The Cincinnati Bengals have made the playoffs in four straight seasons. For most franchises, that would be considered good enough. But the Bengals have been disappointed with their lack of post-season victories in that time and much of the blame has fallen on the shoulders of quarterback Andy Dalton.
Dalton has proven to be more than capable in the regular season, winning 40 games and posting a career passer rating of 85.2 in four seasons. However, he is 0-4 in the playoffs and his passer rating drops to 57.8. The Bengals would be foolish to think about replacing Dalton because of their playoff struggles, but that doesn't mean they aren't looking to push their quarterback to a new level. That's why AJ McCarron should be viewed as serious competition.
"In barely 48 hours, the backup quarterback has gone from just another player in the middle of a somewhat crowded quarterback field to the primary backup behind Andy Dalton," ESPN Bengals reporter Coley Harvey wrote.
Cincinnati head coach Marvin Lewis took that to the next level during the owner's meetings yesterday.
"Although we didn't get the opportunity to get down the road with him as much as we'd like [last year], AJ McCarron has everything you want in a successful quarterback in the NFL," Lewis said.
McCarron spent the majority of last season on the physically unable to perform list due to tightness in his throwing shoulder. However, the coaches clearly like the former fifth-round pick and feel comfortable with him behind Dalton. If he continues to impress Bengals decision makers, a succession could be possible down the road.
"It remains to be seen if McCarron does indeed claim the No. 2 quarterback spot," Harvey wrote. "It also could be a while before he eventually takes over for Dalton. The starter's deal provides the Bengals ways of comfortably releasing him beginning after this season based on his performance."
Dalton signed a six-year extension worth $115 million last offseason.
