The weapons around Carson Palmer have changed, and so have the circumstances around the Bengals, but there is a belief among NFL scouts that Cincinnati’s franchise quarterback hasn’t been quite the same since undergoing reconstructive knee surgery in January 2006. During the Bengals’ 11-5 season of 2005, Palmer completed 67.8 percent of his passes, posted a 32-12 TD-INT ratio, and compiled a 101.1 passer rating but he hasn’t been able to match those numbers, and his yards per attempt have dropped precipitously the last two years. Cincinnati won its division last year behind a tough running game and defense but with Baltimore loaded up for a run in the AFC North, the Bengals have gotten Palmer help. They signed troubled but talented wide receiver Antonio Bryant, and drafted tight end Jermaine Gresham and receiver Jordan Shipley, to join a skill-position group highlighted by Chad Ochocinco and Cedric Benson. The hope is that added explosiveness plays into Palmer’s strength as a downfield thrower. Source: Boston Globe
Good thing for the Steelers they don't need to worry about their QB not being dangerous. :icon_cheesygrin:
i don't think the bengals offense is going to scare anyone and obviously palmer isn't what he once was. They just need to keep playing their game by winning tough, close games because that's what they can do.
Who was their offensive coordinator in '05? Who has been their offensive coordinator the last 4-5 years? I'm definitely not a Bengals fan but personnel changes and coaching changes may play a big part in Palmer's ineffectiveness. IMO, Palmer is still a great QB with lots of potential. Unfortunately the stars haven't aligned for him the last few years. We haven't even come close to seeing the best of Palmer yet.
eh, i'm going to disagree. palmer isn't that great of a QB. 2005 was a magical year for him when he was loaded with weapons all around him. Rudi J was running wild in the prime of his career. Housh and Ocho were both in their primes and were hard to cover. It's real easy to hit wide open wide receivers that defenses can't cover. As the talent around Palmer began to dwindle, so did his success. Then, to top it off, he doesn't seem as sharp since his bad injury. He is a mid-to-lower starting QB in this league. He's a take him or leave him guy at this point.
