FOLLOWING WHAT MATTERS TO YOU.

CINCINNATI BENGALS
2013-NFL-Mock-Draft-Pre-Draft-edition-Part-2 4/24/13 - 2013 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Draft edition, Part 2
BACK
Add the Cincinnati Bengals to My HUB

Cincinnati Bengals' Andy Dalton takes care of critics in preseason game

by Tim Moczula       August 17th, 2012 2:05 PM
  • Cincinnati-Bengals-Andy-Dalton-takes-care-of-critics-in-preseason-game-
  • Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) tries to make a pass as an Atlanta Falcons defender closes in during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-US PRESSWIRE

    • Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton has dealt with a lot of criticism concerning his arm strength. Leading up to the 2011 draft, many pegged him as a good leader, but felt his ability to go deep was limited. After the Bengals drafted him with the 35th overall pick, criticism heightened and he was labeled as physically limited; lacking athleticism and a strong arm. People in the Bengals organization even had their doubts, but Dalton quieted the non-believers during a preseason win against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday.

    With this throw, Dalton proved he posses the necessary strength and accuracy to be a successful NFL quarterback. The 55-yard pass hit wide receiver A.J. Green in perfect stride and put him in excellent position to score, but more importantly it seemed Dalton was not completely exerting himself in order to make the throw.

    In a postage interview, the normally reserved Dalton made sure all of his critics are witnessing his improvement. “My arm feels great,” claimed the 24-year-old, “and you can tell everybody that it’s not even close to what I’ve got if I need it.” Last year, Dalton had a respectable rookie season and led the Bengals to a 9-7 record after the team finished just 4-12 a year earlier. Despite his success, many, including offensive coordinator Jay Gruden felt he needed to improve accuracy on his deep ball. The two watched countless hours of film and found 15 deep passes that left points on the board due to inaccuracy. They have been working on improve his accuracy and the practice seems to have paid off.

    Dalton was not perfect on Thursday; in fact he overthrew Green just a few plays earlier in the drive, but it is clear he is taking steps in the right direction. He finished the game 8-for-14 with 125 yards and a touchdown, and three of the completions were over 22 yards. The Bengals have a strong core of receivers, and boast new depth with the emergence of former Rutgers star Mohamed Sanu. The third-round pick has learned all three primary receiver spots this summer and caught a touchdown pass from backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowski on Thursday. His versatility will certainly have a positive impact on the offense. With an improved quarterback and talented group of receivers, look for the Bengals to beat last year’s 9-7 record this season.

    What did you think? Leave a comment

    TOPICS

    RELATED STORIES
    More

    Fan Hub Action

    LATEST CHATTER

    Rangers, Bruins ready to resume hostilities
    The irony - and bravery - of Jason Collins's decision

    • Charlie Lobosco May 1st

      This is a very compelling story because Mr. Collins is a very passionate, tough, intelligent, athelete taking on some additional responsibliity to help others as…

    • Scott Cohen May 1st

      Charlie.. very well said.. he does have guts

    • Scott Cohen May 1st

      but it shouldn’t require guts. .like you said it’s nobody’s business but his own

    The irony of Kobe Bryant's injury

    • Hisham Zameeth April 30th

      best player ever…..

    • Kareem Musa Mayowa April 29th

      We don’t need to be hopeless about the situation bryant his. Because even david villa situation also up to the level of his own to…

    • Maritess Lim April 28th

      I still believe in KOBE’s power…… He is still the best…… He will make it possible no matter what……

    • mimi_aragon84 April 28th

      I feel no pity for him. First of all, it is EAGLE, COLORADO, not Eagleton, secondly he enjoyed success and adulation from fans from 2003…

    POPULAR NOW

    Rangers, Bruins ready to resume hostilities

    May 16th, 2013 12:13 PM

    1
    Nate Robinson misses all 12 shots in loss

    May 14th, 2013 1:28 AM

    Learning to settle with second-rate fights

    May 20th, 2013 9:09 AM

    ALL TIME FAVES

    Despite tragedy, Boston and its marathon will endure

    April 16th, 2013 12:15 PM

    6
    Tiger on top is the best thing for golf

    April 9th, 2013 11:57 AM

    18
    Questions about sexuality arise at combine

    March 1st, 2013 8:37 AM

    10

    Twitter Chatter

    PEOPLE

    VIDEOS