Niner Noise
FanSided

The top NFL player to watch from each team in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) reacts to a sack by Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) during the game between the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina wins 30-20 over Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) reacts to a sack by Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) during the game between the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina wins 30-20 over Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Cardinals — Quarterback Carson Palmer

It’s pretty safe to say the Arizona Cardinals’ 2017 campaign will ultimately be decided by the health and abilities of veteran quarterback Carson Palmer.

Palmer, at 37 years old, has managed to stay relatively healthy the past two seasons, missing just one game a year ago.

Even still, the Cardinals managed just a 7-8-1 record in what turned out to be a largely underwhelming season.

The Cardinals don’t exactly have ideal backups for Palmer as insurance. Neither QBs Drew Stanton nor Blaine Gabbert inspire much confidence, putting Arizona’s reliance in Palmer’s ability to stay on the field as a top factor.

Arizona’s window to get to a Super Bowl is now. The defense remains a force and only got better during the offseason, and there are still playmakers on offense.

But Palmer remaining a key force has to be the X-factor here.