Carson Palmer's Struggles Trend With Team's Overall Struggles and Shift In Philosophy
by Josh Kirkendall on May 19, 2010 11:05 AM EDT
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PrintRanking the best quarterbacks in the NFL, Jason Cole puts the Bengals' quarterback Carson Palmer 11th, writing:
There was a time that Carson Palmer threw the ball like a Greek god and put up numbers to match. Age, injury and changes to the receiving corps have altered the view of Palmer, who now appears to be at something of a crossroads in his career. It’s worth wondering whether Palmer, 30, will ever really deliver on his promise or whether his career will get swallowed up by the swirling vortex of suckage that is the Bengals organization.
One of the underlying questions heading into training camp bubbles towards the surface at warp speed with most of us. Can Carson Palmer resume a career as an elite NFL quarterback? We've examined the issue before. But it's not always about him, in truth. It's about everything else.
During his most efficient season in 2005, Palmer recorded a 101.1 passer rating, 32 touchdowns and a 67.8% completion rate. Also in that year, he had one of the best offensive lines in the league, a younger Chad Ochocinco, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Chris Henry, Kelly Washington (when he played) and a running back in Chris Perry that nearly broke the franchise record for most receptions by a running back. Not to mention that Rudi Johnson had a better year (ARGUABLY!) in 2005 than Cedric Benson did in 2009 (for comparative analysis only) -- especially the touchdowns -- setting a franchise record 1,458 yards rushing in 2005. A record that would have likely fallen if Benson hadn't gotten hurt in 2009.
| GAMES | YARDS | Y/G | Y/A | TD | |
| Rudi Johnson ('05) | 16 | 1,458 | 91.1 | 4.3 | 12 |
| Cedric Benson ('09) | 13 | 1,251 | 96.2 | 4.2 | 6 |
The team also had an opportunist defense that gave Cincinnati more offensive possessions, but also a defense that at times forced the offense to score more and more points. That's neither here nor there, at this point.
Since then, Palmer's numbers have relatively fluxed through 2007. While his passing attempts and passing yards rose, his touchdowns fell, interceptions increased and his passer rating dropped roughly seven points per season.
However, like Jack and B., I'm giving Palmer the benefit of the doubt. Yes, I know. I'm favoring him too much. That's fine. But consider this. Since 2005, the team's talent level on the offensive line lowered with age, injury and, well, Eric "freaking" Ghiaciuc. The rushing offense took a nose dive and the defense, before 2008, didn't help. We can obviously write off 2008 and one could argue that the team's complete shift with a brutally pounding offensive philosophy, combined with the lack of wide receiver help throughout the season, suffered Palmer's chances to resume his "elite" level quarterbacking with the throw of a "greek god."
Yes, yes. Palmer's year is this year. The offensive line, while rebuilt, is growing with more talent, experience and cohesiveness. The wide receivers have been rehauled and Palmer's duel tight end threat in Jermaine Gresham and Chase Coffman only add to Palmer's suddenly deep pool of talent. Then there's the rushing offense and a talented defense that finished in the top-ten in several major rankings -- such as scoring and total. Why is this his year? He's healthy, unlike 2008. Why is this his year? He has people to throw it to, unlike 2009.
Now, onto Coles' statement: "It’s worth wondering whether Palmer, 30, will ever really deliver on his promise or whether his career will get swallowed up by the swirling vortex of suckage that is the Bengals organization." And... go!
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i couldn't agree with this article more
the addition of receivers, the hopefully better o-line, and now a defense that can overcome mistakes by the offense and get off the field, this is palmer’s year
We all say Carson has to perform this year...
