No.9 Feeling fine

[DDOGG]

The surest sign of a Cincinnati spring next to a Marty Brennaman call is a Carson Palmer ball.

And Palmer, the man who left Bengaldom back in January lower than a common denominator, vows to return Monday firing after a couple of months of taking up surfing, indulging in cheese enchiladas, and vetting what he called the most disappointing season of his life.

If there is one guy that can put the orange in a black picture, it is No. 9.

"I feel better. I'm in as good shape as I've been the last couple of years," Palmer said Thursday from southern California. "I still feel like we've got enough players in enough spots. Right now, we've got as good a shot as anybody else."

Palmer said back in January that his team needed to play with more discipline. So, as usual, he has started with himself and has been so wrapped up in his four-times-a-week workouts at two-and-a-half hours a pop that he's virtually shelved one of his passions.

Golf.

"I've only been out three times," he said. "By the time you get to the gym, and get done with everything, you're just kind of spent. I haven't got the itch yet."

Palmer more than likely won't have his two top receivers when the Bengals' voluntary offseason workouts begin Monday at Paul Brown Stadium. Chad Johnson has unsuccessfully tried to muscle through a trade demand in a series of media tours. Palmer, who speaks a couple of times a week with T.J. Houshmandzadeh, indicated Houshmandzadeh is going to do what he did last year and work out much of the spring at home in Los Angeles.

"I don't know what Chad's situation is," Palmer said. "I can see where T.J. is coming from. He came into camp in the best shape of his life and had the best year of his career. He can get one-on-one attention there, and that's nothing against (Bengals strength coaches) Chip Morton and Ray Oliver. They're working with 20 guys."

Palmer had no comment on Johnson's situation with, "I'm not throwing my hat into the ring on that one." Or any elaboration on his comments the day after the season. When asked if he thought the same coaching staff could turn the team from being stale and Palmer said, "I don't think so,"

"I said what I said," Palmer said Thursday before doing what he always does and turning the heat on himself and saying he can't take the fundamentals for granted.

After throwing a career-high 20 interceptions, Palmer's annual review of game film was particularly intense and he's got a notebook-full to show for it.

"A lot of notes. A lot of notes," he said. "I watched every game. My footwork. That's a big thing. Getting back to the basics. There's not a reason for getting away from it. You just take some things for granted or you get lazy or you don't focus as much."

For example, Palmer isn't pleased with the mechanics of his play-action passes or check-down throws to the running backs. Like last season, when he came off a career-low 62.3 completion percentage in 2006, Palmer is looking to jack his '07 rate of 64.9 into the 70 range.

"You can tell by the reactions of the linebackers and safeties and there was no reaction at all," Palmer said of his play-action fakes. "I've got to carry it out the same way every time. Whether it's third-and-15 or third-and-two. I want to get the ball to the backs quicker on the check-downs. Give them a better angle on the front shoulder. I can't wait to get back there working with Rudi (Johnson) and Kenny (Watson)."

Palmer doesn't mention the dropped passes or the inability to run the ball that inhibited his efforts. He also says, "We'll get better with what ever receivers are there."

He doesn't seem concerned that Houshmandzadeh, his favorite target from last season, won't be around. Living so close together in California, they end up throwing a lot. Even when Houshmandzadeh showed up sporadically in Cincinnati last spring.

"I know we hooked up out here (last) July and got some things done," Palmer said. "I'm looking forward to throwing with Chris (Henry) and we're in the same workout group. We've got talent here. We've just got to go to work Monday."

Palmer offers no apologies for his end-of-season frustration.

"You probably felt the same way. We all felt the same way. To be sitting home watching the playoffs, nobody wants that," he said. "I took about three weeks off and did what I wanted to do. The Mexican food out here is phenomenal. I put on a little weight. It gives you a little more incentive to get back into gym. I feel ready to go."

