Cincinnati Bengals: Why Andy Dalton Can Lead Them Back to the Playoffs

When former number one overall pick and franchise quarterback Carson Palmer announced that he would not be returning to the Cincinnati Bengals following the 2010-11 season the future of football in Cincinnati looked as bleak as ever. Quarterback is arguably the most important position in the game and without their long-time leader under center, the Bengals appeared to be left out to dry.

Then, in stepped Andy Dalton.

Through four games the redhead rookie from TCU has led the team to a 2-2 record and appears to be ready to lead Cincinnati for years to come. It's still awfully early, and it may not happen this season, but Dalton could very well be the man to lead Cincinnati back to playoff glory. After all, he appears to have all of the assets of a great NFL quarterback...   

Solid Decision Making Skills

Dalton may never be a guy who puts up ridiculous video game-like numbers, but he's also not the type to make crucial mistakes. Sure, he's never going to have Aaron Rodgers' arm strength, but he makes up for what he lacks physically with his ability to make smart decisions with the football. So far this season he has thrown only four interceptions, two of which came in the same game, and he has shown the ability to resist forcing ill-advised passes.

The best late-season quarterbacks are the ones who can keep their cool when the pressure is on, and Dalton seems to have that ability. That could go a long way as the Bengals seek to climb back into contention.

Talented Young Receiving Corps

It doesn't matter how good a quarterback is if he doesn't have anyone talented to the throw the ball to. Luckily, that isn't an issue in Cincinnati.

Both A.J. Green and Jermaine Gresham are emerging stars and Dalton has been locked in with both of them since week one. In addition, Jerome Simpson, Andre Caldwell and Jordan Shipley (when he's healthy) all add solid depth to the unit. Cedric Benson and Brian Leonard can both catch the ball out of the backfield, as well.

If Dalton and his young receivers can continue to mesh there's no limit to how dangerous the Cincinnati passing attack could become.

Mobility

Dalton is by no means a top-tier scrambling quarterback, and he has not done much with his feet so far this season, but it's no secret that he possesses the ability to escape the pocket and make some plays if need be.

Throughout his four seasons at TCU Dalton rushed for over 1600 yards while also scoring 24 touchdowns on the ground. It's not likely that the Bengals will ask him to run the ball reguarly, but it is nice to know that given the opportunity he can take off and make things happen.

The Intangibles

It's an overused term, but "intangibles" really do make a difference. Dalton was a four-year starter at TCU and impressed scouts everywhere with his leadership ability coming out of college. He may not be the "Rah-Rah" Tim Tebow type of guy, but after watching him conduct a game-winning, fourth quarter drive against Buffalo last Sunday, it looks as though he has been able to carry those leadership skills over into the NFL.

He may be the new guy, but he's not afraid to take control and do what he has to do to get the "W." That's exactly what you want in a quarterback, and that's exactly why Dalton could be the man to carry Cincinnati into the playoffs in the near future.