No one is ever going to mistake Andy Dalton for Aaron Rodgers, but through four games Dalton ranks third in the NFL in passing yards (1,187) and passing touchdowns (9), second in yards-per-attempt (10.23) and passer rating (123.0) and sixth in yards-per-game (297). That's impressive no matter how you slice it.
But how did Dalton, an average to slightly above average quarterback for the majority of his career, suddenly become one of the best passers in the NFL? Look no further than his improved offensive line. Left tackle Andrew Whitworth has been his usual stalwart self, right tackle Andre Smith has returned from a torn triceps in 2014 and played well and center Russell Bodine has also improved from last season.
Add it all up and you've got a career year for Dalton, even if he might come back down to Earth soon.
"The impact of those improvements has been felt in Cincinnati's performance," Bill Barnwell of Grantland.com wrote. "No line has been better in pass protection. Andy Dalton has been sacked only twice across four games, tied for the league-low mark with Ryan Fitzpatrick of the Jets. He has been pressured on just 13.5 percent of his dropbacks this season, which is the third-lowest rate in the league...
"As has often been the case with Dalton, he's a totally different quarterback when the Bengals keep defenders out of his face. During those rare times defenses have gotten pressure on Dalton this season, he has posted a 1.8 QBR, 28th in the league among quarterbacks when they've been pressured. When unmolested, Dalton is brilliant: His 97.6 QBR when unpressured is the best rate in football through four weeks."
The Bengals are off to a 4-0 start and are in a strong position to win the AFC North. While Dalton has taken full advantage of the improved blocking up front, his team's success is most definitely a collaborative effort. Bengals running backs Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill are averaging 2.97 yards before contact (fifth-best figure in the NFL) thanks to the solid play along the OL.
On the other side of the line of scrimmage, Cincinnati's defense has allowed just the sixth-fewest rushing yards per game (85.8) in the league this season. Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson have combined to put more pressure on opposing QBs while Geno Atkins looks like he is finally fully recovered from a torn ACL in 2013.
Thanks to the dominance of at the line of scrimmage, Dalton has flourished and the Bengals defense has shut down opposing running games. It's a simple formula, but one that seems to be working so far.
