Carson Palmer (Getty Images file)
Spotlight on… Carson Palmer, QB, Arizona Cardinals
When: Palmer’s MVP campaign continues Sunday vs. the 49ers.
What’s up: When Palmer crumpled to the ground 12 months ago clutching his left knee, it was fair to wonder if he’d ever come back, and if so, at what level. He tore the same ACL for the second time in eight years. He faced a difficult recovery. Palmer entered this season at age 35 surrounded by questions. His performances have been a series of exclamation points. Palmer leads the NFL with 27 touchdown passes, leaving him on pace for a career-high 43.
Background: Palmer won the Heisman Trophy at USC then blended into the NFL canvas as a good, but not spectacular player. He experienced two winning seasons in first nine seasons with Cincinnati and Oakland. His career in a ditch, Palmer found traction with Cardinals coach Bruce Arians, who encourages Palmer to throw down field.
Renck’s take: Remember when Ryan Lindley clumped through the worst playoff performance in history last season? The Cardinals would like to forget. With Palmer healthy, Arizona can reach the Super Bowl. Arians predicted they would be there in the offseason. Palmer and an improved running game provide a strong argument. Palmer is 21-4 in his past 25 starts. And he’s not afraid to go deep. He has completed 39 passes of 21-plus yards, second in the league. Palmer never has won a postseason game. That will change this season.
