Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis Backs Quarterback Andy Dalton

Jan 5, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) is pressured by San Diego Chargers linebacker Melvini Ingram (54) during the 2013 AFC wild card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Bengals 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

After Cincinnati’s third consecutive loss in the first round of the playoffs, Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis made a “surprise” announcement. He expressed confidence in QB Andy Dalton.

Dalton passed for 334 yards and a touchdown in Cincinnati’s 27-10 AFC Wild Card Game defeat to the San Diego Chargers, but he also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble during the second half.

Through three seasons, Dalton has a 30-18 regular season record, but an 0-3 mark in the playoffs. He is also 8-10 in the regular season against AFC North rivals.

Lewis said Monday that Dalton continues to take positive steps forward. Okay Marvin, maybe in the touchdown passes department, but the picks and inaccurate throws not even close.

Dalton is entering the last year of his contract, and with a quarterback rich draft upcoming, the Bengals likely will explore the option of drafting a QB, if nothing else than to upgrade the backup position.

When asked what his off-season plans would be, Dalton said managing different game situations would be at the top of the list among with making during everyone else is on the same page.

Continue to follow @RiverFrontBall for news and updates on the Bengals off-season.