Carson Palmer Doesn’t Sound Very Optimistic About the Oakland Raiders Passing Game

When the Oakland Raiders traded for the nearly retired Carson Palmer during last season, there was a feeling of relief from the Oakland faithful. Palmer had been a nearly elite QB during his days in Cincinnati, throwing for more than 25,000 yards in seven seasons, and helping the Bengals reach some form of respectability.

Palmer came into the Raiders season when they were 4-2 and had to learn on the fly. While his 10 games didn't go all that great, he did throw for 2,753 yards and 13 touchdowns, but also cranked out 16 picks. The Raiders went 4-5 with Palmer starting.

But with a full offseason and training camp, things appeared to be going in the Raiders favor. Then the preseason started and so far Palmer has four picks and zero TD tosses. Things aren't looking so good in Oaktown now, something Palmer admits himself.

In what sure won't be making any Raider fans feel excited, Palmer explained to the Contra Costa Times how injuries have affected his chemistry with Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford.

"We need a ton of work together," Palmer said Monday as the Raiders returned to the team facility for practice. "You can never get enough work with a guy, even if he's played every rep and you've played every rep."

Both WRs have missed a ton of time; actually Moore has missed almost all of camp. Neither are expected to play in the preseason finale. That doesn't bode well for Oakland when they open up play on September 10 against the Chargers in the second Monday Night Football to close out the first week of play.