Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis is sticking with Andy Dalton as the team's starting quarterback despite his most recent playoff flop. Lewis confirmed his commitment to Dalton on Monday, ESPN reports.
Dalton is 0-3 in the postseason with six interceptions and just one touchdown, which he recorded on Sunday in the Bengals' 27-10 loss to the San Diego Chargers. Dalton completed 29-of-51 passes for 334 yards, one score and two picks; he lost one fumble.
Although Dalton hasn't been successful in three straight playoff appearances, Lewis acknowledged the third-year signal caller is still learning while a lot is being asked of him.
"We ask him to do a lot," Lewis said, via ESPN. "We're comparing him to guys that have been in the league for a long time, and he's doing a lot. Some of them didn't play [as early as] when he played. ...
"We'll continue to win big games. But we're asking a lot out of him. There's no doubt about it. I believe in his abilities, I believe in his makeup, I believe in his maturity. And I believe in his ability to let the last play go and move on to the next play.
"That's probably one of his best attributes of all."
Dalton struggled again in the postseason, be he enjoyed his best season as a pro. Dalton passed for 4,296 yards and 33 touchdowns for a QB rating of 88.8
For his part, Dalton remains confident in his ability to helm the Bengals' offense and knows he still has Lewis's support.
"I've got a lot of confidence in the stuff that Marvin's been telling me. I expect to be here for a long time," said Dalton. "I'm hoping that's the case.
"I've got a good relationship with Marvin. Marvin's been telling me a lot of good stuff. Yeah, it's unfortunate that we lost this game, but we've been able to improve every year I've been here."
