During an interview with Darren Urban of the Arizona Cardinals‘ official website this week quarterback Carson Palmer said, ” I know people don’t want to hear it, but I like where we are.” Palmer qualified that statement knowing that Cardinals fans won’t like that message.
Arizona Cardinals Carson Palmer: “I Like Where We Are”
Really?
With such high expectations coming into this season, fans are not happy with being 3-4-1. Specifically, most are upset with Palmer and his lack of potency compared to 2015. Through eight games in 2015, he had 20 touchdown passes and passer rating 112.9. This season, his numbers are significantly down with only half of the touchdown passes and a passer rating of 87.9. Hearing that quote from Palmer as the leader of the offense and captain on this football team is hard to swallow.
On the Flip Side
As a team, the Cardinals are not out of it. According to Football Outsiders, Arizona has a 15.3 percent chance of making the playoffs. Fans lamented the tie and considered all of the possibilities of how it could hurt their playoff chances. But with the Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, and Washington Redskins still left on the schedule they can make up big ground in the wild card chase.
The defense is also playing some fantastic football. Without major contributions from Tyrann Mathieu, the Cardinals are still number one in yards per game and tied for fourth in the league in scoring defense. The secondary that has coined themselves the no-fly zone has not allowed a passing touchdown in three games.
If Palmer is confident that Arizona can turn it around offensively, then they have some reason to be optimistic. With San Francisco 49ers coming to town, the offense should have plenty of opportunities. Let’s hope that they are able to show improvement coming out the bye week.
