Does anyone like Andy Dalton?

[COB]

Andy looked abysmal against the Ravens. He had no pocket, and his ability to escape pressure is pretty limited. It seemed like even his completions were tipped by the dbs first before our guys caught them. He needs to deal with pressure better. He needs a better run game. He needs his tight end back. This was the Browns game all over again. We have a good team, the o-line and the quarterback are proving to be the weak links, and if they both don't play better we are wasting this season, a season in which we are pretty stacked, our division sucks, and we should be powering into the playoffs and hoping to advance. Instead we are all sitting here wondering when Dalton is going to figure it out.

His problem is on off days, he consistently lets the ball sail high. It's the same miss, which means it should be correctable. I don't know if it's his grip, his delivery, his footwork (it's probably his footwork), but on off days he misses guys by like 4 feet straight above their heads.

[HoosierCat]

As mem pointed out in the game thread Flacco tossed some sailers as well. The wind was messing with both QBs and given that Dalton hasn't been that inaccurate in a while I'm willing to wait and see what next week brings. But no doubt even giving some consideration to the weather he had a terrible game, maybe his worst as a Bengal.

I agree that he missed Jermaine. And on the line Whit is becoming a liability. I know he's making $10 million/ year but right now Collins is the better player. They are going to have to find a way to keep him next year.

[gregcook68]

It's not ridiculous, it's simple fact. Andy looks horrible at times. He overthrows wide open receivers, throws wobbly long balls, and in certain games like Cleveland he just plain looks horrible.

When his shortcomings are pointed out, typically folks will point to his stats and say, "see these stats? Andy is better than Bart Starr, Joe Namath, and Tom Brady all rolled into one AT THIS STAGE OF THEIR CAREERS." So it isn't ridiculous to me when stats that don't shine, convoluted though they may be, are highlighted.

My 2 cents.

Do I like Andy Dalton? Yes. I think Andy is a hard working, intelligent, humble, passionate, gives 100%, a non-Diva.

Do I think he has what it takes to take the team beyond one game and out in the playoffs? I think he's capable. He took over a 4-12 Bengal team. I think, what he's done so far has been very positive. I think everyone needs to wait and evaluate things after the season is over.

I do think there is a lot riding on this game Sunday with the Browns.

Andy needs to step up and manage the team to a win.

After a win, we have the bye to rest and heal.

With the Ravens playing the Bears at Chicago and the Steelers playing the Lions at Pittsburgh, the division could very well end up looking like this after Sunday.

Bengals 7-4

Ravens 4-6

Browns 4-6

Steelers 3-7

[COB]

It's not ridiculous, it's simple fact. Andy looks horrible at times. He overthrows wide open receivers, throws wobbly long balls, and in certain games like Cleveland he just plain looks horrible.

When his shortcomings are pointed out, typically folks will point to his stats and say, "see these stats? Andy is better than Bart Starr, Joe Namath, and Tom Brady all rolled into one AT THIS STAGE OF THEIR CAREERS." So it isn't ridiculous to me when stats that don't shine, convoluted though they may be, are highlighted.

My 2 cents.

Do I like Andy Dalton? Yes. I think Andy is a hard working, intelligent, humble, passionate, gives 100%, a non-Diva.

Do I think he has what it takes to take the team beyond one game and out in the playoffs? I think he's capable. He took over a 4-12 Bengal team. I think, what he's done so far has been very positive. I think everyone needs to wait and evaluate things after the season is over.

I do think there is a lot riding on this game Sunday with the Browns.

Andy needs to step up and manage the team to a win.

After a win, we have the bye to rest and heal.

With the Ravens playing the Bears at Chicago and the Steelers playing the Lions at Pittsburgh, the division could very well end up looking like this after Sunday.

Bengals 7-4

Ravens 4-6

Browns 4-6

Steelers 3-7

Welcome to the site Greg Cook 68, you are prophetic in your guess at what the division might look like. Except for the Steelers who had to have the Lions coach hand them the game.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

What I think we're seeing from Dalton is that he struggles quite a bit when facing pressure/blitzes in the pocket and has to make throws downfield (i.e. 10+ yards). He just completely melts-down, no pocket presence, too short to see the field better. Underneath dumps and outs? No problem. The occasional lob downfield? Fine. No problem with his arm strength.

