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Cincinnati Bengals: Changing a losing narrative begins with Andy Dalton on MNF

By Steve Rivera

LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 15: Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks at a tablet from the sidelines against the Washington Redskins during the second half of a preseason game at FedExField on August 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 15: Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks at a tablet from the sidelines against the Washington Redskins during the second half of a preseason game at FedExField on August 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton will need to change his luck against the Pittsburgh Steelers if his team is to have any chance in 2019.

With the calendar changing from September to October, the Cincinnati Bengals are faced with two scenarios entering their Monday Night Football game against AFC North rival, Pittsburgh Steelers. One is entering the second quarter of the NFL season with a record of 1-3, and the other is steaming into the same 0-4 and talk of challenging Miami and Arizona for the top overall pick next spring.

What a difference one game can make.

The problem is the Bengals, and especially quarterback Andy Dalton, are not particularly good when playing this team. Against the Steelers, the numbers say a lot. Dalton has only won three times in 15 tries when facing Pittsburgh.

Even worse, he has 13 interceptions in those 15 games. The 19 touchdowns he’s added aren’t very significant when considering the overall record. Bottom line, for a losing narrative to begin a turnaround in 2019, Dalton will need a win tonight for any chance at a turnaround.

Why? Simple. The window for wins given the current construction of this team begins to narrow. Win or lose on Monday night in Pittsburgh, the Bengals will have a near-lock for a win at home in Week 5 versus a rebuilding, winless, and down Arizona Cardinals team. After that, it’s anyone’s guess when that next win happens.

The wildcard against the Steelers is quarterback Mason Rudolph. How much Pittsburgh has managed to tweak the offensive playbook for his benefit will determine the level of success he finds against a bad Cincinnati defense.

Still, the idea that a Rudolph led Steelers team beating a veteran like Dalton and his Bengals could be devastating for Cincinnati. A loss furthers a narrative that this team is destined for another losing season and a selection early on Opening Night of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Next. 4 bold predictions for Bengals vs Steelers. dark

Tonight is all about Dalton. Win, and look for a shot at 2-3 heading to Baltimore. Lose, and settle in for three long months of who ultimately gets the top quarterback next April.

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