Palmer Has Performed Well For The Bengals So Far, But He Can Still Improve

Last season, it took the Cincinnati Bengals two months to record their first win of the regular season.  This year, it only took them two weeks, and the main reason seems to be because of a healthy Carson Palmer. 

Coming off of a loss in one of the most bizarre endings in NFL history, the Bengals traveled to Lambeau Field and upset the Green Bay Packers 31-24.

It may have only been one game, but after a low-scoring Week One against the Denver Broncos, many wondered if Palmer still had what it takes to be a threat at quarterback for the Bengals.  Even though he finished just 21-of-33 for 247 yards and two interceptions against a Broncos defense that finished 26th in the NFL last season by allowing 228.5 yards per game, the main factor for Palmer was he failed to throw a single touchdown pass.

This was not the type of performance Palmer was looking for in the opening week of the 2009 NFL season.  With a strong receiving corps that consists of a revived Chad Ochocinco, a solid No. 2 replacement in Laveranues Coles, and a more dedicated Chris Henry, the Bengals had every reason to believe they would have one of the top offenses in the NFL.

The worst part about the Bengals' opener against the Broncos is they were nearly one miraculous throw away from victory, even when Palmer failed to put up the type of numbers he was expected to put up.  If Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokley wasn't in the right place at the right time, the Bengals would be 1-0 entering Week Two against the Green Bay Packers.

Instead, they found themselves in a must-win situation heading to historical Lambeau Field, a place that has always been tough for opponents to play. After struggling to score against the Broncos, the Packers entered Sunday's game as heavy favorites considering their high-powered offense led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers and a dangerous defense consisting of cornerbacks Al Harris, Charles Woodson, and linebacker A.J. Hawk. 

Against the odds, Palmer led the Bengals to a 31-24 victory over the Packers.  He finished 15-of-23 for 185 yards and threw two costly interceptions to Woodson (one was returned 37 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter).  However, despite his numbers being down, Palmer managed to throw three touchdowns and rush for another, which ended up being the difference-maker for the Bengals.

Unlike the Broncos game, Palmer was able to find each of his top-three wide receivers (Ochocinco, Coles and Henry) in the end zone against the Packers.  On top of his four-touchdown performance, life was easier for Palmer with a strong support in the running game by Cedric Benson, who finished with 141 yards on 29 carries.

The Bengals enter Week Three with a 1-1 record and a pivotal home matchup against their division rival and Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers.  Once again, whether or not the Bengals will come up victorious will rely heavily on the shoulders of Palmer. 

If the Bengals have any chance of beating the Steelers and making a statement in the AFC North, Palmer will not only have to find a way to continue getting the ball to Ochocinco, but he will need to find a way to get Coles and Henry more involved as well.

Coles was signed by the Bengals in the offseason to fill in the void left by Houshmanzadeh as a No. 2 wideout.  This was supposed to give the Bengals a major advantage, considering Coles' past as a No. 1 wideout with the New York Jets and the Washington Redskins.

Through two games, Palmer has struggled to find Coles open on the field.  In his first game against the Broncos, Coles only saw five passes thrown his way, managing to only catch one for 11 yards.  Against the Packers, he only hauled in two receptions for nine yards, but one happened to be for a touchdown.

That means in his first two games with the Bengals, Coles has a total of three receptions for 20 yards and a touchdown.  The same comparison can be made to Henry, who many were expecting to have a breakout year after an impressive offseason in which he appeared to be more focused on turning his life around and making a major contribution to the Bengals success in 2009.

Through two games, Henry has hauled in just two receptions for a total of 23 yards, with one being a five-yard touchdown against the Packers.  He may be considered a No. 3 wide receiver for the Bengals, but these aren't the type of numbers many expected from Henry through the first two games of the regular season.

If Palmer wants to help the Bengals defeat the Steelers on Sunday, he will need to find a way to get the ball in the hands of Ochocinco, Coles, and Henry more than he has so far this season.  Benson may find it difficult to find holes in the Steelers defense, as they have only allowed 129 yards rushing through two games against the Tennessee Titans and Chicago Bears, who arguably have two of the top running backs in the NFL with Chris Johnson and Matt Forte.

The good news for Palmer: the Steelers will be without safety Troy Polamalu, who is still recovering from a MCL injury he suffered in Week One against the Titans.  Without his presence, Palmer may find it easier to find his receivers down the middle of the field.

Despite being the Super Bowl Champions and only allowing 27 total points their first two games, the Steelers defense is possible to score against, as we saw last weekend against the Chicago Bears.  Bears quarterback Jay Cutler finished 27-of-38 for 236 yards and two touchdowns en route to his first career victory with his new team.

The Steelers defense have allowed 233 yards passing per game so far in the 2009 season.  If Palmer has any chance of defeating the Steelers in Cincinnati next weekend, it will come down to whether or not he takes advantage of his talented wide receivers.