Amidst all the uproar over the Bengals new and disimproved offense (the line can't block, Bratkowski's play calling sucks, etc), lies one very uncomfortable truth:
Carson Palmer has looked mediocre.
Factors beyond his control matter to some extent, but the disconcerting thing isn't even his play. It's his demeanor and attitude. The mediocrity I see in Carson reminds me all too much of the mediocrity that pervaded all personnel associated with the Bengals in the lost decade. If he becomes infected, all is lost.
Virtually nothing can affect the way Mike Brown runs this franchise. However, I think a publicly angry Carson could. Mikey strongly believes a stud QB cures all ills. He had been searching for one for years. He finally picked one right with Carson. Carson is his boy. He is Mike's most precious possession. So what if Carson challenged Mike Brown in a press conference? What if he spoke forcefully about the shortcomings of this franchise that are so obvious to even a casual observer? What if he just got angry and outspoken?
Well, we can dream but the fact is that if Carson says anything, it will be in a room at PBS behind closed doors. With the effect of his words sadly confined to the space in which he utters them.
Does Carson have trouble passing when forced outside the pocket? Sure. Does he lack timing with his receivers this year? It appears so. But those are not the real problems. No, the real problem is that Carson cannot be the outspoken leader we need him to be as we helplessly watch our franchise slip away.
Yes, I am aware disimproved is not a word.
Posted by: Sleeping With Bieniemy | September 16, 2008 at 11:06 AM
It's all about lugnuts these days boys
Posted by: Marvin Lewis | September 16, 2008 at 11:37 AM