Palmer learns it won't be snap

[BengalszoneBilly]

Palmer learns it won't be snap

Hits bumps as grooming takes next step

By Mark Curnutte

Enquirer staff writer

GEORGETOWN, Ky. - Carson Palmer threw one interception in practice that cornerback Deltha O'Neal would have returned for a touchdown.

Another pass by the Bengals quarterback was tipped and intercepted by strong safety Rogers Beckett.

Twice Palmer missed wide receiver Chad Johnson, once short and another time long.

But one of Palmer's strengths as a quarterback is he knows there will be bad days - and even bad streaks or bad throws during a good game.

The grooming of Carson Palmer as the Bengals' starting quarterback continued with the team's first training camp practice Saturday at Georgetown College.

The preseason opener is in 13 days at Tampa Bay. The regular season opener, at the Jets, is six weeks from today.

"The good thing is we've got a lot of time," Palmer said after the two-hour, 45-minute practice. "We've got to get our timing back. ... The next three or four practices, we'll be back to where we were during minicamp and be back on track.

"It's just the first day. It's part of the deal. You throw some good balls, (and) some you want back."

Palmer had to wait six hours to take the field as the starter. Heavy rains washed out the morning practice.

Now 24, Palmer takes over as a different player than the one he was as the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and first overall draft pick last year.

"This year, you're seeing a whole different side to him: more business-like, more serious, asking more questions," said backup Jon Kitna, who started in 2003 and threw 26 touchdowns.

Kitna says the Bengals are now Palmer's team.

Coach Marvin Lewis says Palmer is the team's playbook.

Palmer handles the responsibility with an even temperament. He's neither too high nor too low.

"You can't really prepare yourself not to do well," Palmer said Saturday morning after a meeting. "But I know there are going to be tough times. I know we're going to struggle as a team. I know I'm going to struggle personally. You can't dwell on the last play. You have to be thinking about the next play."

One thing for sure, Palmer has more help around him than the franchise's previous two first-round quarterbacks - David Klingler (1992) and Akili Smith (1999).

"I'm in a position where I don't have to do it all," Palmer said. "I have one of the best offensive lines in the league. We've got one Pro Bowl receiver (Johnson) and a bunch of other great receivers. We've got (tailback) Rudi Johnson. My job is to get the ball to the playmakers."

The temptation will be to try to do too much alone, despite the talent surrounding him on offense.

"I expect to go out there and control the game, control the clock," Palmer said. "I don't feel as though I'm in a situation where I have to do a bunch of spectacular things. I don't have to wow people, and that's the toughest thing to do.

"I have to go out there and play like I'm coached, not be too aggressive, take what the defense gives me."

Palmer also has a loyal backup in Kitna, who has handled Palmer's promotion with grace.

"First of all, you're talking about a guy who was the best in the nation. He wasn't one of the guys. He was the best. It was clear-cut. He has every tool you look for," Kitna said of Palmer.

"And he's coming to a football team that's not in disarray. Everything has changed. He's not stepping into the situation Akili and Klingler stepped into. It is a team that has focus. It has a plan, not only for the next 25 days, for the next five years."

"He's just a regular guy who knows his role and job on the football team," Lewis said of Palmer after practice. "He's a not a guy who wants to captivate the spotlight all the time."

[Chad Johnson]

ah yes the tip... I have to say BEckett made a hell of a play on that by getting it...He went high...

Palmer looked hot to me when I was there...This is talking of the same day I was there...So it's not like he was horrible or even really having an off day...I think both pics were great plays by the defenders... though it does worry me to think of Palmer going VS Bailey on monday night