However noone is really saying what they realistically expect. While we have added weapons, those weapons have to get acclimated to a new system, quarterback, city and in some cases the NFL. I know Palmer must have a better year than last year. How much do we expect of him though? Do most fans expect him to put up numbers like 2005? I don’t. It would be great and I think he has the talent but we shouldn’t be forced to score that much this year. So are we judging him on stats, wins and losses, or just what our eyes tell us? On top of that, what if he has the same type of year? Do we start looking for his replacement? I think you have to give him another year unless he shows he just doesn’t have it physically or he is down right horrible. Most of these weapons have to get acclimated to multiple things. I just don’t want people to expect a year like 2005, and when that doesn’t happen start calling for his replacement and say he is washed up.
This is his year hopefully and I hope this is a non-issue by his play. However I don’t want people to start expecting 2005 numbers. We are much improved but this team still doesn’t have that type of Offensive Line (yet) or the receivers(getting closer). He does have to perform better but lets not say he has to be an MVP candidate. He only has to be solid and make good decisions. I think he will be just fine and we will all be happy with Palmer at the end of the season.
i think it's more than that now
if we would have won against the jets last year and then lost the next game we’d still be having these conversations, i don’t expect a super bowl (would be awesome) but i think we should come pretty damn close
Suckage!
rabblerabblerabble!!!!
A bit harsh, but I don’t think Palmer goes through these ups and downs in a better organization. Mike Brown and Marvin are responsible for the talent he had to work with in 2009 and Bratkowski should’ve been fired 2 or 3 years ago.
We might not see 2005 again, but 3500 yards and 25 TDs are waiting for him if there’s any talent left.
There's really no reason carson can't put up 3500 yards this year.
I expect nothing less. He’s going against the big guns this season, so we don’t have to worry about the team playing down to their opponent (except well Cleveland).
by UpStateMike on May 19, 2010 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Carson will put up bigger numbers this year...
because he has to. We’re going against the top offenses in the NFL. Saints, Patriots, Colts… As good as our D is, he at some point he’ll be forced to no huddle and throw the ball.
Looking at 2009
Had Carson’s weapons stayed healthy the entire season in 2009, I honestly think this would be less of an issue right now. He was on pace to have a decent season to match a power run offense until Henry was injured. If you look at the first half of the season, he was everything you wanted from a QB that had no quality receiving TEs and only 2 legit WRs (Ocho & Henry) to work with.
I expect Benson will have a better yards per carry this year and with more weapons, Carson should have no issues passing above 3k yards with more TD passes than last year.
I am more worried about interceptions. I am looking to see how many picks he throws this year and if he can return that ratio back to 2005.
If we can keep turnovers to a minimum, we will be in the playoffs one way or the other.
I have always been a big CP fan
So I’m expecting at least 3500 yards which should be easy to attain especially if we get more reports like the one about Matt Jones and Bryant.
I would like to see a 4000 yard season though.
I don't know that 4000 yards is realistic
If we play the type of D we are capable of and we have the running game we are capable of, then he won’t need to throw anywhere close to 4000. Around 3500 possibly.
I agree
Though if all the new threats play well then I’m not so sure it’s not realistic.
In the end I will take “W’s” anyway we can get em!
by TCfromDubVee on May 19, 2010 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions
He worries me
Weapons or not, he was pretty inaccurate at times.
That being said, if the drops stop and he has a threat in the middle of the field, we should be more balanced and not so one dimensional as we were last year after Henry got hurt.
Carson was hurried a lot of times
that doesn’t help with accuracy at all. Then throw in a ton of pentalties to keep putting more pressure on him to get first downs. That doesn’t help matters.
If the line plays better for him that will be huge this year.
YES HE WAS
And that IS a real factor. And the penalties too. Plus Henry went down. In the final six quarters before he got hurt, the Bengals’ offense put up 62 points total against Chicago and Baltimore, just over 10 points per quarter. They were just finally getting into a groove once Palmer decided to target Henry more than Coles (technically the No. 2 receiver).