Any Qb's #'s would drop in those scenarios, but his are just off-the-chart bad and continue to be. With this defense he needs to not turn it over and Gruden needs to find a way to get more "big chunk" plays that don't involve screens and draws or trick plays...if you can't complete 10+ yard passes more often under pressure, you're not going to be a franchise QB type.

[Sea Ray]

What I think we're seeing from Dalton is that he struggles quite a bit when facing pressure/blitzes in the pocket and has to make throws downfield (i.e. 10+ yards). He just completely melts-down, no pocket presence, too short to see the field better. Underneath dumps and outs? No problem. The occasional lob downfield? Fine. No problem with his arm strength.

Any Qb's #'s would drop in those scenarios, but his are just off-the-chart bad and continue to be. With this defense he needs to not turn it over and Gruden needs to find a way to get more "big chunk" plays that don't involve screens and draws or trick plays...if you can't complete 10+ yard passes more often under pressure, you're not going to be a franchise QB type.

AD has faced a lot of tough defenses this year. He gets a break next time out vs SD. Let's see how he fares

[HoosierCat]

I also wouldn't use Sunday's game as much of a measuring stick of the passing game. The wind was clearly a major factor on passing. Per PFF's trackers, Dalton tried 10 passes over 10 yards. Two were completed to Bengals, two were completed to Haden and the other six were incomplete. Campbell threw precisely one (1) pass over 10 yards, the TD bomb to Gordon. It was just not a day for aerial fireworks.

[kingwilly]

I also wouldn't use Sunday's game as much of a measuring stick of the passing game. The wind was clearly a major factor on passing. Per PFF's trackers, Dalton tried 10 passes over 10 yards. Two were completed to Bengals, two were completed to Haden and the other six were incomplete. Campbell threw precisely one (1) pass over 10 yards, the TD bomb to Gordon. It was just not a day for aerial fireworks.

The ball Sanu threw to Bernard looked decent. But I see what you are saying.

In light of Dalton's recent struggles, I'm hard pressed to solely point at the weather. Weather played a factor, sure. But the better the arm, more precise the passer, the less wind effects the path.

I'm eager to see how Dalton handles these next games. SD and Indy will tell us quite a lot. Then, any playoff game will be true test. Make a run, with precision and control, be the man going forward. Flounder and bumblef**k like at Houston last two years, gonna be some very unhappy fans looking at who's coming out at QB and in FA.

[HoosierCat]

In light of Dalton's recent struggles, I'm hard pressed to solely point at the weather.

And I wouldn't point solely at the weather either. But I don't think it's a coincidence that two of Dalton's worst days came in windy conditions. To echo hokie elsewhere, he isn't as bad as he's been the last few weeks, or as good as he was the few weeks before that. He's a mid-tier QB whose ceiling is Phil Sims and floor is Jon Kitna. We can win with him as long as he limits his mistakes, the talent around him shows up and his OC puts him in good situations.

[gregcook68]

In light of Dalton's recent struggles, I'm hard pressed to solely point at the weather.

And I wouldn't point solely at the weather either. But I don't think it's a coincidence that two of Dalton's worst days came in windy conditions. To echo hokie elsewhere, he isn't as bad as he's been the last few weeks, or as good as he was the few weeks before that. He's a mid-tier QB whose ceiling is Phil Sims and floor is Jon Kitna. We can win with him as long as he limits his mistakes, the talent around him shows up and his OC puts him in good situations.

It's really a simple bottom line. Joe Flacco has a stronger arm and more height than Andy, and 3 years more experience. But even with those advantages, he is a bout the same quality QB Andy is, right now. Just check each of their first 3 year stats.

Flacco has been blessed, before this year, with a tremendous D,a running game, and

good receivers, which is how and why the Ravens were able to make the playoffs 5 years in a row.

Andy, although 3 years behind him, is now being blessed with a great defense, great receivers, and a running game in progress.

We need to be patient and let Gio learn and grow and see what happens!

[HoosierCat]

Fans boo team? Marvin responds with the ultimate threat:

/>https://twitter.com/LanceMcAlister/status/402854098304655361

[gregcook68]

I really like the article Hobson did on Andy, and the attitude of his teammates, especially Whit who spoke out for the interview.

It really puts things in perspective and it kind of hit me that, as a fan, I need to have the same confidence and root 'for' him, rather than expecting him to mess up, because he IS the Bengals QB and, again, as a fan, we either ride with that and enjoy the ride, or be miserable, irritated, and frustrated at something we have no control over.

We do have a third option and that would be to switch teams!

Can I get a witness??

/>http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Dalton-in-familiar-spot-for-December/17c7a754-1d62-4e6d-91c2-2e69debb4c1a

[volcom69]

I look at it this way if not Andy then who? Who right now would come in and throw 21 TDs? Your right he is what he is, and it's Grudens job to find a way to get the best out of him, and he sucks at it!

That four game hot streak, the o-line was great, he was getting the ball out quick, and now something has changed. So hopefully Gruden finds a way during the bye week to fix it.

I'm hoping the fans are not getting into his head, to where he would be making mistakes. I read his Facebook or Twitter post that said, he can't believe what horrible things the fans were saying?

So ill stick with Andy, because there is no other option, and don't say Josh Johnson, he is not an answer.

[gregcook68]

I look at it this way if not Andy then who? Who right now would come in and throw 21 TDs? Your right he is what he is, and it's Grudens job to find a way to get the best out of him, and he sucks at it!

That four game hot streak, the o-line was great, he was getting the ball out quick, and now something has changed. So hopefully Gruden finds a way during the bye week to fix it.

I'm hoping the fans are not getting into his head, to where he would be making mistakes. I read his Facebook or Twitter post that said, he can't believe what horrible things the fans were saying?

So ill stick with Andy, because there is no other option, and don't say Josh Johnson, he is not an answer.

No Josh is not the answer. What this article did for me, was give me the peace that, regardless of how I may feel about things, my opinion or feelings aren't going to change anything, so if I'm going to ride this horse, I might as well enjoy it!

[COB]

I also liked that other article Hobson did, where he explained how the new "Fan Experience" event taking place at PBS is the greatest thing for Bengals fans since Keith Rivers.

Hobs says we pay $145.00 each, and we get a tour of the PBS offices.

Mike Brown shakes your hand, takes all the money out of your wallet, and while he's explaining ox cart/ditch dyanamics to you, Pumpkin is swiping your credit card through a 1990s era credit card imprinter so fast there's smoke rolling out of it. Then you get to sign some unreadable, smoldering, carbon copy type credit card things.

Then to complete your fan experience, a very short dumpy man in a Moeller sweatshirt calls you over. He tells you the Bengals appreciate everything you've done for them, says they know you'll catch on somewhere else, and tells you to turn in your playbook so you can be escorted off the premises. Except instead of a playbook, you turn in a Hamilton County property tax bill and check paying said bill, except the check is just made out to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Finally, as you walk out the door, you receive a complimentary blind side hit from the Bengals' 7th round draft choice from 2007. He's been taking steroids and meth since he was cut during his first camp. You will be left with a crippling case of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, leading you to drive around in circles for 6 hours until your car runs out of gas and the cops call your wife to come and get you.

Yes, the "Fan Experience" at PBS will leave you bankrupt and so horribly brain damaged all you can do is sit in a dark room and watch Price is Right reruns, just like your NFL heroes of yesteryear! Hobs says it's totally worth it, and don't worry about your brain scan that pretty much breaks the machine at the imaging place, you can use the printout of your EEG as a roadmap to try to find the lawyer's office to get a piece of that 700 million dollar settlement!

[kingwilly]

Poor Andy.

Fans said mean things. oh no.

Gosh golly willikers, I hope he tries harder. Shucks, I just want what's best for the orange haired wonder.

[gregcook68]

Poor Andy.

Fans said mean things. oh no.

Gosh golly willikers, I hope he tries harder. Shucks, I just want what's best for the orange haired wonder.

I guess you're going to ride the horse frustrated and bitter?

[kingwilly]

Poor Andy.

