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Award-winning columnist Tom Archdeacon — an old-school storyteller in a brand-new venue — writes about sports, the city, southwest Ohio and anything else that catches his fancy… or yours.Home > Blogs > Through the Arch > Archives > 2009 > September > 11 > Entry
Carson Palmer on USC-OSU and “somebody’s going to die”
CINCINNATI — What a difference a year makes.
Four days before his Cincinnati Bengals season was to begin — and just three before his beloved USC Trojans meet Ohio State at Ohio Stadium — quarterback Carson Palmer held court during his team’s lunch break Wednesday, Sept. 9.
In the process, he spoke quite differently than he did a year ago about everything from Chad Ochocinco and his own running backs to OSU, of whom he so famously told an L.A. radio station in 2008: “I cannot stand the Buckeyes and having to live in Ohio and hear those people talk about their team, it drives me absolutely nuts.”
One topic Palmer didn’t try to retouch Wednesday was his assertion in last week’s Sports Illustrated that — because of the game’s violent collisions — “somebody is going to die in the NFL.”
This time he brought up the elimination of the protective wedge for kick returners:
“That’s gonna create some dangerous hits. Guys are going to be coming full speed from 80 yards….and it’s hard for for a kick returner to see a guy…running with 4.4 speed right up the middle of the field. I’ve been on a team where a guy broke his neck. I’m not saying it’s gonna happen, but it’s a possibility.”
As for his own health — and the ankle injury that hampered his preseason — he said he’s back “100 percent.”
And he wasn’t about to turn himself into a pinata again for OSU fans. Although his Trojans did rout the Bucks, 35-3 last year and are a 6-point favorite again, he was diplomatic:
“This one’s a little tough to judge — especially the way Navy played (OSU) last week and with a rookie at quarterback (for USC). But when you’ve got Terrelle Pryor, you’re always in the game. He showed that last year in the bowl game…where he just took over.”
He thinks the Bengals running backs — Cedric Benson, Bernard Scott, Brian Leonard, DeDe Dorsey — will make a statement this season, as well.
“They’re four very unique guys with four different skill sets. I don’t know if we’ve had that since I’ve been here…. It was one spot on the roster where everyone was holding their breath to see what would happen. It’s tough to keep four guys, but it’d be even tougher to cut one.”
When it came to Ochocinco, he believes the veteran receiver is headed for a huge year after last season’s funk derailed him:
“One reason is just his attitude He’s come in so focused …and then there’s his work ethic. In my seven years, I’ve never seen a receiver be able to take ever rep. (But) he just never gets tired. He’s like Bruce Bowen of the Spurs.
“And Chad doesn’t age. He may be 31, but he acts like he’s 19 and he plays like his body is 20. …He’s got a good shot to take over the No. 1 slot (among NFL receivers) again.”
While he was in the prediction mode, Palmer was asked again about Saturday’s USC-OSU game. This time there was no hesitation, just a smile:
“I still think my boys are gonna take care of business.”
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September 11, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this
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By Marc R
September 11, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this
You go Shirley. Make the rest of the vermin called tOSU fans proud. Palmer is right, the vermin have nothing else and we all have to suffer.
By amy
September 11, 2009 8:21 AM | Link to this
Keep pushing that “Post your comment” button Shirley until your comment shows up…
By Shirley
September 11, 2009 7:53 AM | Link to this
I think Carson Palmer should “get the hell out of OHIO”. He can’t play and he SHOULD BE as good as HE THINKS HE IS!!!
By Shirley
September 11, 2009 7:53 AM | Link to this
I think Carson Palmer should “get the hell out of OHIO”. He can’t play and he SHOULD BE as good as HE THINKS HE IS!!!
By Shirley
September 11, 2009 7:52 AM | Link to this
I think Carson Palmer should “get the hell out of OHIO”. He can’t play and he SHOULD BE as good as HE THINKS HE IS!!!
By Shirley
September 11, 2009 7:52 AM | Link to this
I think Carson Palmer should “get the hell out of OHIO”. He can’t play and he SHOULD BE as good as HE THINKS HE IS!!!