Bengals Winners and Losers vs. Jaguars

Nov 2, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) looks on during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Loser: Andy Dalton

Andy Dalton had what amounted to his worst game of the year on Sunday.  Dalton’s first interception on the day was simply a poor decision.  He attempted to throw a ball to Mohamed Sanu on a slant route and simply never saw Sherrod Martin lining up the throw.  Dalton’s second interception was a little more excusable as he clearly meant to dump the ball off to Rex Burkhead, but Burkhead was unintentionally taken to the ground by a falling Sen’Derrick Marks.  Dalton obviously didn’t see Burkhead fall initially and he wasn’t able to hold back once starting his throw, which resulted in the second, strange interception.

On the bright side, Andy Dalton was able to make enough throws to help the Bengals put the ball in the endzone.  In this way, the game reflected Dalton’s improvement this season.  In past years, Dalton’s worst games would’ve surely amounted to losses.  This game saw Dalton still complete 19/31 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns to go along with his pair of interceptions.  His touchdown throws to Mohamed Sanu and A.J. Green were solid throws, and without them, this game likely results in a loss.

Andy Dalton has come a long way in 2014.  His decision-making has improved as has his ability to avoid sacks and make plays under pressure.  But regardless of the improvements, Andy Dalton remains a “loser” from the Bengals’ latest win.