Quarterback Carson Palmer and the Arizona Cardinals host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football this week and the game has more meaning than just a prime time clash between two of the NFL’s best.
Advertisement
Palmer has already thrown for 2,749 yards with 23 touchdowns and seven interceptions through nine games with the Cardinals (7-2), who sit atop the NFC West. But there are a few key elements that have to be followed. K.J. Wright was ruled down at the 3 after the recovery and Marshawn Lynch bulled his way in for his third touchdown of the season on the next play. Dalton was the Bengals’ leading rusher at halftime with 30 yards. The Seahawks have the talent to go on a run and possibly make the playoffs but it is all about whether or not they have the chemistry to get the ball rolling in order to do so.
Mathieu has had a real impact on Arizona’s defense throughout his three-year career, but this may end up being the best season the former third-round pick has had. It costs, to be the boss.
That’s the prevailing sentiment in the locker room as the Cardinals prepare to play the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday night in Glendale. To a man, the Cardinals see it as a sign of how well they are playing. Cornerback Jerraud Powers rattled off a list of names to worry about, adding they’re “one of the most explosive offenses in the league”.
Except, at least one Bengals player who preferred to remain nameless is wondering why Palmer carries so much animosity toward Cincinnati, when – in his mind – it should really be the other way around. “A lot of that has to do with the play-calling”.
He seemed to always just be a good quarterback on otherwise bad teams. “He’s definitely going to bring the best out of me, I’m going to try to do my best to bring the best out of him”.
Dalton has to be relaxed, for the offense to flow like it should. Andy Dalton could light it up in primetime.
Carson Palmer will play against his former team the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football. After Arizona recovered the onside kick, it was game, set, match. Maybe it’s too much pressure to handle. The exotic shifts and formations led to confusion and penalties.
For starters, this team has to be able to finish games in the fourth quarter.
The Bengals aren’t looking for Waldo. They are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 home games, and 4-1 SU in their last five overall games. The ground game was attempted 16 times. Bernard’s numbers have him ranked with the premier running backs this year. Ellington lost the starting job after an injury gave Chris Johnson the opportunity to shine, but Ellington has done very well with the touches he has had averaging 7.6 yards a carry.
So while Palmer’s participation in Sunday’s game is a subplot, it should be noted that his exit from Cincinnati proved to be a positive move for the Bengals and ultimately a good thing for Palmer. But since his return, the unit is downright scary.
Advertisement
Dalton has started every game since he came into the National Football League in 2011 in the midst of Palmer’s bitter holdout and subsequent trade to Oakland. Paul Guenther will need to find a way to free his front four. Those suggestions worked and helped the Cardinals bounce back after blowing a 19-0 lead.
