Cincinnati Bengals: 4 reasons it is time to bench Andy Dalton

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 10: Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts after a touchdown pass against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 10: Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts after a touchdown pass against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 05: Yannick Ngakoue #91 and Calais Campbell #93 of the Jacksonville Jaguars put pressure on Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half of their game at EverBank Field on November 5, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 05: Yannick Ngakoue #91 and Calais Campbell #93 of the Jacksonville Jaguars put pressure on Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half of their game at EverBank Field on November 5, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)

At 0-7, the Cincinnati Bengals are a team not just trending down, but they are beginning to resemble the kind of dumpster fire that is no longer just smoldering but showing signs of being out of control. Dalton, despite his veteran status, is no longer part of the solution. Based on yesterday’s performance, he’s also now part of the problem.

Dalton lobbed three fourth quarter interceptions when the Bengals were still within reach of a first win on the season. Against a better team, the final score might have looked much worse than the 10 point differential.

A lot isn’t working for Cincinnati. That said, a home game against a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars should yield a better result. Dalton was a mess in the fourth quarter, and so are the Bengals. The only positive (if you want to call it that) to come from Week 7 was that Dalton led the team in rushing. Unless you’re Lamar Jackson or Russell Wilson, that’s not a good thing.

Cincinnati has all kinds of issues. They can’t run the ball, they are thin at the receiver position, Cordy Glenn is at war with the Bengals, and the defense isn’t getting better any time soon to make a difference.

Now, and especially after the loss to Jacksonville, you can add Dalton to the list of things not working in Cincinnati.

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