Editing Jon Kitna (section)

====2004 season====
Kitna's secondary role with the team was to prepare young quarterback [[Carson Palmer]] (the Bengals' #1 draft pick in 2003). It was a role Kitna accepted gracefully. The two quarterbacks developed a close friendship off the field, particularly because both men are avid [[golf]]ers.

By 2004, Palmer was ready to take over the starting job, leading the Bengals to another 8&ndash;8 season. Kitna was the backup quarterback until seeing his first action of the season in the thirteenth game against the [[New England Patriots]], due to a season-ending knee injury to Palmer. He made 9-of-13 completions for 126 yards and one touchdown in a 28–35 loss.

In his first start of the season against the [[Buffalo Bills]], he made 16-of-32 completions for 151 yards and one touchdown. He led the team to a 23–22 win against the [[New York Giants]], throwing a four-yard touchdown pass with 0:44 remaining, while also completing 20-of-32 passes for 186 yards, 2 touchdowns and one interception. In the season finale against the [[Philadelphia Eagles]], he completed 16-of-27 passes for 160 yards and one touchdown, winning 38–10 against the eventual NFC champions.