Can the Bengals survive without Andy Dalton

Andy Dalton has started 80 consecutive games (playoffs included) for the Bengals since his career began in 2011.

It looks like that streak will end at 80. During a 33-20 home loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Andy Dalton fractured his thumb trying to make a tackle in the first quarter. With their starting quarterback sidelined in one of the biggest games of their playoff chase, the Bengals worst fears came to fruition. 

Another injury for the Bengals is tight end Tyler Eifert, who is having a career year this year. He is battling a concussion and could not play Sunday vs the Steelers, but the team said that he is probable for this upcoming week.

Head Coach Marvin Lewis stated on Monday that Dalton’s thumb is “week to week”, but the injury will not require surgery. 

Now Cincinnati Bengal fans, don’t give up on your teams championship hopes quite yet. As your back up quarterback is not very experienced, AJ McCarron out of Alabama was a very very good college quarterback. 

Now is he starting material for the NFL? No, not yet at least. But I believe once Tyler Eifert comes back from injury, AJ McCarron will be set up perfectly to make a run with the team. 

Until Andy Dalton is back, AJ McCarron is set up very nicely for the rest of the season with 5 very good wide receivers in AJ green, Brandon Tate, Marvin Jones Mohamed Sanu, and Mario Alford. Also throw in one of the best tight ends this league in Eifert and two pretty decent running backs in Jeremy Hill and Giovanni Bernard you could have a practice squad quarterback run this offense. 

I think AJ McCarron’s going to be just fine for the last four games. He could also do very well in the playoffs because he knows how to play under pressure like when he did in Alabama. You never know what a back up can do until he gets a chance.