Fans said mean things. oh no.

Gosh golly willikers, I hope he tries harder. Shucks, I just want what's best for the orange haired wonder.

I guess you're going to ride the horse frustrated and bitter?

no, just poking at the whole situation.

I don't aimlessly hammer at Andy. I'd like to see him succeed, in essence become more consistent in his play. He's shown his high end, and his low end. Here's hoping he can skew towards the high end more and closer.

From what ML stated, sounds like Dalton will be here for some time. If there ever was a year that the Bengals could make some runs, this could be the start. Serious doubts that Hal can fully recover from two Achilles in two years, and Atkins is being missed but not as much as I thought. The offense needs to come together and find a groove because I think this D can play championship ball. Should offense come together, they could be very dangerous for several years.

[ArmyBengal]

Merged.

Same thing different thread.

[HoosierCat]

I also liked that other article Hobson did, where he explained how the new "Fan Experience" event taking place at PBS is the greatest thing for Bengals fans since Keith Rivers.

Hobs says we pay $145.00 each, and we get a tour of the PBS offices.

Mike Brown shakes your hand, takes all the money out of your wallet, and while he's explaining ox cart/ditch dyanamics to you, Pumpkin is swiping your credit card through a 1990s era credit card imprinter so fast there's smoke rolling out of it. Then you get to sign some unreadable, smoldering, carbon copy type credit card things.

Then to complete your fan experience, a very short dumpy man in a Moeller sweatshirt calls you over. He tells you the Bengals appreciate everything you've done for them, says they know you'll catch on somewhere else, and tells you to turn in your playbook so you can be escorted off the premises. Except instead of a playbook, you turn in a Hamilton County property tax bill and check paying said bill, except the check is just made out to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Finally, as you walk out the door, you receive a complimentary blind side hit from the Bengals' 7th round draft choice from 2007. He's been taking steroids and meth since he was cut during his first camp. You will be left with a crippling case of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, leading you to drive around in circles for 6 hours until your car runs out of gas and the cops call your wife to come and get you.

Yes, the "Fan Experience" at PBS will leave you bankrupt and so horribly brain damaged all you can do is sit in a dark room and watch Price is Right reruns, just like your NFL heroes of yesteryear! Hobs says it's totally worth it, and don't worry about your brain scan that pretty much breaks the machine at the imaging place, you can use the printout of your EEG as a roadmap to try to find the lawyer's office to get a piece of that 700 million dollar settlement!

OMG I'm laughing so hard people are coming in asking what's so funny...fukking geanius as usual COB.

[COB]

You are too kind Hoosier. My above post is in response to a very understandable absence of Mike Brown hate on the site this year. TJ does keep throwing in about the Hamilton County tax situation and how it came about, but other than that, pretty quiet. Winning really does cure everything! (Except my desire to make fun of one of the most satirable (new word) figures in all of sports, Mike Brown).

[TJJackson]

Most Hamilton County residents, particularly those with no love for NFL Football, are too sore in the posterior from the most recent round of screwing from SonOfAGenius to find the humor in that

It seems all too realistic

Sorry, no time to post more, gotta go drive to another county to buy the week's groceries

[kingwilly]

Just thinking more about Dalton and the perception of his performance and ceiling.

At worst, Dalton is Kitna 2.0. When Dalton struggles, it sure looks a lot like Kitna out there.....

At best, Dalton is Brees on an average day. When Dalton looks sharp and is on target, he shares a bit of Brees' intensity.

[ArmyBengal]

Speaking of Brees, anyone see the pocket he had to throw in last night ??

The time he had to go through his reads ??

Yeah, when you give even an average QB that kind of time, they will look good.

The TD to Graham was a perfect example.

Brees had the time to let the play progress and then toss the ball out there for him.

If the o-line doesn't provide that time, there's no TD.

Give Dalton that kind of time and we will see better results from him.

Lets not pretend Dalton is the only QB that needs time and weapons.

Check out Flacco this season.

[kingwilly]

he and Brees have about the same number of sacks this year. 26-23.

interesting, Dalton leads the league in passes 40+. with 12. he's 5th in passes 20+.