Bengals vs. Lions: 4 Things to Expect in Andy Dalton's Cincinnati Bengals Debut

When the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Detroit Lions in Week 1 of the 2011 NFL preseason, they'll be starting a new quarterback under center.

Rookie second-round draft pick Andy Dalton from TCU will be taking snaps with the starters on Friday night.

After Carson Palmer's surprise "retirement," the Bengals were left in a bad position.

Dalton will try to make the most of a bad situation on Friday night against the Lions.

Here are four things you can expect to happen in Dalton's professional debut.

4. Dalton Will Give a Lot of Effort

You'd better believe Dalton wants to be the No. 1 QB when the season opens for the Cincinnati Bengals.

But, with veteran QB Bruce Gradkowski right behind him on the depth chart, Dalton will need to have a very strong preseason to keep the starting job.

He certainly won't go down without a fight and will be going full speed on every play to try to prove he belongs in the NFL.

Expect Dalton to impress Bengals' coaches with his attitude and hustle.

3. Simple Play Calls

New offensive coordinator Jay Gruden is installing a complex new offensive system in Cincy.

He hasn't had much time to implement his system and Dalton hasn't had much time to learn it.

Therefore, there should be a lot of simple play calls in Friday night's game.

Gruden doesn't want to overload his young QB or the rest of his offense.

2. Easy Pass Plays

Building a QB's confidence is important, especially for a rookie.

Therefore, in Friday night's game, expect the Bengals to set up a few screens and short yardage passes to build Dalton's confidence.

Then, after three or four easy completions, expect him to start trying to connect with fellow rookie A.J. Green on a deep pass or two.

1. More Playing Time Than Most Starters

Most starters have only been playing for a series or two this preseason.

Expect Dalton to get a lot more playing time than that.

I wouldn't be surprised to see him go the entire first half before giving way to Gradkowski and Jordan Palmer.

He needs all the reps he can get, and I expect the Bengals coaching staff to give him those reps.