All signs are pointing to a breakout season for Arizona Cardinals 2012 first-round pick Michael Floyd.
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After managing just eight total receptions for 91 yards in his first seven games as a rookie, Floyd came on strong down the stretch with 4.1 catches and 52.3 yards per game under the unholy triumvirate of John Skelton, Ryan Lindley and Brian Hoyer at quarterback in the final nine contests. The highlight was an eight-catch, 166-yard torching of the San Francisco 49ers in the season finale.
As a big-play receiver and an outside threat down the sideline, Floyd is a natural fit for new coach Bruce Arians' vertical offense.
"I think he is a bright young star. He has to get better fundamentally," Arians said in February. "But he's physical, he's big, he's active. I loved him coming out."
Already running ahead of Andre Roberts with the first-team offense, Floyd has Cardinals beat writers noting his increased confidence as he has "made a big leap."
None other than team leader Larry Fitzgerald believes Floyd is on the verge of a big season.
Floyd's emergence as a viable second fiddle to Fitzgerald with Roberts in the slot has Arians crowing that this is the strongest wide receiver group he's ever inherited. It's a strong statement from a coach who inherited Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress and Antwaan Randle El with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2004.
It's a shame the Cardinals are in the NFL's toughest division. They have the talent to be a playoff sleeper otherwise.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