Palmer didn't rest as long as he did after the '06 season, when the finale against the Steelers left him physically battered and he needed more time to recover as opposed to the '07 season that left him psychologically spent.

But he says the mind is cleared now and this time he not only went back into the gym at longer stretches for cardio, stretching, yoga, and Pilates, the California kid finally picked up surfing.

"It's not really surfing. It's more like paddling," Palmer said. "It's a great way to build up shoulder stability. You lie down on the board, flat on your stomach, and it's almost like you're swimming and you can feel it in the small muscles of your shoulders and back. The one thing I hate is 300-pound guys falling on my shoulder."

It beats putting a 9-iron in the water. Instead, Palmer drives down to the beach, puts a board in the ocean, heads down the coast to La Jolla, and turns around for nearly a two-mile workout.

He hopes he's coming back to a team that is afloat despite the loss of three defensive starters in free agency with the departure of linebacker Landon Johnson, defensive end Justin Smith, and free safety Madieu Williams.

"People would say Justin didn't get 15 sacks, but he set the tempo for the defense with hard work and hustle," Palmer said. "He's a guy that just kept coming and coming. I think everyone thinks that Antwan Odom is going to come in and be that kind of player and we look forward to a guy like that. You have to trust that we've got guys who are ready to step in at the other spots."

The question is becoming, almost ludicrously at the tender age of 28, an annual one.

Is his window closing for a Super Bowl run?

"The window is always the same because your career could be over on the next snap," Palmer said. "You could blow out your knee. You could break your neck. Look at (David) Pollack. Whether your 23 or 36. You always have to play like that no matter what."

Palmer believes the organization's bid to build a winner around him has been hit with an inordinate amount of misfortune.

"They signed guys like Chad and T.J. And guys like Willie (Anderson) and Levi (Jones), who got hurt," he said. "And guys like Chris Perry and Pollack got hurt. I mean, there's been some bad luck."

As for this spring and the signing of Odom, the pending contract of Colts tight end Ben Utecht, and the unsuccessful trades for defensive tackles Shaun Rogers and Dewayne Robertson, Palmer said, "I don't know what more could have been done. We could have signed (cornerback) Asante Samuel. I guess he was the biggest free agent, but it's not a position we needed."

But, as usual, Palmer is looking at himself first. When it comes to becoming more of a leader in a locker room that always seems to be answering the unity question, he says he's prepared as his seniority grows.

"I've never thought that's been a problem," Palmer said. "I know I've never been anywhere else, but I talk to guys that have come over here from other teams and what they tell me is that guys here get along. It hasn't been a problem. A guy like Justin was positive and funny and made guys laugh, so hopefully we can get some guys in that role."

He may not be the oldest player on this team. Of the players expected to be at training camp, a total of 17 are older than Palmer. But with an uncertain '08 season semi kicking off Monday and Palmer surfing in so optimistically, is there any one more important?

"I'll do whatever it takes," he said. "I guess I'm getting to be one of the older guys. If I need to be a better leader, I'm willing to do it."

[chrishcovga]

F*ck the Rat-birds, Squealers , and Sh*t Stains !

I'd take Palmer over any quarterback in their repulsive histories !

[HairOnFire]

Palmer had no comment on Johnson's situation with, "I'm not throwing my hat into the ring on that one."

I have mixed feelings on this.

Palmer needs to become not only the face of the franchise, but the unquestioned leader within the lockerroom. So while I don't disagree with the strategy that everyone associated with the Bengals seems to have adopted, completely ignoring Chad's Magical Misery Tour, there's a big part of me that wants and needs to see players, coaches, and management weigh in on the issue.

I have no doubt Chad would have his supporters, but for the most part I think the members of this team would burn him to the ground. And there's the rub because I think he needs that to happen.

Instead, everyone whistles past the graveyard.

