The football analytics site Pro Football Focus has selected Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer as its midseason MVP.
Palmer, who is in the top five in the NFL for passing touchdowns, yards and passer rating for the 6-2 Cardinals, was picked over New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.
“It’s been quite the year for Palmer, who is thriving after his amazing return from his severe knee injury,” PFF analyst Khaled Elsayed wrote. “It should show you how highly we think of the job he’s doing that; in any other year, Brady or Newton would be worthy winners.”
The 35-year-old quarterback has thrown for 2,386 yards and 20 touchdowns, with a passer rating of 110.2. Thanks in large part to Palmer’s productive return, the Cardinals are currently in first place in the NFC West after eight games.
The head coach of Arizona’s biggest divisional rival probably agrees with PFF’s pick.
“I’ve never seen him better,” said Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, who coached Palmer at USC. “He’s working really well with the offense. He’s getting good protection. The running game is there, he’s got great receivers to go to, and Bruce (Arians) is calling a real good game for him.”
The Cardinals have scored the second-most points in the NFL this season. Arizona also ranks first in yards per play, while Palmer is averaging more yards per attempt than any other quarterback.
Most have leaned toward Brady or Newton for midseason MVP. Brady is on pace for 44 touchdowns and just four interceptions for the 8-0 Patriots, while Newton is powering the 8-0 Panthers with both his arm and legs.
Palmer is right in the mix.
At his current pace, Palmer will throw for almost 4,800 yards and 40 touchdowns. If Palmer can approach those numbers, and the Cardinals win the NFC West, voters will have a hard time ignoring him for the league’s highest honor.