Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and Andre Roberts combined to catch four passes for 77 yards and a touchdown during limited action in the Arizona Cardinals' exhibition opener at Green Bay. It was an encouraging start for the Cardinals' receivers in their first game with new quarterback Carson Palmer.
2012 Rookie WRs by Yards
Of particular interest: where Floyd fits into the equation entering his second season. The scouting reports on Floyd, chosen 13th overall in the 2012 draft, applauded him for handling with maturity a series of alcohol-related incidents earlier in his career. Floyd caught 45 passes last season, the fifth-highest total for a rookie wide receiver. He ranked fourth within that group in routes run and seventh in offensive snaps played, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
"He gets it, he understands it," Palmer said earlier in camp. "He has had a natural feel for getting open in zones, which is something you're not taught. You just sit there and watch film with a guy forever and you either have it or it's something that takes years to develop. Phenomenal player."
Palmer, addressing reporters Monday, affirmed what the scouting reports said of Floyd, who turned 23 in November.
"He is still young -- that is what you don't realize about Mike because he is very mature for his age," Palmer said. "He seems like he is in Year 4 or 5 instead of going into Year 2, and he didn't play a whole bunch in Year 1. He is still working, he is learning from one of the best [Fitzgerald] and we expect Mike to have a big year."