Carson Palmer launches 64-yard touchdown to J.J. Nelson (Video)

J.J. Nelson caught his first career touchdown on a 64-yard bomb from Carson Palmer, who continued to shake off a rough start.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer has shaken off two early interceptions, and he reminded NFL pundits and fans of why he is an MVP candidate and a near lock to win Comeback Player of the Year. Although Palmer threw two picks in the first quarter, he has responded with two touchdown passes.

The Cardinals are in a tight Sunday Night Football match up with the Cincinnati Bengals, and Palmer threw his second touchdown by airing out a long bomb to rookie wide receiver J.J. Nelson. Nelson took it 64 yards to the house for his first NFL touchdown after shaking off a tackle attempt by Bengals safety Reggie Nelson.

Nelson had been quiet throughout the beginning of his rookie season since being drafted in the fifth round out of UAB, but he has shown his ability to be a deep threat with his speed in recent weeks. He made his first catch on Nov. 1 against the Cleveland Browns and finished with three catches for 70 yards. As of the Cardinals’ last scoring drive, Nelson has two receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown.

Palmer now has 25 touchdown passes against nine interceptions this season, and he is on pace to break his personal record of 32 touchdown passes, which he achieved in 2005 with the Bengals. After a rough end to his stint with the Bengals and a forgettable stint with the Oakland Raiders, Palmer has shown his potential that caused the Bengals to draft him first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft.