Adam “Pacman” Jones blames Andy Dalton for past Super Bowl shortcomings

There’s a sense of satisfaction and jubilation when Adam Jones looks back on his career. For well over a decade, Jones dominated as one of the league’s best defensive players. Having been named both an All-Pro and Pro Bowler, Jones has fond memories of his time in the NFL. But, despite viewing his career as an overwhelming success, Jones also believes his shortcomings in postseason play will forever haunt him.

As a prominent player on the Cincinnati Bengals, Jones poured his heart and soul into his Super Bowl chase. However, regardless of how much he gave, Jones believes the franchise’s failure to win it all should fall squarely on the shoulders of former quarterback, Andy Dalton.

“If it was anything with the teams I was on, I would start with the quarterback,” said Jones on the Zach Gelb Show. “I don’t want to make the conversation about me saying [Dalton] wasn’t good enough. But if you go back and look at the film, it speaks for itself. You look at the numbers. If you look at the teams that make runs in the postseason, it all starts with the quarterback”

Maybe Adam Jones was right

In five consecutive seasons from 2011 to 2015, Dalton carried the Bengals franchise to winning records and playoff appearances, although he only played in four of those games, missing the 2015 appearance due to injury. Nevertheless, in spite of being named to two Pro Bowl squads during that run, Dalton failed to advance his ball club past the opening round. In fact, Dalton’s stats during those postseason games were downright dreadful.

• 2011: 257 passing yards, 64.3 CMP%, 0TDs, 3 INTs
• 2012: 127 passing yards, 46.7 CMP%, 0 TDs
• 2013: 334 passing yards, 56.9 CMP%, 1 TD, 2 INTs
• 2014: 155 passing yards, 51.4 CMP%, 0 TDs

To further throw salt on the wound, Dalton’s Bengals were blown out by double digits in three of those four contests.

While the Bengals were once considered a one and down franchise in postseason play, now, under the guidance of quarterback Joe Burrow, they’ve morphed into one of the best team’s in the entire NFL.

Now, in just a few more days, Burrow will have an opportunity to snag his first Super Bowl ring in only his second season. By all accounts, Jones has been impressed by what he’s seen. But while he’s happy that the city he loves is only one game away from winning a Lombardi, Jones can only sit back and wonder how many Super Bowls he could’ve won with Burrow as his signal-caller.

“[Burrow is] the real deal,” Jones added. “He’s used to the pressure, won a national title. He’s ready for the big lights. He’s what I would’ve loved to have as a quarterback … He’s exciting to see. I love his hunger, the way he plays … Maybe we’d have two [Super Bowl rings with Burrow].