How times did you hear that phrase this past Saturday?
Probably enough times that Palmer and teammate Shayne Graham could have been voted starters in the All Suck Bowl.
Now the duo of the Golden Boy and the Golden Graham, who were once loved, are hated in the Queen City. However after ugly performances in this past Saturday’s NFL playoff game, Cincinnati fans were not just demanding a change at kicker.
So, that brings us to the question, should the Bengals stick with Palmer?
A close look at the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback position:
Before I shake up the old magic 8-ball, let’s discuss what is really going on here. This look at the Bengals quarterback position is the first of many offseason blogs that will discuss what the Bengals should do at each position.
So, that being said, what should the Bengals do with their quarterbacks?
Carson Palmer
Just before the Golden Boy’s went down with that knee injury in the 2005 NFL Playoffs, Palmer signed a massive six-year $118.75 million contract extension through 2014. At the time, Palmer was quickly becoming one of the NFL’s top signal callers. In 2005, he completed 67.8 percent of his passes and had a quarterback rating of 101.1, both of which are still career bests.
After the injury, Palmer returned and played well. However, fans noticed a difference. His accuracy dipped to 62.3 percent and his rating fell to 93.9. Combine that with 4,035 passing yards, Palmer still put together an excellent season and earned his second straight Pro Bowl berth.
The Golden Boy was not great, but he was going to be fine and many fans thought his numbers would just get better. In 2007, Palmer set franchise records in completions (373) and in yards (4,131). Statistically he was impressive, but his 20 interceptions were costly and the Bengals would finish with their first losing season (7-9) in Palmer’s career.
In 2008, Palmer suffered a broken nose in the preseason and then performed poorly in the season opener against Baltimore. In his second game he didn’t fare any better, however that was in a game that featured 60 mph winds. Overall, Palmer led the Bengals to an 0-4 start before hanging it up for the reminder of the season with a shoulder injury.
Despite being a 100 percent, besides a broken left thumb, Palmer struggled in 2009. He had his lowest yard totals, completions, touchdowns and quarterback rating since his first year starting for the Bengals in 2004. He also had his worst completion percentage of his career, which is quite impressive for a quarterback that rarely threw a long pass all year.
Many believe Palmer, who will be 31 late next season, is not the answer at quarterback. If not Palmer, then who?
The other Californian quarterback is definitely not the answer. O’Sullivan’s performance against the New York Jets was absolutely disgusting.
The Bengals signed O’Sullivan to a two-deal this past offseason. Unfortunately it appears that he might be Palmer’s top backup again in 2010.
When he isn’t making apps that help you decide when to use the bathroom, Palmer is the third quarterback on the Cincinnati Bengals’ depth chart.
While Palmer performed noticeably better in the 2009 preseason, it is unlikely he will ever be able to play a meaningful down in the NFL.
It is also hard to imagine that Palmer would be the answer as an upgrade over his brother.
Decision for 2010:
No matter how you feel, this quarterback situation cannot be fixed with a drastic change. The Bengals do not have a top-10 draft pick this year and wouldn’t be able to acquire quarterbacks Jimmy Clausen or Sam Bradford. Not sure they would want to draft either one of those prospects, but Colt McCoy or Tim Tebow could be available when the Bengals are on the clock in the first round. Any other pick in a later round, like Tony Pike, Dan LeFevour or Jevan Snead would also take time to develop and may never be better than Palmer is at his worst.
The truth is the Bengals have greater needs and the drop off from an average NFL starter like Palmer was in ‘09 to a backup is huge.
I personally feel that an upgrade at wide receiver and/or at tight end would help the Bengals offense more than changing its quarterback.
For now, the Bengals need to give Palmer some better weapons and need to continue to build on its defense.
{ 1 comment }
I for one disagree with the notion that Carson Palmer sucks,yes he had a below average season but he is not to blame alone,it was clear he was not a 100%,he was 70% at best.That is why i do not understand why the offensive cordnater did not run the ball more?,with benson & johnson & even leonard on a few offensive sets.why else sign Larry Johnson?.I thought Cincy was a pounding the run game TEAM.ESP; after Henrys Death and no production from Caldwell or Simpson or Purify,Well at least Crosby prove he belongs there,he will make a good 3rd down wideout in the slot he can catch THANK GOD!.PURIFY&SIMPSON,shape up or ship them out but do not draft a wideout,go in free agency and sign one,Carson needs weapons and not just at practice,anyone can look good at practice catch the ball when it counts.Cincy has a lot of positive things to build on,offensively & defensively with everyone healthy on both sides of the ball Cincy will be much better next year,I can see 12 wins.And those comments on Larry Johnson,I do not know what he has left in the tank,but IF he is healthy and willing to except 20/25 touches a game keep him!he is a bruser of a back,with him and Benson running the ball,Benson getting 25/35 touches a game,and starting that will give Carson 25/35 attemps a game thats is all he needs,with a healthy O-LINE he will be great again.SO Please Cincy draft an athletic tightend who can run block and catch,with the 21st pick, 2nd round,go O-LINEMAN,3rd on D-FENCE! D-FENCE! D-FENCE!. AND Cincy will be a legit threat for a SUPERBOWL! and IF anyone is wondering,what about SCOTT,& LEONARD ,scott will be great on special teams & use him as a change of pace back from time to time,and leonard he is a perfect 3rd down back who can catch out of the backfield,he does not look like a punishing back leave that too the BIG Backs,BENSON & JOHNSONS,larry is a little older but healthy and only 20/25 touches a game that will keep him fresh all year,remember Leonard can run the ball to,with those 3 backs healthy I FOR ONE LOVE that 3 headed monster.CALDWELL just get healthy,he is a talented wideout.IF CINCY follow that blue print,with D-FENCE Healthy and ODAM back.YEA I LOVE CINCY CHANCES NEXT YEAR. IT TAKES A TEAM EFFORT NOT JUST ONE MAN!. I have never seen one man win a SUPERBOWL ALL BY HIMSELF!.
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