Can Andy Dalton Get the Cincinnati Bengals Further in 2014?

Jun 11, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during minicamp at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Many have criticized the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, Andy Dalton, for his inconsistent play over the past 3 years. Dalton has been placed by the media and fans under a microscope for his underwhelming playoff performances in those same years.

First, Andy Dalton is not a terrible quarterback, he is good enough to be in the NFL. He has helped a team to 3 straight playoff appearances and not many quarterbacks can say that. He has proven that he can win in this league, something most, if not all, of us here can’t say.

Dalton has done a lot of good things in the 2013 regular season. He had 33 touchdowns, +4,000 passing yards, over 7 yards averaged per reception. In those numbers, there are many down sides, like 20 interceptions for a less than stellar 1.65:1 touchdown ratio, something that must be worked on.

When you look at his post season performance over his 3 years, he has thrown 6 interceptions and only 1 touchdown, which came in 2013. He must improve on these numbers to get to the next level.

Dalton and the Bengals agreed this offseason that getting a throwing coach involved this offseason might benefit Dalton. Dalton visited Dr. Tom House, former minor league pitching coach, in March. He worked on his accuracy and throwing mechanics, according to an article by Geoff Hobson at www.bengals.com

There is a lot of pressure on Dalton’s shoulders this season. It is a contract year for Dalton and if he wants to get paid like the Drew Brees’s or Tom Brady’s of the NFL, he must get over the playoff hump. He is also seeing pressure from the media, organization, and the fans and most of it is fair expectations, since he does have one of the best wide receivers in the NFL and wide receiving core’s in the league as well.

Dalton also has one of the best offensive lines protecting him as well, especially with guys like Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith in front of him. They should provide Dalton with the time and safety to get the ball down the field.

Andy Dalton will have a lot to prove to the fans and this organization in 2014, but it will take more than just Dalton to put points on the scoreboard and W’s in the win column.