[ArmyBengal]

I agree Hair... I would have liked to see Carson take a stand on this issue with Chad. While it may have not been the popular move, most would not have thought twice about it. I can remember Favre taking a stand against one of his receivers that one season. I think it was Javon Walker... Anyway, I'm good either way.

WHODEY !!!

[Sandwedge]

Wow!!! How nice is it to hear something from a Bengal player, other than friggin Chad Johnson?? I have no doubt that Carson

will turn it around this year...

[Sandwedge]

Palmer had no comment on Johnson's situation with, "I'm not throwing my hat into the ring on that one."

I have mixed feelings on this.

Palmer needs to become not only the face of the franchise, but the unquestioned leader within the lockerroom. So while I don't disagree with the strategy that everyone associated with the Bengals seems to have adopted, completely ignoring Chad's Magical Misery Tour, there's a big part of me that wants and needs to see players, coaches, and management weigh in on the issue.

I have no doubt Chad would have his supporters, but for the most part I think the members of this team would burn him to the ground. And there's the rub because I think he needs that to happen.

Instead, everyone whistles past the graveyard.

You could be right, but I think that maybe sometimes things like this need to be taken care of behind lockerroom doors... We've all witnessed what Chad has done by opening his big mouth publically... Maybe poor ol Chad wouldn't feel so alienated if he would have handled things internally instead of flapping his gums openly...

[fattyjay]

Palmer had no comment on Johnson's situation with, "I'm not throwing my hat into the ring on that one."

I have mixed feelings on this.

Palmer needs to become not only the face of the franchise, but the unquestioned leader within the lockerroom. So while I don't disagree with the strategy that everyone associated with the Bengals seems to have adopted, completely ignoring Chad's Magical Misery Tour, there's a big part of me that wants and needs to see players, coaches, and management weigh in on the issue.

I have no doubt Chad would have his supporters, but for the most part I think the members of this team would burn him to the ground. And there's the rub because I think he needs that to happen.

Instead, everyone whistles past the graveyard.

You could be right, but I think that maybe sometimes things like this need to be taken care of behind lockerroom doors... We've all witnessed what Chad has done by opening his big mouth publically... Maybe poor ol Chad wouldn't feel so alienated if he would have handled things internally instead of flapping his gums openly...

Agreed. Not everything has to be open to public scrutiny. Maybe by showing Chad how to handle things behind closed doors Carson might demostrate how to act like an adult. I think the Favre comment is a little unfair as that was much later in Brett's career than the point Carson is at now. Also I remember Brett apologizing for the comments he made publicly about Jevon Walker because he felt it should have been handled in house rather than throught the media.

[membengal]

I tend to think if Palmer had said anything rightfully critical of Johnson, that it would just simply give Johnson the attention he is so desperately seeking. Given that the Bengals need to continue to put him on "ignore", I have no problem with Palmer's reticence to speak out.

[Spor_tees]

I just wish Carson would have said something along the lines of "I don't know ALL the details of what Chad is going through, but we need him on the team and here with us, and in order for us to be successful we need to be together as a team, whether it be in voluntary workouts or in study sessions, so that we are all on the same page from day one of the season."

That is something he could have said that would not have been critical of Chad but still sounded like a leader of the team.

[cincy9275]

He also says, "We'll get better with what ever receivers are there."

this little statement right here tells me a lot. i agree with palmer because, as long as he is our qb we can win. a great qb can take a average wideout and turn him in to a productive wideout. i think we will be fine without chad and maybe a little better off. we won't have chad and all his distractions around the team. so let him sit out the whole year.

[Sandwedge]

I just wish Carson would have said something along the lines of "I don't know ALL the details of what Chad is going through, but we need him on the team and here with us, and in order for us to be successful we need to be together as a team, whether it be in voluntary workouts or in study sessions, so that we are all on the same page from day one of the season."

That is something he could have said that would not have been critical of Chad but still sounded like a leader of the team.

That makes sense also.... I just believe Carson maybe thought it was better to not even give the reporter a crack to

go any further with the whole Chad thing...

