Andy Dalton Is Emerging as Leader of the Cincinnati Bengals

On Tuesday night, the Cincinnati Bengals kicked off their second season within five years as the featured team on HBO's Hard Knocks. The episode was full of highs and lows—beginning with some advice from Hue Jackson to rookie running back Giovani Bernard, and ending with a devastating injury to rookie defensive tackle Larry Black.

However, one of the highlights of the episode was the emergence of quarterback Andy Dalton as the leader of this franchise.

Speculation has run rampant over the offseason regarding Dalton's capability to step up his game—and leadership ability—to get the Bengals to the next level.

During Tuesday night's episode, Dalton began to put some of those doubts to rest.

From the beginning of the episode which featured Dalton doing pilates with his wife Jordan, the Bengals quarterback seemed to have a sense of calm over him—he looked more comfortable in his own skin.

From his interaction with teammates, demeanor on—and off—the field and willingness to be vocal, Dalton has now established himself as the leader of the Bengals.

Plenty of examples were on display throughout the first episode of Hard Knocks.

During a training camp practice, wide receiver Marvin Jones went down hard and suffered concussion-like symptoms. As the Bengals' trainer was letting Jones know that he would not be able to participate any further, Dalton casually walked over and bumped fists with Jones. This simple gesture from the quarterback let his receiver know that everything would be alright.

These are the small things that all great leaders must include in their daily repertoire.

Dalton showed that same sense of confidence on the field as well. He orchestrated some great throws to his new offensive weapons, all the while giving advice to the younger players such as rookie tight end Tyler Eifert.

All of this without star wide receiver A.J. Green on the field.

It seems as though Dalton has grown up and has become confident enough in his own abilities to take the reins of the offense without relying on Green as a crutch. That may be the most important aspect of Dalton's development as a leader—building and gaining trust with his teammates.

Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden did not need to see all of this to deem Dalton the leader of the team. Before any of this transpired, Gruden has this to say about Dalton via Hard Knocks:

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The issue is not if he’s the leader of the team. The issue is he hasn’t won a playoff game in two years.

"

That statement is bold and rings true. However, speaking of the team's recent playoff history, the mantra of the team is set to change this season. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer weighed in on the subject:

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Good isn’t good enough. This is about the pursuit of excellence.

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He added:

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I don't have to like you and you don't have to like me. It's about winning.

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Finally, Gruden may have had the boldest words of all:

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This year the Super Bowl is expected, it's just not a concept on a T-shirt.

"

The talk of a Super Bowl coming to Cincinnati is happening early—it's coming from the coaching staff.

Dalton is a crucial key to the success of this organization in 2013. His leadership will determine exactly how far this team is capable of going in the coming season.

During an interview earlier at training camp with Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Dalton spoke about what he has done to exemplify himself as a leader on the team:

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A quarterback has got to take control and I feel like I’ve done a good job with that. Not just what we’re doing offensively, but in the locker room getting to know guys and hanging out with guys. All of that is going to make you a better team.

"

He went out and proved it during the first episode of Hard Knocks.

Follow @SeanODonnellNFL