I wanted to take a look at the recent statistical comparisons between Carson Palmer and Jason Campbell since he joined the Raiders to see what we could learn.
Let's just start with some basic overall stats as found on NFL.com....
Campbell 2011
Palmer 2010
Raiders 2010
Palmer 2009
Jump over for more....
Conclusions
Completion percentages and QB rating are almost identical. Palmer's TDs and INTs went through the roof in 2010. And that is because he was asked to be almost the whole offense.
In 2010, the Bengals averaged just 3.6 yards per carry and had just eight rushing touchdowns.
They were better in 2009 at 4.1 yards per carry, but they still had just nine rushing touchdowns.
There is the big difference between Campbell and Palmer in recent history. Campbell has had the luxury of a dynamic run game. Palmer has been asked to carry the offense and produce points. The Raiders have an offense that is set up for QBs to succeed. Especially now that the offensive line is limiting the sacks.
Under Pressure
In 2010, Campbell was under pressure constantly—well 39.4 percent of all pass attempts to be exact. He actually thrived in these situations. Campbell was fourth in the NFL hitting 65.3 percent of his passes when under pressure with three touchdowns and six interceptions.
That same season, Palmer was pressured 27.9 percent of his pass attempts. He was 14th hitting 60.4 percent of his passes when under pressure. He had five touchdowns and six interceptions.
For whatever reason, Campbell's performance when pressured this season had fallen off the map. And even though he hasn't been getting sack, he has still be under pressure a lot.
Campbell was under pressure on 34 percent of his pass attempts. He was 27th in the NFL hitting just 47.8 percent of his passes with zero TDs and one INT. You have to believe Palmer can improve on those numbers. It would be hard not to.
Let's move onto Pro Football Focus' game charts.
Jason Campbell 2011
Palmer 2010
Campbell 2010
Palmer 2009
Conclusions
Again there are a lot of similarities here. And I actually take this as a great sign for Palmer raising the level of the Raiders' offense. Not only do we have the reality that Carson's arm appears to be up to strength, and he doesn't have a receiving corp that is too busy acting on reality TV to focus on football, but he has a run game.
In the seasons we looked at here, the Bengals didn't have anything close to the Raiders' run game. And in 2010, their run game was downright horrible.
Palmer is going to benefit from this run game, and in turn the run game is going to benefit from Palmer.
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