[Sandwedge]

I don't know if Chad is staying or not, nor do I particularly care, but I am starting to like the kid from Michigan St..Devon Thomas

I could see go things happening to us if he and Carson were hooking up on Sundays!!!

[Bobcat Bengal]

I don't know if Chad is staying or not, nor do I particularly care, but I am starting to like the kid from Michigan St..Devon Thomas

I could see go things happening to us if he and Carson were hooking up on Sundays!!!

Coffeyville?

Wasn't that the same C.C. JJ atteneded?

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Palmer had no comment on Johnson's situation with, "I'm not throwing my hat into the ring on that one."

I have mixed feelings on this.

Palmer needs to become not only the face of the franchise, but the unquestioned leader within the lockerroom. So while I don't disagree with the strategy that everyone associated with the Bengals seems to have adopted, completely ignoring Chad's Magical Misery Tour, there's a big part of me that wants and needs to see players, coaches, and management weigh in on the issue.

It's probably not fair to compare Palmer to Our Dearly Departed, but Favre would have told him to get his ass in practice.

[Spor_tees]

Palmer had no comment on Johnson's situation with, "I'm not throwing my hat into the ring on that one."

I have mixed feelings on this.

Palmer needs to become not only the face of the franchise, but the unquestioned leader within the lockerroom. So while I don't disagree with the strategy that everyone associated with the Bengals seems to have adopted, completely ignoring Chad's Magical Misery Tour, there's a big part of me that wants and needs to see players, coaches, and management weigh in on the issue.

It's probably not fair to compare Palmer to Our Dearly Departed, but Favre would have told him to get his ass in practice.

Brett Favre came out in the media and told Javon Walker to get his ass into camp...and when he didn't, he was soon sent packing

[HoosierCat]

More in Silver's column today...

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AkyT...o&type=lgns

Bottom line?

I know Palmer pretty well, and I strongly suspect that the ultra-competitive quarterback is not especially entertained by Johnson's approach, even if he won't say so.

When I asked the quarterback about Houshmandzadeh's expected absence from the voluntary workouts, Palmer said, "I'm not worried about T.J. at all. He's got his own trainer in L.A. who works him very hard – I worked out with him a couple of times over the offseason, and I'll fly back a couple of more times and get a few sessions in.

"We've been together five years now. Our timing and rhythm is pretty good. I know he busts his butt every day. He does pilates and yoga and doesn't party. He'll show up for every OTA (offseason training activity) and workout and be good to go."

And Johnson?

"No comment," Palmer said.

[chrishcovga]

To Be honest with you, I think that this is unfair criticism of Carson Palmer. Yeah, I said it. But I remember the things that were said about Palmer and Leftwich before the '03 draft, and one of the comparisons was Leadership.

Palmer was given the edge to Leftwich on

1. Arm Strength

2. Pocket Presence

3. Athleticism

4. Vision & Release

- basically all the physical things, but Leftwich was diagnosed with having Charisma, and a natural leader. " A guy that players will rally behind ". Was quoted by several "draft" publications etc. etc.

We've watched Palmer grow immensely over his first 5 years not only in his play on the field, but his overall character in being a " quiet " leader off the field.

- He has called players out,especially after Jonathan Josephs arrest last year. He's even called out coaches ( though, not by name ), he clearly has grown into the unquestioned leader of this team, so he shouldn't catch flack for not addressing Chads' antics.

* To those of us who are parents on this board, think about it like this.........Your 2-5 year old is screaming or whining. Give me this. I wanna' that. You don't yell at them to shut up, and sit down, you ignore them until their rant is over with. Or you tell them face to face, and say " I don't understand Whine-ese, Or when you calm down, I will deal with your problem, " etc. etc..... You deal with their immaturity with maturity and wisdom, not an emotional rant or tirade, because then you've become the adolescent.

