meet after a NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 22-6. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

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