It Takes Time To Build a Rapport Between a Quarterback and Wide Receiver

by Jason Garrison on Aug 3, 2010 6:16 PM EDT

One of the problems with acquiring wide receivers in the free agency and draft is that all wide receivers are different. If there was some way to clone Chad Ochocinco a few times and have a bunch of Chad's running around on the field, Carson Palmer might be better off. Chad and Carson have had years to work on their timing together. They see the same things in the defense when they line up. Carson knows where Chad is going to be on every play (usually), and Chad knows when to make adjustments to his route depending on how the defense is lining up. This took some time.

Signing veterans like Terrell Owens makes the adjustment less difficult for the quarterback and wide receiver because a guy like TO has been around the block a few times and knows his stuff. There is still an adjustment period though. Carson and TO have never been on the same team. It will take a little time to get their timing down. The good news is, they have some time. The bad news is, they don't have that much time....and to have a rapport like Chad and Carson have, takes seasons.

Joe Reedy thinks Palmer and TO's timing is "way off" right now. Two veterans like Palmer and TO shouldn't have a problem getting their timing down over the next couple weeks. After all, that's what practice is for, right? I personally think that, when the regular season rolls around, Palmer and TO will look like they've been on the same team for a long time. We'll find out what kind of rapport they have on Sunday.

Some other notes from this mornings practice:

Antonio Bryant and Rey Maualuga didn't practice today, which you already knew about. Bryant's knee still hurts and Maualuga's nursing a tweaked hamstring. What you may not know is rookie defensive end Carlos Dunlap didn't practice because he has a concussion.
Dave Rayner is looking good right now. He was 5-6 today which puts him at 11 of his last 12.
Jermaine Gresham made his practice debut today and offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski he was "swimming a little bit".

Jermaine Gresham had his first practice and was in on about half the plays. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said he was swimming a little bit but should be ready for Sunday’s Hall of Fame Game against Dallas.

The offense went 2-6 on their two-minute drills and the goal line offense struggled today.

Once again, that's what practice is for.

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Offense has its work cut out for them...

Were talkin Sme serious SMASHMOUTH D

by quickslant on Aug 3, 2010 8:16 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

That's what they missed last year.

Palmer went out half way through the first preseason game with a high ankle sprain and never worked with his new receivers in game situations until the season started.

It showed once Slim went down and the only receiver he could trust was Ocho.

That’s why it’s critical this year for the o-line to keep Carson upright in these games.

by StLBengal on Aug 3, 2010 8:27 PM EDT reply actions

Palmer

Palmer is making me VERY nervous. I know our defense is good, but he is throwing a lot of interceptions and his accuracy doesn’t look very good. I know it is early and there is still time to work out the kinks. I just hope he can get in sync with his recievers quickly. We don’t have to have him in ’05 form to win with this team, but we have to find a balance. If the defense is out there on the field all of the time injuries are going to start piling up, which really hurt us at the end of the year last year.

by D-Day77 on Aug 4, 2010 12:35 AM EDT reply actions

dude, it’s training camp; interceptions are really, really common in training camp. like, you should expect a few per day common.

i'm going to go america all over your ass!

by Raging Clue on Aug 4, 2010 12:37 AM EDT up reply actions

+1

It’s practice. He’s suppose to throw the ball even if there’s coverage. The coaches want to see and evaluate the receivers, see and evaluate the corners.

If he decides to only throw it to Chad or whoever is open or eat the ball from the first day of practice, what would be the point? Need to see who can haul them in, what there range is.

Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned about Palmer, just that you can’t tell.

by StLBengal on Aug 4, 2010 7:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Never said I expected him to be perfect. Since we have two of the best corners in the league I expect some to be passes to be intercepted. For the past two years rookie QB’s have went to the AFC Chapionship game and we have an 8 year veteran QB who hasn’t even won a playoff game. You don’t see any reason to be nervous?

by D-Day77 on Aug 4, 2010 12:58 AM EDT reply actions