So today my question was finally answered… I’m not the only one who thinks that Carson Palmer has lost his leadership role in the huddle and on the field. This morning while watching Sportscenter the topic came up and the decision was unanimous.
I first noticed the different Carson Palmer last year. It seemed that ever since his injury he lost his ability to control the players and assert his command. He seems scared in the pocket and with that he seems scared to get in a linemen’s face to tell him to block better. When we had that one great season and actually made the playoffs, I was clear who the leader was. Then the injury came and all was lost. Chad took over as a trash talking almost anti-cincy villain and Carson waited too long to comment on Chad’s behavior. I also remember a time when Chad would b*tch Carson out on the sideline for not throwing to him/ calling his number in the huddle.
Yesterday I saw that it was all too true that he has lost all control of his offense. He had absolutely no swagger of a leader what so ever. He looked like a scared little boy in the pockets, and when he audibled it almost looked like he was second guessing himself. It seems as though he has lost the respect of his teammates and with Willie Anderson gone the offense is lacking any leadership at all. While TJ is a great person and playmaker, he hasn’t ever really stepped into a leadership role, and I believe now is his time more than ever (especially since it’s a contract year for him).
I can only hope and pray that after the lien collapses against the Titans next week on our first drive, that I see Carson grab a lineman by his facemask and tell him to block. If he doesn’t I’m sure it will only take 1 quarter of Chad and TJ not getting the ball again for one of them to step up.
