The Raiders offense is different with Carson Palmer, but it hasn’t been appreciably better yet.
The team is 3-3 with Palmer under center. It was 4-2 with Jason Campbell. Palmer has struggled with interceptions and a roster that is a lot more banged up than it was when Campbell was playing.
Still, it’s hard to ignore Palmer has 13 interceptions already to go with nine touchdowns. Campbell only threw two intereceptions to go with six touchdowns. It was a lower risk offense with Campbell because Darren McFadden was healthy.
“I just need to be more patient, take what they give me and try not to score 14 points on one drive,” Palmer said after throwing four picks against Green Bay via the Oakland Tribune. “Take it one play at a time, take the shot if it’s there, and if not, live for the next down, and I didn’t do that.”
We think Palmer has mostly thrown the ball well, but he’s been fooled by defenses the last two weeks against Miami and Green Bay.
“Carson Palmer keeps looking like the Carson Palmer of old. Not enough zip on the ball, does not protect the ball and cannot carry a team,” NFL.com’s Mike Lombardi writes. “When the Raiders cannot control the pace of the game with the run, they cannot win.”
We’re not sure we’d go that far, but the trade for Palmer is really only worth it if the Raiders make the playoffs. They have an uphill battle now.
The bright side: At least it looks like they’ll only give up one first round pick to the Bengals.