Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton has appeared in 64 regular season games and four post-season games in his career. In that time, he has thrown 72 total interceptions. Guys like Jay Cutler, Ryan Tannehill and RGIII have done a better job of limiting turnovers than the Cincy QB. Even with the Bengals making the playoffs in all four of Dalton's seasons, coaches would like to see him cut down on the turnovers. That's why he's been working diligently this offseason to become a more reliable signal-caller..
"Obviously you don't want to turn the ball over. You can't turn the ball over if you want to win games," he said. "I understand that and I know I've got to do a better job of that."
What really stands out about Dalton's turnover struggles is the fact that he's thrown three or more picks in a game on seven separate occasions. Despite posting an impressive 40-23-1 regular season record over the past four seasons, his inconsistency has been a contributing factor to Cincinnati's late season struggles.
So what is he doing to address the issue?
"Right now is when you get your mindset right about if a guy is not open or if it's a chance that you're taking with the football that maybe you don't need to take," offensive coordinator Hue Jackson said. "There's a time to take a chance and there's a time not to take a chance.
"Sometimes it's just saying 'Uncle' and getting us to the next down with the football."
Dalton has consistently thrown passes away during the three OTA sessions that were open to the media, choosing patience over rashness. In that time, he's thrown just one interception while consistently making the smart play.
"He's done a good job. He really has," Jackson said of Dalton. "I see an improved player. I see an improved leader. I see an improved guy within the offense."
Will Dalton carry this mindset over into the regular season? Jackson and the rest of the Bengals offense certainly hopes so.