There are so many factors to throw in there, but another question is yet to be answered (and won’t be until preseason): How is Antonio Bryant going to change things, on and off the field? That’s important.
by Pardon_My_French on May 19, 2010 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions
have you checked out Bryant's
ability to work the sidelines and the middle of the field? he is just sick, can’t wait to see him out there
check these out:
http://www.cincyjungle.com/2010/4/17/1427967/a-tribute-to-antonio-bryant
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-free-agency/09000d5d8169650a/2009-Best-of-Antonio-Bryant
3 yards and a pile of dust
by Hudepohl Dey on May 19, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
AB
I would hope he’s going to do a lot. He has a great QB and supporting cast. Something he really hasn’t had in his career. I hope him and Chad have 1k+ 10td seasons!
by TCfromDubVee on May 19, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
all i know is
carson looked sharp up to and including this game
When Palmer has the ability to throw all over the field, he’s as nasty as anyone.
After Henry went out of the Baltimore game, all went down hill with the passing game from thereon.
To me, I look at the opportunities underneath for Carson this season, and his ability to run a no-huddle offense, and breathe a sigh of relief.
Think of the endless receiving combinations that will be at 9’s disposal this year: Coffman, Shipley, Caldwell, Ochocinco, ABAB, Jermaine Gresham….and one of Dez Briscoe/Matt Jones/Jerome Simpson. Plus, if Vakapuna is set to be the FB this season, that would be awesome. Fui is more of a playmaking FB that can catch as opposed to a bowling ball blocker.
I can only imagine how excited Carson is this season. I’m so so pumped about the playmakers this team has accumulated since knifing Coles.
the god of the golden arms shall soon awake from his slumber, and return to his old defense shredding self en route to SBXLV.
3 yards and a pile of dust
ABAB=Antonio bad ass Bryant
3 yards and a pile of dust
by Hudepohl Dey on May 19, 2010 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmm so you’re saying Fui is the Bengals version of Heath Evans? I could get behind that as long as he stays healthy longer than Evans did last year. A receiving FB can be a deadly weapon in the hands of an OC who knows how to use him. Hmm, that might be a reason to not be so happy about this…
But just in case we’re all wrong about Brat (not likely, but hey we can dream right?), check out this absolutely SICK TD catch Evans made a few weeks before he got hurt: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d812c0cd2/Heath-Evans-11-yd-TD If Fui can make a play or two like that this year I’ll enjoy it quite a bit.
WOW
yeah, that’s what i’m talkin bout.
I envision an obvious short yardage play, with the 3 TE’s (Coffman, Gresham & Reggie) in power run formation. Fui in at FB with Benson/Leonard/Bernard in an offset-i-formation, right?
defense is 9 in the box stacked (even though they won’t be able to stop the runner) when the reality is, all five of those guys can catch the ball. Obvious run formation with the 5 pass catchers.
I’ll go one better: obvious pass formation. Antonio Bryant, Caldwell, and Gresham are very good downfield blockers. So give me Gresham in a 3-point next to Andre the Giant, with trips left (Caldwell/Bryant/Ocho). A Chad post-corner will roll out the safety. OLB’s have to watch Gresham down the seam. Both Corners with the Free Saftey to cover the trips. OH NO…. they can’t tackle freaking Benson who’s been running down their effing throats all day…..take that defense!
3 yards and a pile of dust
by Hudepohl Dey on May 19, 2010 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Brat will have to learn to actually call plays like that. But there are plenty of examples of other OCs who already do know how where he can learn from example, and Marvin can probably help out a bit here and there too. So I’d say that, assuming our players are capable of executing, that yeah we ought to be able to see at least a few of those this year.
I kind fo look at Plamer as a power pitcher who ............
has hung around long enough to learn how to pitch. I recorded all of the games last year and downloaded them to DVD. Recently I went back to several games in the beginning of the season and just watched how Carson carried himself. Yes, the Oline did OK but he did see a lot of pressure. He scrambled very well and made several key first downs. Tow of his three major targets just looked lost at times but Carson really showed me something.
