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Could Bengals Be Without Marvin Lewis and Andy Dalton in 2016?

By Tyler Mercurio

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Nov 16, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) smiles as he approaches head coach Marvin Lewis in the fourth quarter of their game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Bengals won, 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton is entering the final year of guaranteed money in his contract. Considering that, if he does not drastically improve upon his 19-touchdown, 17-interception 2014 performance, the “Red Rifle” could be packing his bags for another destination.

With THAT said, Cincinnati head coach Marvin Lewis, as previously documented, is in the final year of his contract. He may be extended, but that will be a decision that is going to be made supposedly at the end of the 2015 season.

So here are some scenarios:

  1. Bengals do not make the playoffs, but Andy Dalton plays well.
  2. Bengals do not make the playoffs, and Andy Dalton does not play well.
  3. Bengals make the playoffs, and lose in the first round, while Dalton plays well.
  4. Bengals make the playoffs, and lose in the first round, while Dalton does not play well.
  5. The Bengals win a playoff game, regardless of the rest of the postseason.

Out of those five scenarios the most likely to occur would be number four, simply because it has happened four straight years. Number two would be the absolute worst situation for Cincinnati. These will be examined last.

If scenario one or three happens, one could argue Marvin Lewis would presumably get the axe at the end of season.

Scenario five is what the main goal is for this season. The 2016 roster would most likely remain intact.

If scenario number two or four occurs, Cincinnati could face a dilemma. Both could involve a failure on both ends from Lewis and Dalton. With Mike Brown stating in the Lewis contract conversation that they are truly going for that that ever elusive playoff win, does Lewis get the axe?

Of course, in both scenarios Dalton has not done his part either. So, would the team press the eject button in the Bat-Mobile of the Andy Dalton contract? Or, could the team do the riskiest move of all and launch both Dalton and Lewis?

As a fan: if the team does not make the playoffs, and Dalton has played poorly, or they do, but it involves another first round loss, what would you do?

Next: Bengals Should Be Interested in Miami Prospects

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