By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The contract extension signed Tuesday by Jon Kitna strengthens the Bengals' quarterback position.

Kitna, 31, a seven-year veteran with 76 NFL starts, will be on hand for two seasons should first-time pro starter Carson Palmer stumble badly or get injured.

Word is Palmer has been sharp in early on-field passing sessions.

Palmer, 24, promoted to starter in March ahead of Kitna, understands that some fans still want to see Kitna playing.

"Oh, definitely," Palmer said. "There are going to be times fans are going to be chanting his name when things are going badly, but that's just part of the game.

"He had a great year. He brought the Bengals back pretty quickly."

Palmer has benefited and will continue to benefit from Kitna's experience.

"Watching film with him, he is able to point out a lot of little tidbits about the game," Palmer said. "Jon knows how to prepare."

For example, Palmer said, Kitna doesn't needlessly overextend himself in practice and leave himself tapped out for game day.

Palmer sounds a lot like Kitna when describing his goals.

"Team-wise, I expect to win every game," Palmer said. "I don't think any player goes on the field and just hopes to win.

"I don't think I have any personal goals, 20 touchdowns or so many yards. My personal goals are to help us win and put us in a situation where we can win every game. I mean I expect us to win the Super Bowl. You don't work your butt off to try to go 8-8."

Asked what fans can expect from him, Palmer said, "Who knows? That's a tough question. I wish I knew what was going to happen. But they can expect me to play my butt off (and) never give up whether we're up by 40 or down by 40."

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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