He always depended on his big arm and an above average knowledge of the game to fire to a few very good WRs. He worked like a very smart QB. He found a way to win when the game was on the line. He really didn’t have tow things. An Oline that could give him quite enough time to find the 1 or sometimes 2 targets he had. He lost confidence in Coles, Caldwell and of course Coats. These guys dropped several game changing passes that were perfectly thrown. He did seem to be desperate to find the one guy who he could depend on to catch the ball. He tried to force the ball to Chad and had pressure in his face on the vast majority of his interceptions. He, like every QB is going to be victim to a great D play and the occasional mistake. Don’t think the big ball is gone either. Carson unleashed some real bullets and big downfield throws as well. I would say his arm is at least 90% of what it was. This guy still has a big gun.
People sat that our new receivers need time to acclimate in order to help. I disagree. Bryant should hit the ground running. Shipley is very dependable and will make plays. Gresham is a big target. Chase is a very good receiver.
The Oline should be significantly better with Andre and another year. What all of this means is that Carson should have that extra second in the pocket to find one of four targets who are more dependable than the one or two he had last year. Remember he only had 1/4 of preseason play in almost a year going into the season last season.
If he can get a good off season under his belt and the team starts the season healthy
it is very possible that we have not seen Carson’s best days. He still has a very big gun and now he has the targets and experience going for him. If our D can repeat what they did last year and things go like they very easily could on the O I think we can beat anyone. I predict that a lot of the Bengal detractors will be eating their words this January. That includes Peter King and a lot of Ravne and Steeler fans. Carson has never been as good as he will be this year IMO.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
tears in my eyes JJ
beautiful. just beautiful:
it is very possible that we have not seen Carson’s best days
Best quote ever
3 yards and a pile of dust
by Hudepohl Dey on May 19, 2010 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
What I meant by needing time to acclimate to the offense.
I am trying to stick up for Palmer. I am afraid that some people are going to expect him to go out and throw for 4000 yards. With everyone new, the D we play, and the running game we have, that is not realistic. I agree they should be a good offense right out of camp but, I don’t want people EXPECT 4000 yards and then if it doesn’t happen blame it ALL on Carson. If he deserves the blame then sure. Mainly what I’m saying is I don’t think we should EXPECT 4000 yards out of this Offense. It will get better as the year goes on and we should be just fine. I too think Carsons best days are still to come, however he may not match the numbers STATISTICALLY he had in 2005. That wouldn’t mean he isn’t better. Thats why I asked what we are going to set the Benchmark as. Carson will be fine IF the players around him perform. That is what I was trying to say.
I'm not saying 4000 is impossible but
It isn’t what we need from Carson now. I hope he gets it too but I won’t be EXPECTING it.
It is not about yards
It is about taking command of this team on the field and doing whatever it takes to maximize every drive. Being able to use the running and passing game as an integrated system to to dismantle the opposing D and score. I think he will be very good this year but I think he will be great next year with all of these young offensive weapons and the full integration of the Oline. He became a real QB last year not just a passer. I cannot point to any stats or items that can be categorized or easily referenced to back up my claim but I think Carson has the ability to be the best QB in the league and he is just about to prove it. I expect a lot of you guys to think I am crazy and I understand but that is just what I believe.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
Best QB in the league? Not likely. Not because he’s incapable of it, necessarily. But because he won’t throw the ball enough to rack up the number of yards and TDs he’ll need to get that ranking.
QBs are ranked by passing yards, passing TDs, completion percentage, YPC, and things like that. I think Carson will rebound on those quite a bit, mind you, but it would take an outright miracle for him to put up the numbers he’d need to jump all the way up to #1 on those lists.
FriarBob I understand how QBs are ranked in the NFL
Like I said in my post it isn’t about yards. Besides I said he has the ability to do it. This is about a combination of field generalship and physical skills. When I look back on the games I recorded IMO Carson had his second best (possibly the best) year as a QB. In fact an argument could be made that he did as much or more with less than any QB in the NFL last year. Completion % has more to do with the QBs ability that yards where the ability of a WR to get YAC is more predominate. So lets look at completion %.
