Hue Jackson Will Push Quarterback Andy Dalton.
By Jesse Mapati
Alright, so we all know all the stuff new Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson will do to help the offense to be even more better, but he has a big responsibility to do and that is push and motivate his quarterback.
So, we are just five days removed from the Bengals one and done postseason exit, and half the blame of another short postseason stint ride is Andy Dalton. Yes, his inconsistent play during the regular season and on the big games worried fans. It definitely carried over in the second half of the AFC Wild Card Game against the San Diego Chargers, where himself committed three turnovers in the team’s 27-10 defeat. The play of his offensive line and his playmakers around didn’t help him out. Lots of Bengals fans want a change at the QB position.
With the news yesterday that Jackson would be promoted from running backs coach to offensive coordinator as Jay Gruden departed to become the new Washington Redskins head coach, and Jackson made it certain next season that the team will run the ball to dictate the pass.
Okay, it will definitely help Dalton. But, it’s on him to perform better and be consistent.
“Everybody got to play better than they’ve played around Andy, and Andy has to continue to grow and get better at what he’s doing.” Jackson said.
If any of you all watched HBO’s “Hard Knocks” this past season, Jackson is a loud and an enthusiastic coach and he will get Dalton straight on the things he needs to work on.
“I’m going to be the guy that pushes Andy, and Andy will push himself, Jackson said. “Andy is made of the right stuff and now we can see if we can get him where we want him to be.”
Dalton and Jackson talked a bit yesterday, and Dalton wanted to know if the Gruden’s scheme he know would stay in place. Jackson said “we will tweak it and make it better.”
The Bengals will not only pound the ball more next season, they will also play with an edge that has been missing on that side of the ball for a while.
In the end, I believe Jackson will help Dalton to become a better quarterback, it’s all up to Dalton to put in the work this off-season and make corrections on his mistakes this season and the playoff game.