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A pivotal game for Palmer this week
There may be some cause for concern in Cincinnati after back-to-back lackluster performances by quarterback Carson Palmer. He completed 19 out of 37 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown along with two interceptions in the game against Carolina.
Palmer appeared lethargic and could never get into a rhythm throwing the ball. He made a number of ill-advised throws that could have proven costly. The Bengals had nearly 50 plays in Panthers’ territory resulting in only 20 points. Execution of the offense left much to be desired. Luckily, Carolina couldn’t make plays, either.
There has been ongoing speculation that Palmer might be experiencing some lingering effects from the elbow injury he suffered during the 2008 season. The injury caused the former Pro Bowler to miss 12 games that season and possibly some zip on his passes.
Not certain if it’s the elbow, miscommunication between quarterback and receivers, play calling or all of the above causing the problems. But Palmer isn’t playing at the level his coaches would like.
The quarterback must make the necessary adjustments to improve his play. It could be disastrous for the club if he continues to struggle throwing the ball. Neither Palmer nor the team can afford another subpar performance, not even against the winless Cleveland Browns, who should not be taken lightly this week.
Surprisingly, Cleveland is ranked 12th in pass defense and 14th in points allowed. The longest pass touchdown given up by the team’s defense this season is 34 yards. Not to mention they traditionally play the Bengals well.
It’s imperative for the Bengals offense to get in sync this week or changes will come, whether at quarterback or play-caller. The team can’t expect the defense to bail them out each week. Quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese would be an upgrade with play-calling duties, but the team would be in deep manure if it is forced to bench its franchise quarterback.
That being said, the Bengals could pay a hefty price for not signing a more viable backup quarterback. They had one in Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is now starting in Buffalo, but let him walk.
SAY WHAT YOU WILL about the quarterback woes in Cincinnati, but contributing to the cause is a breakdown in protection along the offensive line.
Off the bat, right offensive tackle Dennis Roland, who seems to get manhandled at times, is adequate at best. Although Palmer has been sacked only three times this season, he remains under constant pressure and is harassed more than the playground wimp.
Rolland did a poor job holding his ground at the point of attack against Carolina. He was driven off the ball into the quarterback’s lap on one play. Palmer was unable to step up in the pocket, forcing his second interception of the game.
There is only one person to blame for any failures of protection on the right side of the line, and that’s Andre Smith. It must be extremely frustrating for the Bengals to see another first-round pick fall by the wayside. Smith has been a major disappointment thus far in his career. He’s in his second-year with the team and is probably not going to contribute much again this season.
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Comments
By jmaloy
October 5, 2010 11:37 AM | Link to this
nice article n preceptive.
By jmaloy
October 5, 2010 11:39 AM | Link to this
nice article n preceptive.