Arizona Cardinals will be in the NFL playoffs in 2014 if…

If: Quarterback Carson Palmer picks up where he left off in 2014. When it was all said and done in 2013, the veteran signal-caller finished tied for second in the league with 22 interceptions, as many as Baltimore’s Joe Flacco and five fewer than Giants’ quarterback Eli Manning.

Aha. But a closer look shows that the experienced Palmer got much better as the season wore on. After throwing 13 interceptions compared to eight touchdown passes in the team’s first seven games, the Cardinals’ field general threw for 16 scores and was picked off just nine times during the club’s strong 7-2 finish. Amazingly, four of those nine interceptions came in the team’s surprising victory at Seattle in Week 16.

More importantly, Palmer was able to play in all 16 games in 2013, which was certainly not the case for the Cardinals the previous year. The team went through four different starting signal-callers and that lack of continuity certainly took its toll, especially on performers such as prolific wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. With Palmer at the helm this past season, Arizona’s best offensive weapon caught 10 touchdown passes—after scoring just four times in 2012.

All told, this Cardinals offense could be very dangerous this season. Along with Fitzgerald, Palmer has wideout Michael Floyd (the team leader in receiving yards in 2013), along with free-agent additions such as Ted Ginn Jr. and tight end John Carlson. And rookie speedster John Brown, a third-round pick in May, has made his presence felt this offseason and summer.

Add in plenty of carries from second-year running back Andre Ellington and Arians’ offense could be one of the most improved units in the NFL in 2014.