Into the fire

Football Digest, Sept, 2004 by Barry Wilner

CARSON PALMER HAD A mediocre college career at Southern California--until his senior season, when everything came together for the quarterback and he won the Heisman Trophy. That success, along with the measurables he brings to a league that loves such things, got Palmer drafted first overall in the spring of 2003 by the pitiful Cincinnati Bengals.

Well, the Bengals aren't so hapless anymore, although Palmer isn't the reason. He sat and watched Jon Kitna lead Cincinnati to an 8-8 record. Now, though, Palmer is the man, and for the Bengals to take the next step in their revival, he has to play like he did as a senior at USC, not as an underclassman. "It's definitely what I wanted, and I've just got to get ready to win some games now," says Palmer. "I'm so lucky and fortunate to be in this situation. I don't know how bad it could be, just because Jon's handled it so great."

Palmer has a strong arm, stands tall in the pocket, and understands how to operate a pro-style offense. But can he read complex NFL defenses? Will he be prepared for all the blitzes opposing defensive coordinators will throw at him? And will he be looking over his shoulder at Kitna? No one knows, but at least he is mature, coachable, and has some weapons around him. He'll need all the help he can get from that supporting cast.

"It puts the pressure on the rest of our football team," Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis says. "That's why fight now is the time to do this. I want everybody to understand the responsibility that comes to them. Now we've got to shift some of the responsibility on them. Jon did a lot for us, and Carson's going to have to grow into that role."