The Cincinnati Bengals haven’t been this successful and competitive for a long time. Not since Paul Brown, Sam Wyche, Ken Anderson, and Boomer Esiason consistently put Cincinnati in postseason games. Andy Dalton likely didn’t rely on past factoids to negotiate his contract extension.
He likely referenced contract extensions handed to Joe Flacco, Tony Romo, Matt Ryan, Jay Cutler, and Colin Kaepernick as a starting point. The only name in that list who has done well in the playoffs is Flacco. For all the attention Dalton’s playoff failures receive along with a new $115 million contract, he’s not a singular example. Considering the franchise he plays for, Dalton’s three-year run as a starter has been more promising than agonizing.
At least it could easily be perceived in that fashion. Cincinnati is 316-390 all-time, 5-12 in playoff games, and 0-for-2 in Super Bowls thanks to superior 1980s San Francisco 49ers teams.
It turned substantially for the better in Andy Dalton’s exceptional rookie season, when he rarely conducted himself like a first year NFL quarterback. He and wide receiver A.J. Green hold distinctions of being the most prolific rookie quarterback and wide receiver in NFL history in 2011.
The “Red Rifle” has thrown for over 3,000 yards for three years straight. He joined Peyton Manning and Dan Marino as the only gunslingers to amass 20 touchdown passes in his first three seasons. Most importantly to the Bengals, Dalton has been at the helm of a team who’s accomplished three consecutive playoff trips.
In 2013, Dalton set personal and franchise records for passing yards (4,293) and touchdowns (33). An AFC North division title celebration was short-lived. Dalton committed turnovers in three straight drives versus the San Diego Chargers in a horrendous second half.
His two interceptions and fumble contributed to a 27-10 home playoff defeat. Doubts concerning his temperament in primetime only heightened afterwards. When you post one touchdown pass and six interceptions in three playoff games, it’s a recipe designed to foster increased criticism. Much like his interception totals, which have incrementally raised from 13, 16, and 20.
As a TCU quarterback from 2007-2010, Dalton exemplified winning on big stages. He completed his college years with a 42-8 record. That included two undefeated seasons and a Horned Frogs Rose Bowl triumph over Wisconsin. He’s accustomed to the spotlight playing for a nationally ranked collegiate team. It simply hasn’t translated to NFL playoff success yet.
It may come to fruition in 2014. Dalton lost offensive coordinator Jay Gruden and Hue Jackson was hired in his place. Some familiarity may have been lost with Gruden bolting to coach the Washington Redskins, but Jackson has coached since graduating from University of Pacific in 1987.
Ironically, Jackson served on USC’s staff and helped recruit Carson Palmer, the man Dalton took over for in Cincinnati. Jackson served as Bengals wide receivers coach in a prior stint. Palmer teamed up with Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, as Jackson oversaw an elite wide receiving tandem from 2004 to 2006.
Now he’s assumed offensive coordinator responsibilities and will aim to ballast Dalton with productive offensive weapons. Although Marvin Jones broke his foot and will miss several weeks, receivers Green, Mohamed Sanu, Tyler Eifert, and Jermaine Gresham form a nice bundle of pass options. Giovanni Bernard, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and LSU rookie Jeremy Hill comprise a trio of versatile backs as well.
Joe Montana didn’t become the highest paid player in the NFL until he was 34 years old in 1990. He earned over $4 million in base salary. Dan Marino’s impressive performances as a young quarterback, which included a Super Bowl appearance, saw him receive a $9 million deal after 1985. Yet, Marino never got back to a Super Bowl to polish an already incredible football legacy.
Critics of Dalton’s price tag must realize it’s a going rate for a respectable NFL quarterback, which is currently in the minority. A chasm exists between elite franchise quarterbacks and ones who become overwhelmed and fail in due time. The Bengals would rather pay $18 million in guaranteed money for a signal caller trusted by head coach Marvin Lewis.
The remaining contractual five years are a facade on paper, like all other contracts for any other NFL position. Cincinnati isn’t committed to Dalton for six years. It’s more of a one year deal with guarantees based on his performance annually.
The Bengals envision Dalton being able to reverse their postseason quarterback woes. In case he fails to prove otherwise, Cincinnati possesses an out clause to shorten its losses.
It’s plausible A.J. McCarron plays under center in a 2017 Bengals playoff game, while Greg Gumbel or Jim Nantz pull a Brent Musburger and remark on Katherine Webb’s beauty inside Paul Brown Stadium. Until then, Cincinnati’s hitched their wagon to Dalton for the immediate future.