Six quarterbacks were drafted in the top 36 picks this year. Partly because of the short offseason, only two of the six QBs look like favorites to start in Week One.
Cam Newton was the first overall pick. Andy Dalton was the second pick of the second round. But in Cincinnati, it sure looks like Dalton is the franchise quarterback: present and future.
“It would be great. It’s something I’m pushing and working hard for,” Dalton told Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Dalton took the most snaps with the No. 1 offense during the team’s scrimmage and mock game. Bengals.com Geoff Hobson’s says Bruce Gradkowski is “becoming Dalton’s backup.”
Dalton’s Mock game performance was lauded for taking what the defense gave him. The big plays may be out of Cincy’s offense. They are more about short timing throws.
“He’s got a soothing way about him and a demeanor that makes everyone calm and confident, myself included. He looks at me like I’m crazy sometimes. He’s starting to correct me on plays,” offensive coordinator Jay Gruden says.
We don’t know yet whether Dalton really is ready or whether the team is talking him up as ready because he has to be ready.
One big factor that should help Dalton out: Basically everyone that has watched the Bengals over the last 10 days seems to think that No. 4 overall pick wideout A.J. Green is the truth.
“I think with Cedric [Benson], the receivers we have, and the tight end that we have, what the heck. Let’s make a run,” Gruden said.
UPDATE: