National Football League

Palmer says offense needs to be team's backbone

Published Aug. 21, 2014 6:03 p.m. ET

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GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) A better offense could offset any problems that surface for what has been a stout defense in Arizona.

Quarterback Carson Palmer says he's not sure you can fill the shoes of the three players the Cardinals lost up the middle on defense. Tackle Darnell Dockett was lost for the season with a knee injury in practice Monday. The team already was without both inside linebackers. Karlos Dansby left for Cleveland as a free agent and Daryl Washington is suspended for the season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Palmer says the offense needs to become the backbone of the team, counted on to win at the end of games. The offense, Palmer says, must be ready to carry the load.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org