- Look at how Donvan McNabb dealt with T.O. - T.O. was a complete arse in Philadelphia, but Donovan used it to get to the Super Bowl. When it became out of hand He said what he had to say, laughed off the Lunacy of T.O. and let team management do it's JOB.

- Chad's temper tantrum ain't over. If it's a problem on the field in '08, then so be it. I was a Bengals fan, not a # 85 fan. If that's the case, Isaac Curtis' # should've been retired !

Who Dey

[HairOnFire]

...but Leftwich was diagnosed with having Charisma, and a natural leader. " A guy that players will rally behind ". Was quoted by several "draft" publications etc. etc.

Sorry, but that wasn't accurate when it was first written and since the draft it's been proven false. Leftwich wasn't as popular in Jacksonville as many first believed. Numerous players noted their displeasure when he demanded the starting job as if entitled, and years before he was actually released several Jag players let it be known they didn't consider Leftwich to be the best QB on the team. In fact, after he was released few players protested. Most quickly acknowledged David Garrard had outperformed Leftwich for years, worked harder, studied more, and was better prepared.

We've watched Palmer grow immensely over his first 5 years not only in his play on the field, but his overall character in being a " quiet " leader off the field. - He has called players out,especially after Jonathan Josephs arrest last year. He's even called out coaches ( though, not by name ), he clearly has grown into the unquestioned leader of this team, so he shouldn't catch flack for not addressing Chads' antics.

I disagree. If Palmer is willing to call out other players and even his coaches there's no valid reason for him to ignore Chad Johnson's antics. Nobody works more closely with Chad than Palmer and nobody will be more impacted by Chad's antics. So why shouldn't he weigh in? Should he give Chad a pass because they're better friends than Joseph and he might be?

Look at how Donvan McNabb dealt with T.O. - T.O. was a complete arse in Philadelphia, but Donovan used it to get to the Super Bowl. When it became out of hand He said what he had to say, laughed off the Lunacy of T.O. and let team management do it's JOB.

McNabb attempted to deal with Owens in many different ways, from befriending him, to dealing with him seriously, to eventually mocking him. Since nothing he attempted worked it's tempting to hope ignoring the problem might be the best solution, but lets not kid ourselves. Ignoring Chad isn't really working, and it's only possible now because there are no organized team activities taking place.

[HairOnFire]

More in Silver's column today...

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AkyT...o&type=lgns

Bottom line?

I know Palmer pretty well, and I strongly suspect that the ultra-competitive quarterback is not especially entertained by Johnson's approach, even if he won't say so.

When I asked the quarterback about Houshmandzadeh's expected absence from the voluntary workouts, Palmer said, "I'm not worried about T.J. at all. He's got his own trainer in L.A. who works him very hard – I worked out with him a couple of times over the offseason, and I'll fly back a couple of more times and get a few sessions in.

"We've been together five years now. Our timing and rhythm is pretty good. I know he busts his butt every day. He does pilates and yoga and doesn't party. He'll show up for every OTA (offseason training activity) and workout and be good to go."

And Johnson?

"No comment," Palmer said.

Well, it's a start. Way too subtle for my tastes but the no comment slap was perfectly set up and delivered.

More please.

[HoosierCat]

...but Leftwich was diagnosed with having Charisma, and a natural leader. " A guy that players will rally behind ". Was quoted by several "draft" publications etc. etc.

Sorry, but that wasn't accurate when it was first written and since the draft it's been proven false.

Look, I thought you had this straight by now: Leftwich can put the ball into a trash can while on his knees from 100 yards away. Leftwich > Palmer, right?

[chrishcovga]

...but Leftwich was diagnosed with having Charisma, and a natural leader. " A guy that players will rally behind ". Was quoted by several "draft" publications etc. etc.

