Well, I'm not so sure that Palmer wasn't processing things. Executing them? Well, that's clearly another story.
Trying to keep things in perspective, at that stage of Palmer's career, he and the Arians offense was heavily reliant upon David Johnson - just like McGoff was reliant upon Gurley last season. When Johnson went down in Week 1, and Peterson couldn't provide the mid-season spark, Palmer was a sitting duck behind that O-line. But again, at that stage of Palmer's career, I think it's unfair to place his waning production completely on him.
I just look at this as the best-case scenario for all involved:
- The Rams get a legitimate back-up who (with Gurley, Woods, Kupp, et al) would not skip a beat should Goff go down with an in opportune injury.
- As a back-up, Palmer wouldn't have to worry as much about the week-in, week-out pounding an NFL QB takes.
- McGoff can benefit from having the perspective of a successful veteran NFL QB
- Palmer lives right down the street (OK...highway) and is smart enough to pick up the offense quickly.
I think is arm is still "live" and I'm betting he'd enjoy the opportunity.