I am semi retired and am recovering from a reasonably serious injury so my physical activity is limited. (too much time on my hands) I have reviewed 7 of the games I recorded last year. In those 7 games I counted 37 passes which were dropped or were catch able and not brought in. Of those only 4 went to Chad. The rest were to Coles, Caldwell, Coats and Foschi. Projected over 16 games that is 85 or so incompletions where Carson but the ball where he needed to only see it fall to the turf. I am not sure but my impression is the Coles and Caldwell actually got worse the 2nd half. Chad was catching the same throws in double coverage practically every time. If it was catch able Chad usually brought it in.
If those balls were caught his completion % would have been a seasonal projection of 79%! All WRs drop passes or miss catch able balls. Use a double covered Chad as a standard . He averaged .6 drops in double coverage during that time and the rest of the WRs & TEs averaged 4.7. in a combination of single and double coverage. That is a 4 completion per game differential. If they performed close to Chad that would be 4 more completions per game or 28 (64 projected over the season) additional completions. Projected over the entire season that is a 74% completion rate if the others performed as well as Chad. In 05 he only had 67.8%! I didn’t include fumbles after the catch as Carson did his job and those completions are already included in his stats.
I would agree that my counts were subjective. But even I dropped my estimate by 25% to 3 additional catches per game Carson would have had a projected 70% completion year. OK, you might say that interceptions were worse than 05, yes they were.But not as much as you might think. He had 2.4% in 05 and 2.8% in 09.
When you have to try to force the to your 1 dependable WR that number is going to rise. BTW if you take these completions into account with Carson’s 11.3 yards per catch his total yardage would have been 3,686 rather than 3,094. He had less than 200 or so more yards than that in 05 (3836).
My point is that an argument could be made that Carson may have had as good of a year (possibly better) in 09 than he did in 05 as far as his own individual performance was concerned. I don’t have the game vids of 05 so I can’t do the same analysis for 05 but I don’t think anyone would argue that the WRs in 05 were much better than 09 so IMO my point is still valid. Carson did more with less in 09 than he did in 05 – with an injured left hand.
Sorry for the long post, I hope I explained it well enough for you to follow it.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
I don’t disagree with any point you wrote, man. But every team (other than, say, places stuck with Jamarcus Russell or Ryan Fitzpatrick or whatever) thinks their QB is awesome and “the best”. For example, we despise Flacco and Little Ben and see all their flaws in glowing neon lights, but Ravens fans idolize Flacco and Steelers fans idolize Ben (well, until recently at least).
Yes, Carson did do more with less than just about any other QB in the league, and that’s a good start. If he can build on that, and if the receivers around can avoid catching the dropsies from the guys who are now gone, he should have an excellent season. Which is what I meant by “rebound […] quite a bit”. He should jump quite a bit back up the charts.
And maybe my words “Not because he’s incapable of it, necessarily.” were too imprecise. I agree he has the ability to do it. But he won’t end up actually doing so. Why not?
Because we also have a running game now, and we have a defense that can keep most games reasonably close. Unless that disappears due to injury or the like, Carson won’t need to fling the ball all over the field like he did in ‘05. And if he doesn’t have to do so, he won’t have the opportunity to rack up Tom/Payton/Drew levels of yards and TDs. And without those numbers, even if we win the Super Bowl people still won’t admit he was the best QB in the league this year, no matter how much we all feel he was.
