2014 Denver Broncos Opponents: Quarterback Rankings
By Nate Winkler
#8. Carson Palmer
Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws a pass in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
2012 – Oakland Raiders Wins: (4) Passer Rating: 85.3 Y/PA: 7.1
2013 – Arizona Cardinals Wins: (10) Passer Rating: 83.9 Y/PA: 7.5
2 Year Average- Wins: (7) Passer Rating: 84.6 Y/PA: 7.3
Week 5: Arizona Cardinals @ Denver Broncos (10/5/14 2:05 pm MDT)
Carson Palmer has made a career out of being the girl next door. The 2002 Heisman Trophy winner seemed to always be on the cusp of greatness early in his career in Cincinnati, but never fully developed or got rid of all the acne. He’s still fun to go to the movies with, but you’d only go to prom with him after the pretty girl turned you down. Palmer enters his second season in Arizona after leading the Cardinals to a 10 win season a year ago that left them on the outside of the playoffs.
Having Larry Fitzgerald is a sure-fire way to rejuvenate a career, and the Cardinals are hoping Palmer can help make the offense as dominant as the defense was last season. If so, they can leapfrog either the Seattle Seahawks or San Francisco 49ers in the nasty NFC West. Palmer has certainly torched the Broncos before, but he’ll need a stellar day from said defense in order to trump Peyton Manning, who will be coming off an early season bye.