Oakland Raider’s head coach Hue Jackson made a power move by sending a first round draft pick in 2012 and second round pick in 2013 to Cincinnati for quarterback Carson Palmer, who wasn’t playing and wanted out of Cincy. However, whether or not Palmer starts isn’t the biggest concern for the Chiefs (2-3) when they travel to take on the Raiders (4-2).
The Chiefs have to be concerned with stopping Oakland’s running game. Whether the Raiders go with Palmer or Kyle Boller Sunday afternoon, defending Oakland’s running game is top priority for the Chiefs defense.
The Raiders lead the AFC with an average of 160.0 rushing yards per game without top running back Darren McFadden last year, the Raiders ran for 209 rushing yards against the Chiefs in last year’s Week 17 win at Arrowhead.
Raider’s HC Jackson believes Palmer is perfect for his team and he has familiarity with Palmer, having recruited and coached him at USC and been an assistant in Cincinnati.
Trading two high draft picks may seem desperate or Jackson believes the team can make some noise this season, but the fact is the team needed a quarterback after Campbell broke his collarbone during Sunday’s 24-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Campbell had surgery Monday and is expected to miss at least six weeks, leaving Oakland with just Kyle Boller and Terrelle Pryor as quarterbacks on the roster.
Palmer admits it will take time to learn the playbook and get familiar with his receivers and Jackson would not say if Palmer would play or sit out. The Chiefs spent extra hours game planning for Palmer, just in case.