The “Good Andy Dalton” Is Needed Down The Stretch

Dec 8, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns in the team 42-28 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

The third year quarterback out of TCU has been talked a lot and his fair share of haters from Bengals fans of his recent struggles and inconsistent play. Yesterday afternoon, he silenced them for now.

The performance he had yesterday in chilling conditions and below freezing temperatures at Paul Brown Staduim is the type of play we witnessed when he had the three game hot streak in October throwing 11 touchdowns to only 4 interceptions.

It’s arguably his best outing in weeks. The yards thrown was the most since the Halloween night game in Miami. He was sack-less, and threw no interceptions, it was the first time since weeek 2 in the Monday night win against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“I have to keep playing like I did (Sunday) and good things will happen.” Dalton said. Yes we want “Good Andy” to stay.

Prior to the game yesterday, the previous four games have been in a result of  “Bad Andy” really bad. Since he was named AFC offensive player of the month in October, the previous four games he has looked completey lost and taking extreme steps back.

His touchdowns to interceptions ratio was not the best, throwing 6 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. On Sunday, what helped Dalton to be successful is that he wasn’t facing no pressure from the Colts front and was not sacked.

You give Dalton time in the pocket, and he is flinging the ball to his deep receiving corps he is dangerous. The offensive line did a great job yesterday, and the move for Andrew Whitworth to the guard position has benefit Dalton and the running game these last two games.

If this team wants to finish the regular season hot, hopefully going into the postseason and possibly earn the No.2 seed in addition get a 1st round bye., we need to see more of consistent “Good Andy” down the stretch.