'I admire him. I look up to him. I love him like a brother,' Carson Palmer says of his former mentor.
Before Carson Palmer began his reign as Cincinnati's starting quarterback in 2004, there was Jon Kitna. "Kit" was the key ingredient in the Bengals' turnaround from a miserable 2-14 team in 2002 to a respectable 8-8 squad in 2003 — Marvin Lewis' first season as head coach. Now Kitna, an 11-year veteran, is charged with resurrecting the 3-13 Detroit Lions.
Best friends Palmer and Kitna will face one another on Thursday night when the Bengals visit Detroit in the preseason opener for both teams. "I admire him. I respect him. I look up to him. I love him like a brother, and I'm excited for him," Palmer said about Kitna. "Everybody knows what a heck of a guy he is." Palmer was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2003 draft, but Lewis anointed Kitna the starter. He earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors, stayed on two more years as Palmer's mentor, then bolted to Detroit in free agency.
"(Kitna) was, no question, the leader of this team — on the field and subtly behind the scenes," Lewis said. "He was an extension of the coaches. We wouldn't have (had success) if it weren't for Jon Kitna and his leadership. "What he was able to get done and then to take the step back and still stay in that position of leadership and allow Carson to continue to grow ... he's a great, great team person. "He's a fine player, very competitive. He's gone a long way in the National Football League, giving his team a chance to win, and that's what he gave us. I said, 'Jon, this is your team. Take care of it.' And he did that. We had some success." Kitna's surrounding talent in Detroit this season — wide receivers Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson, tailbacks Kevin Jones and Tatum Bell — led to his bold prediction of a 10-win season. "He's extremely happy with the speed and weapons they've got," Palmer said. "I'm excited to watch their offense and watch Kit go to work."
Updated: 3:30 p.m.
E. RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Safety Marvin White gave the Bengals a lift early in third quarter when he made a leaping interception inside the Bengals 5 for his first career pick coming on Jets quarterback Brett Favre's NFL record 293rd...
Updated: 6:20 p.m.
E. RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The Bengals defense got no help from its offense and special teams Sunday in Cincinnati's matchup with Hall of Famer Brett Favre as the Jets took a 26-14 win here at The Meadowlands.
Twice in the second...
Updated: 12:20 p.m.
As Shayne Graham recovers from a sore groin, the Bengals opted to sign a kickoff man for Sunday's 1 p.m. game against the Jets in The Meadowlands when they inked four-year veteran Dave Rayner and released fullback Reagan...
This is THE podcast for all Cincinnati Bengals fans.Twice a week, legendary Cincinnati sportscaster, Ken Broo, is joined by the editors, writers and publisher of the popular bi-weekly publication, Bengals ReportIn this up to the minute podcast, the discussion is all Bengals featuring interviews with your favorite Bengals players.Get the inside scoop on the Bengals and their upcoming games by placing Bengals Report on your list of favorites!
In this episode, Ken Broo and Bengals Report executive editor, Mark Hardin, preview the upcoming Bengals vs Jets game in the Meadowlands. You'll hear comments from Bengals head coach, Marvin Lewis, as well as quarterback, Carson Palmer. For the best in sports, visit Ken Broo's web site www.kenbroo.com.
In this episode, Ken Broo and Bengals Report executive editor, Mark Hardin review the Bengals loss to the Cowboys in week #5 of the NFL season. You'll hear comments from wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh, as well has head coach, Marvin Lewis. For the best in sports, visit Ken Broo's web site www.kenbroo.com
In this episode, Ken Broo and Bengals Report executive editor, Mark Hardin review the Bengals loss to the Browns and look ahead to week #5 in the 2008 season as the Bengals travel to Dallas to play the Cowboys. You'll hear comments from Bengals DL Antwan Odom, RB Cedric Benson and WR Chris Henry. For the best in sports, visit Ken Broo's web site www.kenbroo.com
