Bengals Early Bird Special: It's The End of An Era

In all honesty though, it's a bit disappointing to see Palmer leave. Yes, everyone refers to him as a "quitter" now, but let's take a step back for a minute and examine his career a bit more.

Carson arrived in Cincinnati after being selected with the first overall pick in the 2003 draft out of USC. He came here with high expectations considering he came from an elite college program where he posted monstrous numbers. Palmer was expected to take the Bengals to the playoffs on a regular basis. 

Before he arrived in Cincinnati when was the last time the Bengals were in the playoffs? What image did the Bengals have? Were they a winning franchise or a struggling franchise?

He helped remold their image into a more respectable franchise. Carson helped lead the Bengals to two playoff appearances during his Bengals tenure. Even though he was inconsistent on leading the team to the postseason, at least he lead them there more than any other quarterback since the late 1980s. Despite never making it past the first round, I give him credit for getting the Bengals in the playoffs.

He went from being an "elite" quarterback to an "average" one by the time his career in the Queen City ended. Best way to evaluate Palmer is that he was a solid quarterback that lacked the tangibles to become and remain an "elite" quarterback.

So I wish Carson the best of luck in Oakland, (except when the Raiders face the Bengals). I honestly hope he finds some success as a Raider. However, here in Cincinnati we have been more than ready to finally close the chapter on Palmer and welcome in the new Andy Dalton/A.J. Green era.

Alright here is what you may have missed or overlooked from Tuesday.

• On Sunday the Bengals improved to 4-2 by defeating the Colts. Here is the play of the game from their win.
• The game ball of the week goes to.....
• According to Adam Schefter Carson Palmer has been traded to the Oakland Raiders. In return for Palmer the Bengals will receive Oakland's 2012 first-round selection and their 2013 second-round pick. In order for the 2013 second round pick to become a first round pick the Raiders have to win a playoff game this season. Palmer also finally made his first comments since his trade demand.
• Take a look at the press conference summary regarding Carson Palmer being traded to Oakland.
• Here is the Bengals official statement regarding the Palmer trade.
• Peter King believes that the Palmer trade was a borderline swindle for Cincinnati.
  
• There has been some uproar about the trade that sent Carson to the Raiders because three years ago the Bengals were offered a somewhat similar deal for Chad Ochocinco, but here is the difference in those situations.
• Running back Cedric Benson had his suspension reduced from three games to one game.
• The Bengals stock is gradually climbing towards the top-ten in the latest power rankings.
• Rey Maualuga has suffered a lateral sprain and his status is week-to-week.
• Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton has been nominated for Pepsi  NFL Rookie of the Week.
• During his press conference the other day Marvin Lewis was asked about the poor attendance. His response hinted that "he" was the responsibility for driving fans away. But who is "he"?
• Former Bengals safety Chinedum Ndukwe has signed with the Oakland Raiders.