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Palmer Injury Changes Bengals Future

The Bengals first playoff berth in 15 years brought excitement to Paul Brown Stadium and the thought was that the Jungle is back and the Bengals are the hot team in the NFL. That incredible feeling didn't last too long, only long enough for the Bengals to get to their first offensive series.

After the Bengals ended an early Steelers drive around midfield, the Bengals offense took the ball and the crowd exploded. The story couldn't have been better. Fresh off a contract extension into 2014, Carson Palmer was the face of the Bengals future. Palmer drops back to pass and hits rookie Chris Henry for a 66 yard pass that sends the Bengals crowd into a fury.

While the crowd celebrates and the Bengals believe they've got the Steelers number for a second time in a row, Palmer is on the turf in immense pain. As Palmer released the ball, he was hit by Steelers defensive lineman Kimo von Oelhoffen in the lower leg, which tore his ACL and MCL. Von Oelhoffen didn't intentionally injure the Bengal quarterback and this loss sent the Bengal nation into an uproar. With the loss of Palmer, the Bengals lost their first playoff game in 15 years and some fans believe that if Palmer doesn't get hurt, the Bengals win. Unfortunately, Palmer doesn't play defense and that was the Bengals main culprit.

The playoff loss was a major blow, but losing Palmer was an even bigger blow. The third year quarterback is not only a model citizen to build a team around, but he's a leader and one of the NFL's rising stars at quarterback.

In his second season as a starter, Palmer threw for 3836 yards and 32 touchdowns to only 12 interceptions. His 2005 numbers were a big improvement over 2004's, when he threw for 2897 yards and 18 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. Obviously, Palmer had a great season and was believed to be one of the AFC's top quarterbacks in 2005.

The Bengals are lucky to have a back-up quarterback the caliber of Jon Kitna. Kitna hasn't had a bad career and can be a spot starter if needed. Thanks to Kitna's previous starting experience, he kept the Bengals in their playoff game against the Steelers. However, the bad news is that Kitna is scheduled for free agency and teams with a starting spot open are likely to come calling.

Palmer's injury has completely changed the Bengals off-season plans. Had Palmer never suffered that injury, the Bengals would be looking at a draft filled with defense. Now, the concern switches to free agency and might change their outlook on the draft.

The Bengals have to find a way to get Kitna resigned. The usual recovery time for an ACL tear is six months to a year. Even if Palmer returns in 2006, the odds are that he won't be completely healthy. Usually, ACL injuries don't fully heal the first year back from injury.

Palmer's injury rehab time isn't going to be easy and the Bengals have to keep an eye on their young signal caller. With Palmer being the future of the franchise, they would be smart to let him sit out until he is ready. There is no need to hurry the future of the franchise back from a potentially career ending injury.

Since the Bengals aren't likely to hurry Palmer back, next season is hanging in the balance. Winning the AFC North is a step in the right direction for this up and coming franchise, but the prospect of having another quarterback under center isn't something to cheer over.

If Kitna is resigned, the Bengals still have enough to contend for the AFC North title. Kitna brings experience and leadership to the field, but is also prone to mistakes. If Kitna is the starter, the Bengals are no better than 8-8 or 9-7. Palmer is an elite quarterback and would push the Bengals to a potential Super Bowl berth.

What if Palmer returns? The Bengals have to be able to protect their quarterback and give him time to get back in rhythm. Palmer's 2005 statistics aren't going to happen in 2006. Also, consider that Palmer was never a mobile quarterback and this may make him an even bigger statue in the pocket.

Third string quarterback Craig Krenzel has starting experience, but isn't the type of guy you want starting for your team. Krenzel has some mobility, but doesn't bring much to the passing game and the Bengals offense would be extremely limited if he had to play any snaps as the starter.

Considering their back-up situation, it will be important for the Bengals to keep Kitna. Signing Kitna to a one-year deal would make the most sense, as it would provide stability for the offense and allow him to start if Palmer isn't ready.

The Bengals should seriously consider drafting a young quarterback at some point in the draft. Although it may not seem like a big deal, getting a quarterback who could develop into another solid quarterback is crucial. Consider in the future if Palmer gets hurt again and Kitna is no longer there, is the team going to turn to Krenzel? Obviously, drafting Charlie Whitehurst from Clemson or Bruce Gradkowski from Toledo in the middle rounds of the draft would upgrade the third quarterback position.

Just in case Palmer doesn't return to his full form, having a quarterback who can develop would be a valuable asset. Also, if Kitna decides to leave through free agency, the Bengals need to look at a back-up quarterback. Krenzel would obviously be back in the mix for the number two job, but he's not one that you want running the team for a full season. Veteran back-ups expected to hit the free agent market are: Anthony Wright, Charlie Batch, Jeff Garcia, Josh McCown and Kurt Warner.

Palmer is one of the hardest working and most dedicated players on the Bengals team and he will be sure to rehab to whatever point it takes to get back on the field in 2006. However, the Bengals have to use caution when rushing their star quarterback back on the field. Having Palmer back makes the difference between a 9-7 season and a 13-3 one. With his injury, this has significantly changed the outlook on the Bengals franchise. A franchise that's suffered bad luck over the years and this seems to follow in that pattern. Palmer should be back to a high level in 2007, but asking him to lead this team to the Super Bowl in 2006 is a bit uncertain.

Regardless of how Palmer plays in 2006, the Bengals offseason plans have been changed. From a team that was looking at significantly upgrading their defense into a Super Bowl contender to now possibly preparing for a season without their franchise quarterback. The Bengals need to upgrade their quarterback position, just in case Palmer doesn't come back to 100% and if Kitna leaves, this team is in trouble.