Friar, I have always respected your posts
For the most part we seem to thing alike. I guess my post was directed mostly at all of the Carson detractors who seem to think he is close to being washed up. I tried to illustrate that this is a baseless claim. Palmer himself is still an elite talent. This is his year to prove it. The questions I have about this team do not revolve around Carson. My questions are:
1. Can JTO come in if Carson gets dinged for a half or a game or two and keep us in the game?
2. Can our D perform as well or better than last year? I think we get better.
3. Is Bryant the real deal?
4. Can Gresham/Chase come in and improve our TE performance? IMO how could they not. It was abysmal.
5. Will my boy, Shipley, who I think could be great, live up to my expectations. I can only hope but I think he is to the slot what Leonard was to 3rd down back.
4. Will A. Smith and the Oline get better. I think they will but they will need to if Carson is going to thrive.
5. Can Dunlap really play and will M. Johnson step up.
6. Can our new kicker perform when it matters?
7. Can Odom stay on the field and make an impact?
8. Are Adam Jones and Matt Jones going to play to their ability?
If the answer to 6 of the 8 is yes, look for the Bengals to be a force that will have every O & D Coordinator awake at night trying to figure out how to deal with this team. If all 8 are yes – well lets just say we are going to have a very fun January this year.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
BTW, he also had a pretty good RB in 05
Rudi had over 1400 yards, I think. We also need to ease back on Benson a bit in the number of carries. He had 301 in 09. I think his yards per carry go up as the D needs to take more guys out of the box in pass protection.
No, I don’t see a great chance he passes for over 4,000 yards. He might but he doesn’t need to. He just needs to move the chains and keep the D rested. He will have 4 targets who can all catch the ball and one at least will be open. If he has time to go thru his progressions and Benson can play like he did last year only the very best D’s will be able to stop them with any kind of regularity. With our D rested I like our chances.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
+1
Pretty much what I was saying. We don’t need to judge Carson on how many yards he has. He won’t need all those yards, but could probably get them. I like the Running Game and the D. That being said Carson has a great year and everybody will be saying why did we ever question him. The only concern is if he is injured. That is my only concern with Carson.
I am actually behind you on that
That is basically what I’m saying. It has nothing to do with yards. He needs to take control and play smart football and the most important thing will come WINS! In the end who wants to see 5000 yards and 10 losses? NO ONE! Who wants to see 3400 yards high TD’s, low INT"S and 10 wins? Every FAN on here! I think he is on his way to that. I think he will be rated as one of the top QB’s in the league again before his career is over here. He may not be #1 but only because of a couple guys named Manning and Brady. He will be mentioned with them again like he was a few years ago.
as an eternal pessimist, I appreciate your cautious reserve
by Rocket_Man_G on May 19, 2010 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Palmer will be fine.
I agree with the article. The concern over Palmer is overrated. There is no doubt that Palmer had a Pro-Bowl year in 2005. He had a great year with a veteran receiving corps, a line packed with veteran early round draft picks, and a solid running game.
His injury in 2005 no doubt slowed him in 2006 and his elbow injury in 2008 obviously affected him.
It is clear that last year his thumb was hurting which was making play action difficult, however, I felt that, beyond that, Palmer looked healthier than he has since 2005. Although Palmer will never be known as a scrambling QB, he did rumble for 12 first down and 3 TDs. Career highs. The Bengals also ran a lot of moving pocket and sprint outs—not something in their repertoire in year’s past. Additionally, he showed a game awareness and tenacity which I had not seen in previous years.
Was he less accurate? Yes. But I would attribute that to the makeover of the WR position and the general issues with the offensive line. Palmer had an almost telepathic connection with Houshmandzadeh. Obviously he had virtually no chemistry with Coles. Caldwell has yet to develop into a true #2 and he had no TE or RB passing threat (Scott was becoming that but got injured). The cumulative effect is that Palmer was throwing on the run a lot to receivers that weren’t open. Gonna hurt your stats and make you appear "less accurate."
I don’t think lack of targets is going to be the issue this year. I am still concerned about the pass protection, but if the line shows improvement, we can get some play action going and open the field up, I think our offense will resemble a run heavy version of 2005—capable of putting 30+ points, but preferring to grind it out.
