The Arizona Cardinals’ chances in the NFC West, and into the playoffs, will live and die by the health of quarterback Carson Palmer.
When healthy, Palmer has been one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL. But at 37 years old, the oft-injured Palmer’s long-term prognosis doesn’t look good.
One of his favorite weapons, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, is aging too. How effective he’ll be this upcoming season is also a major X-factor to consider. And while having running back David Johnson in the backfield should help the offense, overall, Palmer is clearly the linchpin here.
While their defense remains stout enough to contend for a playoff spot, the Cardinals are hoping they can milk just a small amount of high-level ability out of Palmer’s body this upcoming season.