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ICYMI: What to expect in Year 3 from Andy Dalton

Brian Dugan — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:30:27 +0000

Jan 5, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton before the AFC wild card playoff game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

As the Bengals enter their third season with Andy Dalton at the helm, everyone from analysts to fans say it is time for him to take the next step. Dalton has done a lot of things well in the past two season and led the Bengals to back to back playoff appearances and back to back winning seasons for the first time in a generation. Andy Dalton is poised to have a break out year, and with the firepower around him, there is no reason not to think that he will lead the Bengals deep into the postseason.

Dalton came onto the scene in the lockout year of 2011, when not much was expected of the Bengals. In fact, ESPN power rankings had the Bengals as the 32nd ranked team when the season began. He quickly led the Bengals to a 6-2 start, and finished the season on a not so stellar 3-5 bout and a playoff loss at the hands of the Houston Texans. The main receiving threats in 2011 included A.J. Green, Jerome Simpson, Andre Caldwell, and Jermaine Gresham, of which Green and Gresham remained on the 2012 roster.

ICYMI: What to expect in Year 3: A.J. Green

Brian Dugan — Mon, 13 May 2013 00:18:34 +0000

Year 3 is the benchmark set by the NFL and its teams to decide whether something is working, or it is time to move on from a player or coach. There is no more rookie season, or sophomore slump to blame. The third year gives everyone an idea if this player or coach is for real. In light of solid ‘A’ draft ratings, I believe it is important to spotlight a few players and a coach who are entering their third year with the Bengals, and see what we can expect from them. This week’s focus is on one of the most dominant, if not most dominant young receivers in the game today.

Jan 27, 2013, Honolulu, HI, USA; Cincinnati Bengals receiver A.J. Green (18) is defended by Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas (29) in the 2013 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium. The NFC defeated the AFC 62-25. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Adriel Jeremiah Green, or as we know him, A.J. Green is easily on the top 5 best receivers in the NFL list, and in some respects top 3. Green is an absolute stud at wide receiver, both in the classroom and on the field. His strong work ethic and relentless pursuit to be the greatest receiver in the NFL absolutely highlighted the 2010 draft for the Bengals. Green is not only a franchise player, but a guy a franchise can be built around. Green’s overall ability, commitment to excellence, and great character make him an absolute slam dunk as a player.

Green is coming off one of the best receiving season’s a wide receiver in orange and black has ever had. Green’s 97 receptions for 1350 yards and 11 touchdowns earned him his 2^nd trip to the pro bowl in as many years as being a pro. Green, who is not a selfish player, always says it’s whatever it takes for his team to win the game. This is shown more and more the longer he is a Bengal. Green shows his versatility by run blocking, taking the hand off on an end around, and even lining up in the slot when needed. Watch tape of him and you’ll ask yourself, is there anything he cannot do?

Cincinnati Bengals: What to expect in year 3 from Andy Dalton

Brian Dugan — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:59:01 +0000