Andy Dalton Named Offensive Rookie of the Month

The NFL announced that quarterback Andy Dalton is the Rookie of the Month for October.

Dalton has led to Bengals to a 4-0 record during the month, including two fourth-quarter comebacks. He is the first Bengals rookie quarterback to acquire four straight wins, and it’s the first time that the Bengals have had a perfect October in 35 years.

Dalton’s October numbers aren’t overwhelming; he’s thrown 6 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and has a passer rating of 83.1

Dalton, in his usual humble demeanor, admitted that it was “a great honor, but it’s nothing I did by myself. I’ve got a lot of guys making plays who are definitely helping me out. The most important thing is we’re 5-2 now and our focus is on winning games. It means a lot that people see me in that way.”

Veteran Right Guard Bobbie Williams was thankful, but noted that the team has already had his back from day 1.

"“Awesome, well deserved. He’s leading the troops. Nothing has changed. The world is just catching up,” Williams said before practice. “It’s something we already know in Cincinnati.” “I’m glad he won it,” he said. “I just wish they would have told our team and not the whole world.”"

Middle Linebacker Rey Maualuga mentioned the national media’s love affair for Cam Newton, and hopes Andy can build on his momentum to win Rookie of the Year.

"“For a guy to come in and learn a brand new offense and keep his mistakes to a minimum shows a lot of want to, character and poise,” said middle linebacker Rey Maualuga. “He deserves it as far as the other rookies that have done a good job. You hear a lot of about Cam Newton. You don’t hardly hear anything about Andy and being 5-2. He deserves it, I just hope he continues to build on that and hopefully he’ll win the rookie of the year.”"

And Veteran Left Tackle Andrew Whitworth lauded Dalton’s leadership qualities for being only a rookie.

"“The leadership Andy has brought as a rookie is remarkable,” said Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth. “The kid shows gumption. He’s in our face. It takes a lot for a rookie to do that.”"

Dalton is only the 3rd Bengal to win the rookie of the month award. Runningback Corey Dillon won the offensive award back in December of 1997, and Linebacker Odell Thurman was the defensive winner in September of 2005.