Until this past season, Bengals Offensive Lineman Willie Anderson was about as physically dependable as they come. Big Willie didn't miss a regular season game for more than seven seasons. Leg injuries limited Anderson's availability in 2007. But still, that's pretty impressive durability, considering he makes his living in the NFL trenches.
Big Willie has seen a lot of football on the Cincinnati Riverfront. Some good, some terrible, some mediocre. And, from a reporter's perspective, he's a go-too-guy in the locker room, a leader who isn't afraid to lend a veteran's perspective to any issue facing the Bengals.
Our friend Chick Ludwig, who covers the team for the Dayton Daily News, refers to #71 as "The Rock of Gibraltar".
I would argue that Carson Palmer is embracing a leadership role on the Bengals that is "Willie-like". Palmer knows he can say whatever he wants, but doesn't abuse the privilege. At the end of last season, one that Palmer described as the most disappointing of his life, he said "he didn't think" the Bengals could win with the current coaching staff. And in response to the on-going Chad Johnson saga, Palmer's voice carries tremendous clout. When asked if Chad's comments, and absence from the voluntary offseason conditioning program would be a distraction, Palmer said, "Not for me." And the quarterback added that he's focused on the guys at PBS who are working out. The Bengals have some "mature guys", Palmer pointed out, who won't let off-the-field distractions steer the team away from the work they have to do.
I'm interested to hear your take. Are Carson and Willie the "leaders" in the locker room?
---Zach
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