I Expect
Carson to lead this team as best he can and improve on last year. How he gets wins whether through the air or ground makes no difference to me. In the end I don’t care what people think about the Bengals and Carson as long as we are improving and playing good football.
Penalty stats
Anyone know where I could find detailed penalty stats?
Such as…
How many false starts did the Bengals have in 09?
How many personal foul penalties?
etc.
Bruce Bonser? Boone Bonser? Boot Bonser? BOOSE BONZER?
Sorry Lakeman.
I don’t know for real but that answer isn’t wrong either. I suspect thats why you want to look it up. To see just how bad it was, right?
Play Action Pass
No has mentioned that if Palmer doesn’t have to were that brace on his hand any more and can handoff the way he’s supposed to, the play action should help give him a second or two, especially with Benson running. I’m no expert, but he had no play action fake almost all year. It was obvious whether or not he was going to handoff.
More Play Action
Thanks. I sure wish my keyboard would learn how to spell. I was typing so fast, it couldn’t keep up with my thoughts.
I have a hunch if Palmer can play without that brace, it should help the passing a LOT. I can always how effective that left handed Bengals QB, Boomer was at using the fake. Whats amazing is how effective the running game was in spite of the extreme obviousness of when Carson was handing off. It was almost like saying “Look, I’m handing off, it’s a run” when he handed off. I sure hope he’s able to get that brace off.
word is
the ligament has been surgically repaired, and fully healed.
this will make exchanges with the running backs – real or playfake – much more sound this season.
3 yards and a pile of dust
by Hudepohl Dey on May 20, 2010 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions
i'm actually working on a fan post
about this right now, should be done soon, glad you brought it up!
3 yards and a pile of dust
by Hudepohl Dey on May 20, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
You can forget the '05 Palmer!
We as Bengal fans can erase any memory of 2005. For one this is a different team…in personnel, in mindset, in talent, in philosophy. Carson had to sling it out of the no huddle because of our D, while oportunistic, gave up waaaaay too many points. If we didn’t score 40 we were not going to win, and in some cases 40 wasn’t enough. We are a run first team now….period. We have a top 5 defense…period. What we need to expect from Carson are the TD to INT ration that he posted in ‘05 – ’06.
Most people would disagree, but I really thought that Carson had his best season last season. He was hamstrung with horrible receiver play….hhhm hhhm Coles, lack of consistent play….hhmm hhmm Caldwell and injuries both the WR and TE positions.
This year you will see a more balanced Offensive Attack than ’09. But last season was the stepping stone for this O and Carson. Now they know they can win in more ways than one. We can pound it for short yardage when we need to. Run it when we want. Hopefully attack the middle of the field (Gresham, Caufman, Jones, Bryant, Shippley). And Carson has the D that he doesn’t have to make the BAD throw, punt it a live to see another possesion. Carson showed the mobility to keep a play alive (which he didn’t do in past season’s), showed he could bring us back from behind late in games, and showed us he still got the “Golden Arm” (Chicago game), and that he CAN beat Pittsburgh in Cincy.
I think that Carson Palmer will make every forget the ‘05 Palmer this season. This year will be the benchmark that we’ll compare him to for the rest of his career.
by JackShanks on May 20, 2010 12:55 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Jack, If you read my long post above you see that we are on the same page
Smart and good looking – there are so few of us.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
The multiple weapons will be deadly!
IF you recall the Chargers game, our D couldn’t keep up with trying to cover all of their weapons. When you have solid WRs coupled with an excellent TE and then add in two RBs in the backfield that can consistancy catch (LT and Sproles) you should expect the Defense to be running all over the place trying to cover them. Balance in a stout running game and we really should see great numbers and lots of TDs. Then add in a D that keeps other teams at bay, and I say we can go head to head with any team out there. Bring it on! Except you, JTO’S. I really hope we can get a solid backup before preseason!
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