Sorry, but that wasn't accurate when it was first written and since the draft it's been proven false. Leftwich wasn't as popular in Jacksonville as many first believed. Numerous players noted their displeasure when he demanded the starting job as if entitled, and years before he was actually released several Jag players let it be known they didn't consider Leftwich to be the best QB on the team. In fact, after he was released few players protested. Most quickly acknowledged David Garrard had outperformed Leftwich for years, worked harder, studied more, and was better prepared.

We've watched Palmer grow immensely over his first 5 years not only in his play on the field, but his overall character in being a " quiet " leader off the field. - He has called players out,especially after Jonathan Josephs arrest last year. He's even called out coaches ( though, not by name ), he clearly has grown into the unquestioned leader of this team, so he shouldn't catch flack for not addressing Chads' antics.

I disagree. If Palmer is willing to call out other players and even his coaches there's no valid reason for him to ignore Chad Johnson's antics. Nobody works more closely with Chad than Palmer and nobody will be more impacted by Chad's antics. So why shouldn't he weigh in? Should he give Chad a pass because they're better friends than Joseph and he might be?

Look at how Donvan McNabb dealt with T.O. - T.O. was a complete arse in Philadelphia, but Donovan used it to get to the Super Bowl. When it became out of hand He said what he had to say, laughed off the Lunacy of T.O. and let team management do it's JOB.

McNabb attempted to deal with Owens in many different ways, from befriending him, to dealing with him seriously, to eventually mocking him. Since nothing he attempted worked it's tempting to hope ignoring the problem might be the best solution, but lets not kid ourselves. Ignoring Chad isn't really working, and it's only possible now because there are no organized team activities taking place.

QUOTE(HairOnFire @ Mar 21 2008, 09:42 PM)

QUOTE(chrishcovga @ Mar 21 2008, 08:39 PM)

...but Leftwich was diagnosed with having Charisma, and a natural leader. " A guy that players will rally behind ". Was quoted by several "draft" publications etc. etc.

Sorry, but that wasn't accurate when it was first written and since the draft it's been proven false.

Look, I thought you had this straight by now: Leftwich can put the ball into a trash can while on his knees from 100 yards away. Leftwich > Palmer, right?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Boy, You both missed it !, That's too bad ! - Firstly I never said, Leftwich was better than Palmer. What I quoted were the draft publications and their evaluations for the 2 quarterbacks BEFORE the '03 draft.

- Of Course Palmer has proven himself the better quartback... ( How do you say Duhh...in arabic ??) I.E. read the above point again.....

All I said was that the criticism of Palmer was unjust. It's my opinion, and I know I'm entitled to it, and I honestly don't care if you agree with it. But re-read the original post and then see if what your response was justified for the angle that you took.

Now you did make one good point, Why hasn't Palmer called out Chad directly ....... I honestly think that Chad has done the McNabb tactics prior to this. He chewed him out on National television for running the wrong routes against the Pats last year on Monday Night Football. He apologized for losing his cool, NOT for correcting Chad. - Since we all know this is a process like I mentioned in my earlier post, I think Palmer has left it to Management to handle this now. The ball is in Marvin & Darth Browns corner now.

- There are too many compelling arguements for either side.....

-It's not like most of the fans on this board would ever say that Mike Brown & Marvin have done an outstanding job anyway right ??

- I'm like this, If Chad stays, he'll continue to put up the same numbers that he has barring injury. ( Winning cures all )

- If they decide to cut ties with him, That's cool too ! All I want is adequate compensation for him.

Support of point one( Chad said it himself to Rich Eisen, " If I have to stay in Cincinnati, I'll continue to be Chad Johnson ")

- I'll take 1300 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Support of Point two( I want at least 3 draft picks for him. - 2 firsts and a 2nd or a 3rd. ) I'll go as low as a 1st,2nd,and 3rd. but that's it.

* If I can't get the compensation I feel that the TEAM deserves for the player it has, Then he's a Bengal ( disgruntled or not) till 2011 !

Who Dey