DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — His passes are either high, arcing spirals that travel deep downfield or laser beams of the short and intermediate variety.

In the huddle, he's a leader who exudes a combination of calm and confidence that his teammates appreciate.

Off the field, he's the same guy he was at Santa Margarita High School and the University of Southern California.

Despite being christened MVP of the Pro Bowl and passing for 4,035 yards in 2006, Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer hasn't been measured for a larger helmet. He simply has a bigger bank account.

"Carson is so down-to-earth, you used to think it was almost an act," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said. "But he's never changed. He is what he is. That's part of his makeup.

"He's so unflappable. In the calmest times, he can focus in and see right through the eye of that storm. That's a great quality he has, and everybody around him feels the confidence that kind of oozes out of him. He's talented, extremely smart, a very, very hard worker, and he's a great example and leader for the team."

Palmer credits his wife, Shaelyn, and parents — Bill and Danna Palmer — with keeping him grounded. Bill Palmer, an insurance executive, took a job on the East Coast when Carson was in high school, and commuted so Carson could play in California.

Palmer is where he is today — getting ready to take center stage against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium on Monday night — because of his family's sacrifice and support.

"I was blessed to have two great parents," Palmer said. "They raised me right and taught me good from bad and how to act, how to be an adult and how to treat people with respect.

"There are a lot of guys that don't have examples growing up, and I had an example of how a dad is supposed to act, how a father is supposed to love his kids and how a husband is supposed to love his wife. I was very blessed to be in that situation growing up."

The fifth-year veteran is being mentioned in the same breath with Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, a testament that he's among the league's elite quarterbacks.

Season opener

Who: Ravens at Bengals

When: 7 p.m. Monday

TV: ESPN

Radio: WTUE-FM (104.7)

Contact this reporter at 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.