Cincinnati Bengals vs. New York Jets: Bengals QB Andy Dalton Likely to Struggle

The last time these two teams met, the New York Jets were on their way to the 2010 AFC Championship Game whilst the Bengals were just over halfway through what would become a 10-game losing streak. This proved to be worlds apart from 2009, a year that saw the Bengals capture the AFC North, only to be toppled by these very same Jets on wild card weekend of the playoffs. 

It wouldn't be grandiose to suggest that the Wild-card loss to the Jets was the first nail in the coffin for that incarnation of the Cincinnati Bengals.

While the Jets will be looking for a confident and competent outing on Sunday, demonstrating why they have become an AFC powerhouse, the Bengals in contrast will be trying to provide a reason for their fans to keep showing up.

There's no denying that Andy Dalton's debut was less than spectacular (completing 11-of-15 for 69 yards and 1 INT), but that has to be expected with a rookie at the helm, especially with the limited time Dalton has had to get acquainted with the Bengals' offense. It may give you comfort to know that Brett Favre's first NFL pass in the regular season resulted in a pick-six...so for those of you who grabbed your pitchforks when Dalton's first pass was intercepted, don't despair just yet. 

So will Andy be able to rebound this Sunday? It's going to be tough. The Jets have many looks on defense, with a blitz-heavy evening likely in order. With a little somebody named Revis in the secondary, they could well spoil Dalton's day if he struggles with the same issues as last week.

With a rookie quarterback, young receivers and a new philosophy, players need time to get comfortable. Unfortunately, the Jets aren't going to take it easy on the Bengals, and will likely show more fronts and blitz looks than you can shake a stick at. 

Both Dalton and Jay Gruden spoke on Monday about nagging problems with false starts, fumbled snaps and overall discipline. It is understandable that in this intense learning period, discipline and group-cohesiveness take a hit as the rookies and vets try to learn a new system in such a truncated period. Expect some silly mistakes on Sunday but don't let it get to you, they can be ironed out once everyone is on the same page. 

What we ca be sure of coming into Sunday, is that Dalton will be more confident and comfortable than he was in Detroit. While he may not make deep strikes downfield, he will make better decisions about the throws he makes. If Dalton gets the protection he needs, expect him to have a better rhythm with the likes of A.J. Green and Jerome Simpson.

The worry is, if he gets rattled early by a defense like the Jets that most certainly brings the heat, he may start to force throws quickly and suffer the same pitfalls as he did in Detroit.

Dalton struggled to acclimatise to the speed of play in the NFL last week, and this week he not only needs to accustom himself to that factor, but he needs to acclimatise to the speed of a New York Jets defense, that can rattle the most battle-ready of NFL quarterbacks.

The most important thing for Dalton this week, will be his ability to stay poised and composed under pressure. If he can lead the team on a scoring drive, his contribution will be considered a success. While Dalton will have to rely on his offensive line putting in a better showing, expect him to be more comfortable on short throws, without resorting to dump-off screen passes.

For those who too quickly drop their head in their hands come Sunday evening, let's not forget we're only midway through the preseason and coaches, players and personnel are still very much feeling things out, learning and adapting to new or different approaches etc. We are a long way from the finished product...

Buzzwords for Sunday: Rhythm and Confidence

 What to look out for on Sunday:

- Look for Dalton to be more confident coming into the game.

- Better timing with receivers, better route running and more touches for tight ends that Dalton neglected to connect with last week.

- Bengals may try a number of different combinations in the offensive line (particularly with Clint Boling, who will be heavily experimented with), if they allow pressure or sacks early, look for Dalton to rush/force throws, more interceptions.

- First unit expected to play for entire first half.

- Penalties, fumbled snaps, false starts. They will come and as frustrating as they are, be patient; it's a slow process.

- Look for Leon Hall and Nate Clements to improve on a lacklustre showing in Detroit and provide tighter coverage.

- With the multitude of new faces on D, expect them to struggle as much as the offense will, but look for a pass rush to emerge.

- Confidence will be the key here. If Dalton can stay poised under pressure and lead the Bengals on a scoring drive, it will do well to boost team morale going forward, as well as helping to aleviate the embarrassment Dalton suffered last week.

- A.J. Green will meet a real test in Revis, could provide first real glimpse of his ability, or the ceiling of it.

- Benson will try to show his consistency against a more stout run defense, he believes he is in the best shape of his career, Sunday will be his chance to prove it. 

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