http://www.sbnation.com/users/Farlet Posts made by Farlet on SB Nation http://www.cincyjungle.com/2008/1/17/212821/353 Farlet Fri, 18 Jan 2008 02:28:21 -0000 <p>Seems like a silly question right? He's been gone two years and hasn't been the preferred starter at quarterback for the Bengals for four years. &nbsp;But consider this, over the past two years Marvin Lewis' biggest complaint about players has been "selfishness", something that Jon Kitna never was. Let's look at some facts.</p><p>Following the 2003 season Marvin Lewis declared that Palmer would be the starting quarterback despite the fact that Jon Kitna had just won NFL Comeback Player of the Year. &nbsp;In 2004 Carson Palmer started the first thirteen games of the season and led the team to a 6-7 record. &nbsp;During this time Kitna was entirely supportive of Carson Palmer as the starting quarterback - he was entirely unselfish and did what was in the best interest of the team. &nbsp;This "best interest of the team" attitude continued throughout 2005 and the Bengals made their first playoff run in over a decade. &nbsp;During the 2006 season the Bengals suffered a late season collapse and missed the playoffs by one game. &nbsp;We all know about this last year where the team seemed to lack team unity and leadership.</p><p>During the two years that Kitna was the backup quarterback and consummate team player the overall Bengals record was 19-13 in the regular season, since he left the Bengals are 15-17.</p><p>That is a pretty small sample size and could easily be coincidence, but I wonder: &nbsp;when Jon Kitna left during free agency was their a leadership void left on this team that hasn't been filled?</p><p>If the answer to that question is yes, then a second questions follows: How many games did it cost them?</p>