Cincinnati Bengals And Alex Smith?

Jan 5, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback

(14) reacts against the Houston Texans during the third quarter of the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Reliant Stadium. The Texans defeated the Bengals 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati needs to bring in some competition. Andy Dalton has only been in the league two years and has taken the Bengals to back to back post seasons. That’s great, but appearances aren’t what Cincinnati needs. Wins are the only thing that matters from here on out.

Dalton has a 19-13 record his first two seasons with two playoff losses to the Houston Texans. Statistically, Dalton had a better year passing in his second year. He had 27 touchdowns (20 in his rookie year), but he had 16 interceptions.

During the Bengals 4 game losing streak towards the beginning of the season, he threw 6 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. During their streak of winning 7 of 8 games, he threw 13 touchdowns and only 5 picks. That’s the Dalton I wish we had the whole season and in the playoffs.

Now back to the reason I’m writing this article. Cincinnati should have the cap space to make this work and to not give up other needs. Bruce Gradkowski is not the backup that is going to challenge Dalton for a starting spot. Smith lost his job to second year quarterback Colin Kaepernick before the post season and he should be looking for a reason to leave town. This is where he comes to Cincinnati. Dalton was handed the reigns to the offense the second he got to town and hasn’t looked back since. Maybe bringing in a former first round pick in Smith, will make Dalton work harder to limit his turnovers and help the offense in the process.