Fansided

Ranking starting quarterbacks for each NFL team

By Nathaniel Reeves

Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Minnesota won 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Minnesota won 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws the ball during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Cardinals won 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws the ball during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Cardinals won 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals 

The Cardinals were fortunate enough to pick up Palmer prior to the 2014 season, as the veteran has been terrific when healthy for three seasons in Arizona.

After spending eight seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Palmer requested a trade in October 2011 and was dealt to the Oakland Raiders, where he would struggle for a year and a half. Arizona decided to take a gamble on a Palmer resurgence, and the reward has been three consecutive seasons of 10 wins or more.

Palmer was on his way to a fantastic 2014 season before going down with a torn ACL in November. The 36-year-old responded by putting up the best season of his career in 2015, throwing for 4,671 yards and 35 touchdowns.

Head coach Bruce Arians utilizes a lot of deep passes in his offense, which worked extremely well for Palmer last season. Palmer formed a great connection with speedster John Brown, while also keeping veteran Larry Fitzgerald involved in a slot receiver role.

Even with a dud in the NFC Championship Game, Palmer had the best raw numbers of anyone other than Newton and Brady. Arizona will be very good as long as Palmer is under center, but it’s fair to expect some level of regression from the 36-year old.

Injuries are also a major concern, although the Cardinals have one of the best backups in the game in Drew Stanton should Palmer go down.

Next: 6. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks

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