Posted by Will BrinsonThe Carson Palmer dissatisfaction issue in Cincinnati is an odd one -- the Bengals won't trade their "franchise" quarterback, even though he wasn't very good in 2010. And Palmer, even though the Bengals inexplicably love him, wants out.
Dan Pompei of the National Football Post has some interesting info in his Sunday Blitz though, especially the fact that he hears the apathy in Cincy is a "one-way street." (Running east from Palmer to Brown.)
Reportedly, the team is "taking Palmer off the hook" for his shoddy performance last year and pinning his lack of success on the people that surrounded the quarterback offensively. Pompei writes that the team will "try to rectify the situation by making sure the locker room understands Palmer is the only leader."
Now, without pointing fingers, um, "Terrell Owens." It's also possible that the Bengals could dump Chad Ochocinco, although it might be difficult to put him in the "best situation" with just youngsters Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham serving as receiving options.
Bottom line is this: the Bengals truly believe that Palmer hasn't lost a step performance-wise (arm strength, etc.) and is capable of returning to Pro Bowl form in 2011.
Well, either that or they're doing a hell of a job trying to prop him up as a desirable trade asset for someone like the Vikings or Redskins once the labor situation is sorted out.
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