The Arizona Cardinals are coming into 2013 with a new head coach, a new offense and a new quarterback and despite losing to the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, the team has plenty of reasons to be optimistic, as Larry Fitzgerald, Carson Palmer and Andre Roberts all produced under Bruce Arians in Week 1.
The team had issues on third downs against the Rams, converting only 50 percent in the game and it came back to bite the team when things got tight at the end. The team started off better in the first half before going 4 of 9 on third downs in the final two quarters and despite that, both Andre Roberts and Larry Fitzgerald were able to put up solid numbers, a welcome sign after what happened last season in the quarterback situation.
Fitzgerald had one of his worst seasons last year after playing with Kevin Kolb, Ryan Lindley and John Skelton in the offense and now he has a legitimate quarterback in Palmer. The two were clicking from the moment Palmer was traded to the team and now it is likely that they will both put up good numbers in Arians' offense. Palmer threw for over 320 yards on Sunday, while Fitzgerald made eight catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns to start off nicely.
Roberts and Michael Floyd did their part as well, combining for 12 catches and over 150 yards, but the Cardinals could not score in the fourth quarter and St. Louis was able to capitalize with a 14-0 final frame. Rashard Mendenhall got his first action with his old coach in Arians after signing as a free agent this offseason and while he had just 60 yards on 16 carries, he is expected to feature heavily in the offense going forward.
Even if the Cardinals are bad this season, chances are they will be better than they were on offense than last year, when they ranked in the bottom of the league in nearly every category. While it is only one game, it must be a welcoming sign to see the team ranking in the top half of the league already in rushing yards and passing yards per game and Palmer is known for his production and that should be perfect with Larry Fitzgerald. The Cards have some optimism despite losing and now they will have to get it together for the Lions in Week 2.
