Anyone who's paid any attention has realized that Carson Palmer has regressed. Since taking the shot from Kimo the Assassin and tearing up his knee, Carson Palmer has simply not been himself. Is he gun shy? Last year's numbers were okay. His INTs were an all-time high of 20 (unacceptable to be an elite QB).

Last year he was hurried and sacked more than he had ever been. So, was he rushing it in fear of getting clobbered again? This year, in preseason, he gets his nose broken. Last Sunday, he looked like a deer in the headlights. Compile that with his inability to run from pressure and is Carson quickly becoming Drew Bledsoe (great vision, great arm, lack of mobility makes him antiquated)? First, let me state that shame on the offensive line for letting Carson get hit so much last year. As a fan, I was furious when the Stealers took him out. I wanted to knock some heads together.

When Palmer returned, it should've been a mandate by Levi, Willie, et. al. to make sure that he didn't get hit. But our o-line let him down last year and this year, they're getting even worse. Will the result be Palmer slipping into Klingerdom? I feel bad for the guy and I'm mad as hell at our offensive line! Where's your pride? The QB is YOUR guy. Keeping the QB safe and his uniform clean is YOUR job.

Remember how great Drew Bledsoe was (for a while)? Then, remember after a couple injuries, he lost all mobility and could no longer have the time needed to be an elite quarterback and dropped into oblivion. I'm concerned that Palmer might face a similar fate. So much talent, but his window is closing and his offensive lineman are doing their best to make sure that window closes faster. What a pity.