Quarterback Carson Palmer’s first start for the Oakland Raiders ended with a 28-14 loss to the Broncos in Week 9 of the 2011 season.
It was the last time the two teams met. Since then, much has changed for Palmer and the Raiders.
“I’m definitely more comfortable this year,” Palmer said in a conference call on Wednesday. “The opportunities this year I’ve had with guys to work in the offseason and downtime, (and work on) the timing and the rhythm of the passing game (with) the tight ends has really benefitted us as an offense and me, myself, personally.”
Following the Week 9 loss to Denver, the Raiders went on a three-game winning streak as Palmer showed he still has the abilities that made him a No. 1 draft pick in the 2003 NFL draft. In his nine starts for Oakland in 2011, he averaged just less than 300 yards passing per game.
The problem for Palmer and the offense was a 13-to-16 touchdown-to-interception ratio, as Oakland finished with a .500 record and missed the playoffs by a game.
This year, Palmer is off to a much better start. He has thrown for five touchdowns to just two interceptions and led the Raiders to a comeback victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3.
“I’ve seen a lot of progress,” Head Coach Dennis Allen said. “Obviously, he’s getting more comfortable with the offense every day, and getting a better feel for his reads and the things he is keying in on. I knew that he was a good quarterback. I know that from having to prepare against him last year (as the Broncos defensive coordinator). He’s really starting to come into his own in this offensive scheme and he’s been a great leader for us. He’s a very good player for us.”
With Allen as the team’s new head coach and the quarterback having a full offseason in Oakland under his belt, Palmer said there is a “completely different feel” among the team.
“I’ve been through OTAs and minicamps and meetings and installs, film sessions and practice reps, preseason games and now a couple of regular season games,” Palmer said. “(It’s a) completely different year (with a) new offense. Everything’s changed. But I’m definitely much more comfortable right now.”
Tags: Carson Palmer, Head Coach Dennis Allen, Oakland Raiders, Week 4
Strand, I remember that game with the afraiders, I thought the stadium was going to come down. I didn’t care, I was stoked.
Wolfedom. That was one of the best days of my life. Broncos fans were going nuts!
This is awesome, BEYOND awesome. I love the NFL!!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/26/nfl-sends-1000-peyton-kno_n_1917523.html
@ProFootballTalk: More details from @RefereeJimD on the NFL-NFLRA deal http://t.co/TENrDzUJ
The deal between NFLRA and NFL is close but still not done just yet. Retirement plans are the last thig and what has been the biggest issue.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000066725/article/nfl-referees-union-closing-in-on-agreement-to-end-lockout?campaign=Twitter_news
Strands:
Yes I recall that game. The house was rocking because the old Rocky Mtn news posted about how Shannan was shafted on his payout from the faders! You know if you were ever at a game at old mile high and we the fans were rocking the stands we would be rocking to the point the cameras would shake and you could feel the stadiam move under your feet! I for one miss old mile high!!
Just Me
Peace Out FTR
@Rod9sports: RT @AdamSchefter Text from someone in room about deal between NFL and NFLRA being signed: “Categorically untrue.” Everyone hopes soon.
I am so confused. Some people say yes, others say no, either way it will be done by Sunday and that’s all I care about. Replacement refs are not prepared for a Bronco/Raider game. OUT OF CONTROL!
Cat i am seeing more that it isnt done but is still close than it is done.
Right which is confusing me. Either way I think they get it done in time for Sunday.
@AdamSchefter: Email from locked out official: “officials still have not been notified by our leadership. I’ll believe it when I hear it from them.”
Haha!!
@JeffDarlington: While the referee said he wishes they had a few preseason games to prepare, “we’ll be better than they were last week,” he said. Cue jokes.
Cat I thik a deal will be done in time for tomorrows game.
Yay!!! I can’t wait to watch it and complain about the real guys!!
LOL CAT! Hilarious!
@nflnetwork: More details now. RT @nfl: RT @AlbertBreer: Per league sources, the NFL and NFLRA are closing in on a deal. http://t.co/EZM85Yce
It’ll be done by tomorrow I bet.
FTR Old Mile High was far better than this newer stadium. And in more ways than one. GREAT MEMORIES THERE!!
@AlbertBreer: The deal between the referees and officials is in essence finished, the negotiators in the room are putting it to paper now.
Strand I agree, but it’s good they built a new one.
Cat, Old Mile High had a wonderful mystique to it. It was special!!
This is all live on NFL Network
@RapSheet: RT @nfl NFL, referees reach agreement: http://t.co/qIh57xtT
They a reached a deal and are working on the paperwork to get everything signed sealed and delivered. So in essence it’s a done deal. HECK YES!!!!!!!!!
Yes, but it was going to fall down. Due to safety reasons they really needed to build a new one. And it means something. It was a huge deal to build a new stadium.
yes, that stadium was old and rickety. LOL
What a relief!! WOW!!
8 year deal, pensions for 5 years and then a 401k
Sweet deal, that’s doable.
I’ll sleep soundly tonight. HaHa!
Yippy Ky YAY!!
I am finally relaxed. No joke,
@AlbertBreer: The 5-day tally … Talks went 8-9 hours on Saturday & Sunday. Over phone on Monday. Then 17 hours on Tuesday. Over 14 hours today already.
@AlbertBreer: … Almost as if something happened on Monday night, no?
Cat, They both came to a medium just as we spoke of last night. I’m happy. YEAH!!
Sorry, Albert Breer is my favorite, he always has more information than anybody else.
HOLY SHNIKEYS!!
No need to say sorry Cat!
It’s done… Let’s play some football…
Yahoo!
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!
I’m ready!!!!!! and I feel better with real refs this Sunday because I’m positive the Raiders are going to try to kill our QB!
We all know the play that was the last straw that broke the camels back. Something had to be done!
FTR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.profootballhof.com/history/2012/8/30/NFL-Saints-Drew-Brees-TD-Steaks/?module=HP11_content_stream
I hope he ties it this weeks game, and breaks it in week 5.
Sure am glad he’s not in San Diego!!!
I’m feeling empowered!!!
Raiders are always trying to kill someone – good thing they have a real coach that isn’t on board with all that diabolical persona!!! (we’ve infiltrated!!!) LOL
FLYING HIGH AGAIN!!
MILE HIGH HAVEN!
@JeffDarlington: I asked Ed Hochuli how many curls he’s been doing: “As soon as I heard the rumors today, I got down on the floor and started doing pushups.”
All right, give me 50, HUP 2!
@JeffDarlington: I want all of you to know how hard I fought to get Hochuli to let me use that quote. It literally took 3 phone calls. I battled, damn it.
An I need your wisdom! Lol