rowanprofz
04-17-2003, 11:50 AM
Read it and lemme know what you think if you've got the time. It's also based on the fact that the Bengals draft him. Thanks.
WHY THE BENGALS NEED CARSON PALMER
"And at quarterback, from the University of Southern California, number 3, Carson Palmer!" The prospect of hearing that announced at home games has Bengal fans foaming at the mouth.
Since the departure of the much beloved Boomer Esiason, Cincinnati quarterbacks have left fans with a taste in their mouth comparable to that of spoiled milk. Following Esiason's departure in 1992, Cincinnati has only had one starter finish a season with a QB rating over 90 (Neil O'Donnell, 1998, 90.2). Since 92, Bengal QB's have thrown only 14 more TD passes than INT's (196 - 182).
The names of Klinger, Blake, and Kitna aren't exactly names that pleasantly ring in the ears of Bengal fans. Please, don't bring up Akili Smith, simply mentioning his name causes season ticket holders to cough up hairballs.
Kitna has already been named the starter, while Palmer would be penciled in as the back up, yet how long would fans remain patient. Last year, Kitna lost far more games for the Bengals than he won. Following a recovered onside kick in week 5, Kitna through an interception that sealed the victory for the Colts. Week 6 saw a Kitna fumble and interception lead to a pair of Steeler touchdowns and a 24 point halftime deficit. Week 9 - two picks, two Baltimore touchdowns - the final whistle saw the Ravens winning by 11.
Even when John Kitna wasn't giving games away like egg roll samples in the food court, he couldn't reach out and grab the victory. Pittsburgh (week 11) and Baltimore (week 12) were beneficiaries of Kitna's inabilities. On the final Cincinnati drive, the Steelers saw 4 consecutive Kitna passes fall harmlessly to the ground inside the 10. Baltimore saw nearly the same performance at the end of their game, sans one completion for a measly three yards.
Palmer has the tools necessary to be a winner. First, he's a pocket passer. Although scrambling QB's such as Culpepper, McNabb and Vick are all the rage today, only two scrambling quarterbacks have won the Superbowl since 1990 (John Elway, Steve Young).
Palmer's arm strength will be another factor in his success. Early on his strength will help to counteract the jump in speed between the pro and college levels. However, he'll also throw some interceptions away because he thinks he can force the ball through a seam that really isn't there - a la Brett Favre early in his career. Throw in the fact that he's accurate and has a quick release, Palmer has the physical skills necessary to play in the NFL.
However, physical ability will get you only so far in the NFL. Mental toughness is another attribute necessary, and Palmer has already demonstrated it in college. During his five years at USC, the spotlight constantly shown on him. Despite a coaching change and grumblings that he wasn't living up to the hype, he persevered. Palmer will need that toughness if he has any hope of turning around a franchise that hasn't seen the postseason since the first Bush administration.
Regarding the skilled positions on offensive, quarterback is the only place Cincinnati is massively lacking. Last season, 2nd year receiver Chad Johnson broke out with 1166 yards. While the Bengals lack another receiving option right now, they should be able to acquire another quality receiver at the start of the second round.
Coming out of the backfield for the 7th consecutive year for the Bengals is Corey Dillon. Dillon has broken the 1000 yard marker each season as a pro. Dillon has proven durable over the past 3 seasons, playing in all sixteen regular season games. Additionally, last years stats are misleading seeing how the Bengals dug themselves deep holes by half time and their average margin of defeat was 15 points per game.
Bringing Palmer onto the team is a huge piece of the puzzle for the Bengals, but it isn't a one shot cure. Rookie C
WHY THE BENGALS NEED CARSON PALMER
"And at quarterback, from the University of Southern California, number 3, Carson Palmer!" The prospect of hearing that announced at home games has Bengal fans foaming at the mouth.
Since the departure of the much beloved Boomer Esiason, Cincinnati quarterbacks have left fans with a taste in their mouth comparable to that of spoiled milk. Following Esiason's departure in 1992, Cincinnati has only had one starter finish a season with a QB rating over 90 (Neil O'Donnell, 1998, 90.2). Since 92, Bengal QB's have thrown only 14 more TD passes than INT's (196 - 182).
The names of Klinger, Blake, and Kitna aren't exactly names that pleasantly ring in the ears of Bengal fans. Please, don't bring up Akili Smith, simply mentioning his name causes season ticket holders to cough up hairballs.
Kitna has already been named the starter, while Palmer would be penciled in as the back up, yet how long would fans remain patient. Last year, Kitna lost far more games for the Bengals than he won. Following a recovered onside kick in week 5, Kitna through an interception that sealed the victory for the Colts. Week 6 saw a Kitna fumble and interception lead to a pair of Steeler touchdowns and a 24 point halftime deficit. Week 9 - two picks, two Baltimore touchdowns - the final whistle saw the Ravens winning by 11.
Even when John Kitna wasn't giving games away like egg roll samples in the food court, he couldn't reach out and grab the victory. Pittsburgh (week 11) and Baltimore (week 12) were beneficiaries of Kitna's inabilities. On the final Cincinnati drive, the Steelers saw 4 consecutive Kitna passes fall harmlessly to the ground inside the 10. Baltimore saw nearly the same performance at the end of their game, sans one completion for a measly three yards.
Palmer has the tools necessary to be a winner. First, he's a pocket passer. Although scrambling QB's such as Culpepper, McNabb and Vick are all the rage today, only two scrambling quarterbacks have won the Superbowl since 1990 (John Elway, Steve Young).
Palmer's arm strength will be another factor in his success. Early on his strength will help to counteract the jump in speed between the pro and college levels. However, he'll also throw some interceptions away because he thinks he can force the ball through a seam that really isn't there - a la Brett Favre early in his career. Throw in the fact that he's accurate and has a quick release, Palmer has the physical skills necessary to play in the NFL.
However, physical ability will get you only so far in the NFL. Mental toughness is another attribute necessary, and Palmer has already demonstrated it in college. During his five years at USC, the spotlight constantly shown on him. Despite a coaching change and grumblings that he wasn't living up to the hype, he persevered. Palmer will need that toughness if he has any hope of turning around a franchise that hasn't seen the postseason since the first Bush administration.
Regarding the skilled positions on offensive, quarterback is the only place Cincinnati is massively lacking. Last season, 2nd year receiver Chad Johnson broke out with 1166 yards. While the Bengals lack another receiving option right now, they should be able to acquire another quality receiver at the start of the second round.
Coming out of the backfield for the 7th consecutive year for the Bengals is Corey Dillon. Dillon has broken the 1000 yard marker each season as a pro. Dillon has proven durable over the past 3 seasons, playing in all sixteen regular season games. Additionally, last years stats are misleading seeing how the Bengals dug themselves deep holes by half time and their average margin of defeat was 15 points per game.
Bringing Palmer onto the team is a huge piece of the puzzle for the Bengals, but it isn't a one shot cure. Rookie C