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

The expiration date has finally arrived for Andy Dalton. With the 2019 season nearing the halfway point, the Cincinnati Bengals are also nearing the kind of decisions that will have an impact well into next season. Benching Dalton won’t be an easy thing to do for an organization that doesn’t like change much less tough decisions, but the time has come for such a change.

In more simple terms, the relationship between the Bengals and Dalton is nearing an end. That said, Cincinnati should see what trade value exists for a veteran who is no longer part of long term plans. While it’s unknown what that value may be on the open market, it’s worth finding out.

For the record, I like Dalton. He’s been a stand-up player and a leader on a team that has had more ups than downs. But with a likely move away from the veteran signal-caller near, wasting time getting there serves no positive purpose. I would expect Taylor to give Dalton the start against the Rams. He’s earned that opportunity. That said, he should be on a short leash. If Los Angeles gets out early, Taylor should waste no time in going to Finley.

The Andy Dalton era isn’t going to end with a Super Bowl or even one last playoff push. It is time the Bengals make a clean break and look to the future. Dalton had his chance. Now its someone else’s turn.