AJ McCarron Becomes 1st Alabama QB Since 1987 to Win NFL Game as Starter

The Alabama football program has been known for many things. Numerous All-Americans, national championships and head coach Nick Saban come to mind.

But until Sunday, it had been almost 30 years since a Crimson Tide quarterback had won an NFL game.

The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Week 15, 24-14, and AJ McCarron became the first Alabama quarterback since 1987 to win an NFL game as a starter, as Bleacher Report CFB noted.

McCarron got his first career start in place of the injured Andy Dalton, who may miss at least the rest of the regular season because of a broken thumb. The former Alabama quarterback played an efficient game, completing 15 of 21 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown pass to tight end Tyler Kroft.

With the Bengals getting this crucial win, it ensures them a two-game lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North with two games to play. Cincinnati currently holds the No. 2 spot in the AFC thanks to the Denver Broncos losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

If McCarron can continue to play efficient football, the Bengals should be fine. Cincinnati has to be feeling good about where it's at right now, especially if it can get a first-round bye, giving Dalton an extra week to recover.