Larry Fitzgerald has remained faithful to the Arizona Cardinals. As the team has undergone numerous changes in multiple positions, he has remained a constant presence. Yet again, the Cardinals will have an new player at quarterback for the 2013 season and Fitzgerald just hopes this one finally works out. As team activities began for the Cardinals, Fitzgerald noted that he was tired. He is not tired of playing football; he is tired of the quarterback carousel.
Fitzgerald is easily the most marquee player on the Arizona roster and has been the biggest offensive producer for the struggling team. He is tired of talking to the media and discussing the turnaround of the offense and how the quarterback just needs to develop a little more. Since the team went to the Super Bowl in 2009 and Kurt Warner retired, the Cardinals have had six starting quarterbacks. Fitzgerald is ready for some consistency.
Arizona signed veteran Carson Palmer in the offseason with the hopes that he can turn the team around and start producing some wins. They are hoping for another Warner-like season if Palmer can get his career back on track. Fitzgerald wants him to be "the guy" for the team.
"It does instill confidence knowing that the leader of your offense is into it and wants to see everyone play at a high level," Fitzgerald said.
It is of high importance that Fitzgerald and Palmer are on the same page for the upcoming season. Palmer praised the wide receiver's work ethic, noting that he is one of the key players for the team.
The 71 catches by Fitzgerald last season was one of the lowest in his career. It was in fact the least productive since his rookie season. He only recorded 798 yards and four touchdowns. That is the lowest since 2006. However, not all of that is Fitzgerald's fault. The team did not exactly have a quarterback throwing to him with accuracy. The team started four different guys last season, each one missing the mark on Fitzgerald.
Can Palmer be the man that Fitzgerald is hoping for? Time will tell, but he certainly is the best chance since the Warner days. Fitzgerald is remaining positive. He is currently under contract through 2018 and will be due an $8 million roster bonus in 2015. At 32, he does not have that many seasons left in the league and he hopes Palmer can help end his career on a high note.