Even though, the Bengals have the lowly distinction of possibly being the worst professional sports franchise for years and years of bone-headed moves, the Cincinnati brass seems intent on making amends. Now, I know its early in training camp and
Even though, the Bengals have the lowly distinction of possibly being the worst professional sports franchise for years and years of bone-headed moves, the Cincinnati brass seems intent on making amends.
Now, I know its early in training camp and the Bengals haven’t even played a single regular-season game.
However, it appears that Bengals’ coach Marvin Lewis as well as Team President Mike Brown aren’t in a hurry to stick first-round draft pick Carson Palmer on the “front lines”.
When the Bengals talk about their young quarterback and their use of him, they throw around words like patience, care and time.
What, you have to be kidding me.
This is the Bengals we are talking about, right?
This is the same squad that drafted a quarterback by the name of David Klingler to right the ship in the mid 1990’s.
Remember what Cincinnati did with Klingler?
The minute they signed him, Klingler became the Bengals indentured slave.
Without an offensive line, skilled players and a coherent game plan, Klingler was a 6-foot-4 fawn in gigantic headlights. He had no chance to succeed and didn’t.
The Bengals, apparently, don’t intend for the Palmer era to go down like Klingler’s.
At least, that’s the early plan.
Things always change when you are 0-5 right out of the gate.
But for now, the Bengals may have finally seen the light.
According to Lewis, the Bengals will groom Palmer under the tight tutelage of “starting quarterback” Jon Kitna and backup Shane Matthews.
Excuse me, but any NFL insight that Matthews and Kitna (both journeyman) give to Palmer will be about as useful as an umbrella in a hurricane.
Another indication that the Bengals’ “A” plan will ultimately get a big “F” is the team ownership.
The Brown family, who haven’t exactly shown over the years the ability and or willingness to A) spend money on their team and B) put a winning product on the field, will let a $49 million investment (Palmer) stand on the sidelines and read the playbook for the next couple of years.
Pardon me if I seem skeptical.
While George Steinbrenner spends excessive amounts to insure a winning team in New York, the Bengals are the K-mart shoppers of the NFL.
In Cincinnati, you don’t just let a multi-million dollar investment sit back and get “groomed” by a a couple of guys that need “grooming” themselves.
Plus, when was the last time the Bengals had a winning season?
The answer is 1990. That’s right, the Bengals have been a disaster for 13 years.
Yes, I know “disaster” seems harsh.
But, at a time in which free agency has caused a level of parity unparalleled in the history of the league, only one team seems unable to catch the wave.
Even the previously lowly Rams and Buccaneers were able to get out of their losing slump and win the Super Bowl.
Why can’t the Bengals?
It’s because of bad decisions.
If the Bengals are true to their word about Palmer, then the organization is headed in the right direction.
Even if the team starts 0-10, they have to keep their minds clear about this kid.
However, if the losing becomes so unbearable that a change is needed and the team decides to throw Palmer to the wolves, then all their talk has been lip service.
Then its back to business as usual in Cincinnati.
