NFL.com lists two Cardinals as Comeback Player of the Year candidates
The Arizona Cardinals were one of the best teams in all of football last season, until the injury bug hit them hard. Carson Palmer went down after starting just six games. Tyrann Mathieu played in 13 games, but was clearly still hobbled by knee surgery in the offseason and struggled throughout much of the year.
NFL.com writer Chris Wesseling made a list of the top 10 Comeback Player of the Year Candidates for 2015. Palmer ranked second on this list.
The recent history of quarterbacks returning from ACL injuries doesn't bode well for Palmer's chances, but he has already exceeded expectations in his speedy recovery. His surrounding talent is significantly better than conventional wisdom suggests, with a suddenly stout offensive line and a wide receiver corps featuring breakout candidate John Brown. Palmer is 13-2 with a 27:12 touchdown-to-interception ratio over his last 15 starts in Bruce Arians' offense.Palmer has had nothing but stellar reviews so far during OTAs and minicamp. He looks heathy and is primed for a big year.
Another player making the list coming in as the seventh most likely Comeback Player of the Year is Mathieu.
“Honey Badger" played 13 games in his return from reconstructive knee surgery, but clearly wasn't himself in a limited role. The Cardinals believe he has finally recaptured pre-injury form this offseason, which will allow him to channel the playmaking ability he flashed while making a run at Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2013.Mathieu, just like Palmer looks like his old self again this offseason. Mathieu had a stellar rookie year, but struggled in his second season. Look for Mathieu to return to his rookie form now that he is fully recovered from knee surgery.
(h/t Arizona Sports)
