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With the hiring of Bruce Arians, there is a ton of optimism for the team's offense heading into 2013. We know that Arians likes to throw the ball down the field a lot. As a result, combined with the acquisition of established quarterback Carson Palmer, the receivers should be able to put up some decent numbers.
In fact, NFL.com's Bucky Brooks is predicting that Cardinals second-year receiver Michael Floyd will be the league's most improved receiver.
First-year head coach Bruce Arians is ushering in a new era with a dynamic aerial attack directed by new quarterback Carson Palmer. While the system places an emphasis on pushing the ball down the field, Arians will utilize a myriad of simple concepts designed to create easy throws for the QB. From tradition three- and four-vertical routes to a variety of "Dino" concepts (double-post routes), Arians cleverly crafts passing plays to stretch the defense vertically, while also creating good opportunities for his playmakers against isolated coverage. As a result, his receivers pile up receptions of 20-plus yards, boosting yards-per-catch averages over the 15.0 mark, which is the standard for big-play wideouts in the NFL.
For Floyd, the shift to a vertical passing game will accentuate his strengths as a big-bodied receiver with strong hands.
Noticing a trend? People believe that Larry Fitzgerald will bounce back. There has been constant chatter about Rob Housler. Now, we have Floyd.
Brooks projects that Floyd will catch 75 passes for 1150 yards and eight touchdowns.
If the offensive line can allow Carson Palmer to make the reads he needs to and keep him healthy, this is not an unreasonable projection.
Brooks also lists Alshon Jeffery, Austin Pettis and Reuben Randle as the other players to watch for in 2013, in terms of improvement.
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