Cincinnati comes to Cleveland sporting a 2-1 record despite the struggles of quarterback Carson Palmer.
Cleveland, Ohio -- The Browns and the Bengals have some things in common, even if a winning record isn't among them. Both come from teams in Ohio towns that start with a C. Both have head coaches whose position, charitably, can be called embattled. And both have to spend time defending their quarterbacks to the media.Carson Palmer is 69 for 122 for 707 yards, with three touchdowns and three interceptions and a rating of 71.3. In one less game, Seneca Wallace is 34 for 55 for 370 yards with two TDs, one pick and a rating of 86.2. Jake Delhomme, in his lone game before being hurt, finished 20 of 37 for 227 yards, one TD and two interceptions, for a rating of 59.2.
In Cleveland, the criticism hasn't been as vitriolic, and has focused more on the play-calling itself, not the execution. Everybody knew the Browns were getting a cast-off from one team and a career back-up from another. But the understanding and the hope was and remains that Delhomme can regain his Pro Bowl touch and that Wallace's rifle arm and quick feet can add a new dimension to the wildcat package featuring receiver Josh Cribbs. That's the plan while rookie quarterback Colt McCoy is allowed time to develop, as if by osmosis, into the quarterback the Browns need down the line.
But in Cincinnati, it's now, now, now, and most of the blame is coming down on Palmer.
Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer tells the story in his account of the Monday morning debriefing by Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis.
Hmm. If Browns cornerback Eric Wright has a repeat of his bothered, bewitched and befuddled performance in Baltimore, it may be jus' what the doctor ordered for the Bengals, and especially their two most vocal/visible weapons: Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. Between them, they have one touchdown.The circle continued unbroken Monday after the Bengals improved to 2-1. Questions were lobbed at coach Marvin Lewis about the state of the offense and Carson Palmer, Lewis continued to defend his quarterback, and concern about all 11 executing cohesively as a unit remains a work in progress.
There was a new piece added to the chain - Lewis wasn't about to apologize. He was annoyed over criticisms of the style in which they beat the Panthers 20-7.
"Not too many teams have to make excuses for winning like that, but I guess we do. So, we will just move forward," Lewis said.
Lewis is among the minority in Bengaldom who aren't concerned about Palmer, the offense or both.
When asked if there were concerns about Palmer's play over the last two games, Lewis said no.
"When he has opportunities to throw the football and deliver the ball he does an excellent job," Lewis said. "Yesterday he had some guys not quite do the things he needs them to do right. It all reflects back on the quarterback."
Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski's assessment of the passing game was "not sharp." He also admitted that they were lucky a couple more passes were not picked off.
And another thing (or two)
Stripehype.com, a Bengals-focused blog, also noted Cincinnati's troubles when they have the ball.
Another Bengals-friendly website, whodeyfans.com, leveled the blame squarely at Palmer.The offense is still out of sync, Carson Palmer included. Perhaps the weather contributed to the sloppy play, but this lack of consistency is officially a reason to be alarmed. The team needs to improve in the coming weeks to remain a contender.
Furthermore, the offense is showing zero explosiveness. I understand that opposing teams are making a point to limit big plays, but I’m not sure Cincinnati has a consistent power hitter at this point.
For several weeks now I have defended the quarterback of the Bengals Carson Palmer. I have used excuses of getting timing down with new receivers, bad o line protection and facing great defenses. After yesterdays performance I am wondering if maybe number 9 just doesn't have it anymore.
... The most telling to me is the passer ratings Carson has put up in the last three games. 92.5 against the Patriots, 60.1 against the ravens to 53.3 against the Panthers. What can we expect next week against the Browns 22.7?
Maybe this IS the time for a Browns upset.