The Andy Dalton era in Cincinnati appears to be coming to an end. The Bengals are sending Dalton to the bench following their bye week, sources told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network (Twitter link).
Pelissero notes that rookie Ryan Finley is expected to start. The Bengals sit at 0-8 so the decision isn’t shocking, but it’s still monumental. Dalton was drafted by the Bengals back in 2011, and immediately became their starter. He’s been under center for the team for the past 8.5 seasons, and has had a lot of success in Cincy. The Bengals can move on from Dalton after this season without any dead cap charge, so this is probably it unless he’s reinserted before the end of this season.
There’s also a small chance Dalton could be traded in the next few hours now that he’s no longer the starter. It still seems unlikely, but it’s at least worth pondering. Zac Taylor’s first year as head coach has gotten off to a disastrous start, and the team is entering a full-blown rebuild. The Bengals are making the move so they can get a good look at Finley to help determine whether or not they need to draft a quarterback early next April, a source told Albert Breer of SI.com (Twitter link). Obviously, the Bengals are on track for a high draft pick.
Cincinnati took Finley in the fourth-round of this past draft. An N.C. State product, Finley was a three-year starter for the Wolfpack. Finley had a weird college career that included multiple redshirts and a transfer, so he’s pretty old for a rookie. He started college in 2013, and will turn 25 in December. His first career NFL start will come following the team’s bye against the Ravens in Week 10.
The 35th overall pick of the 2011 draft, Dalton made three Pro Bowls with the team. At one point under Marvin Lewis he led the Bengals to five straight playoff appearances, although he never was able to win a postseason game. Word of the move came on Dalton’s birthday. Not the gift he was looking for.
Lol he’s not the problem
He’s a terrible QB and he’s also 32 now. Dalton clearly isn’t their guy of the future so why not give the rookie a look for the rest of the season
1. Hes not terrible but the O-line is. Mixon’s stats are proof of that.
2. 32 as a QB doesnt mean much
3. His receiving cast is the backups backup
4. In other words they have bigger holes to fill in the draft than QB.
5. Which leads to..putting someone else in there does nothing but further proves my initial point.
Dalton absolutely is terrible. He’s been at least a bottom 10 QB for the last few years. His age does mean much because the Bengals are several years away from contention so he’d be in his mid 30s by then. Their receivers aren’t great but they are better than what a lot of other teams have. It makes a lot more sense to get a look at their rookie QB the rest of the way than to keep rolling out the veteran who likely won’t be on the team next year
Once again it’s his offensive line. Look at his stats before and after Whitworth left for the Rams. Its like day and night. They havent found a replacement for Whit to this day and it shows… Every Sunday. But sure blame Dalton.
Your argument is that he went from being below average to terrible after Whitworth left. So what you’re saying is the Bengals should keep Dalton and hope to build a strong O-line so he can get back to being a mediocre QB right?
You must not understand what you are watching. Dalton consistently goes through 3-4 reads, and decides to roll out of the pocket, only to be sacked. This happens multiple times per game. He’s not athletics enough to scramble so late in his progressions. Yes the O-line is bad, but Andy is a mediocre at best QB. Math don’t lie, and teams consistently stack 8 in the box to stop the run against the Bengals, because Stevie Wonder can see that Dalton is not going to beat you.
Bottom line is Dalton has had his chance. Great move… I am speaking from years past. You will never go anywhere with Dalton. Can you really say “ Dalton “ in the same sentence as playoff QBs like Rodgers , Brees , Rivers, Brady, Ryan, Wilson. No you can not. He never has or ever will be good enough to compete with these guys when it matters. So the longer he plays, the longer it will take to find someone that could. Good luck AD.. wish him the best but glad the move is happening.
Agreed – great user name BTW
Welcome to the layer cake son.
On his birthday
…classy
Dalton isn’t 6 years old anymore who cares what day it’s on.
Do you really think any NFL team checks a players birthday before benching them? Get real! LMAO!!
You seem very personally invested in your reply.
I was just making a casual joke. Unwad your Hanes Her Ways… Nancy
I am invested! Try being a Bengal fan for 40yrs. It’s not fun! It’s real easy to turn a serious comment into a joke when you see how idiotic it is… Caitlyn!
I agree, Dalton is not the only problem. He also is not in their future! They at least can see if Finley can play before drafting another QB.
I agree for the most part but not certain how well any of that will go with that terrible o line.
Yea cause he is the problem lol. Seems more like they want to make sure they get the first pick. He isn’t the problem, he doesn’t make them worse and changing QB isn’t going to change anything.
It’s not about winning Einstein. It’s about seeing what they have in Finley. Obviously they are going nowhere with Andy this year. Why not shake it up.
Tua on da way
To paraphrase the great Jim Nantz: So long red rocket, farewell, your journey is over.