The Cincinnati Bengals have been 0-3 before. The last time? Current Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton opened the 2019 NFL season as their starter, an unflattering encore for a three-time Pro Bowler.
Dalton ended his nine-season tenure with the Bengals as a maligned veteran. After failing to produce a win in the Bengals’ opening eight outings, coach Zac Taylor benched Dalton.
Preparing to face his former team for the fourth time in five seasons Sunday at Bank of America Stadium, Dalton reflected on his final season with the Bengals. Dalton went 2-11.
“It was tough for sure,” Dalton said during Wednesday’s press conference. “There were a lot of things that were just hard. It was kind of similar to how it was here where we felt we were close in a lot of games, but we couldn’t break through and find the wins we needed to.”
Instead, the pair divorced and Dalton ended up playing the field, signing with the Dallas Cowboys (2020), Chicago Bears (2021), and New Orleans Saints (2022) before hooking up with the Panthers on a two-year contract before the start of last season. Part of Dalton’s job description was to become a mentor to Bryce Young. They developed a close relationship, but Young’s on-field progress stagnated.
The initial stages of the “Young Era” ended when the 2021 Heisman trophy recipient received word of his benching after Week 2. Dalton stepped in last Sunday and led the Panthers to a 36-22 victory over the host Las Vegas Raiders.
“It was good for us to get the first win of the year,” Dalton said. “Now it’s something for us to build on.”
QB Andy Dalton knows #Panthers shouldn’t under-estimate winless #Bengals during Sunday’s #NFL matchup … pic.twitter.com/AQMu9FmDIx
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) September 27, 2024
Andy Dalton: ‘It’s Always Fun’ To Face Bengals
Dalton has experienced starting against the Bengals before. The last time? Dalton, who ranks second in franchise passing yards (31,594), first faced his replacement, Joe Burrow, on Oct. 16, 2022, and was outdueled by the No. 1 overall pick two years earlier. Burrow went 28 of 37 for 300 yards, passing for three touchdowns and ran for another as the Bengals earned a 30-26 win. Dalton completed 17 of 32 passes for 162 yards, but suffered a back injury.
The second time Dalton faced the Bengals came on Sept. 19, 2021. The then-Bears quarterback endured a bone bruise on his knee after opening by completing five of six passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. He also compiled 25 rushing yards before being replaced by then-rookie Justin Fields.
The first time he matched up with the team that drafted him 35th overall in 2011, Dalton shined against Taylor’s defense. As the Cowboys’ starter, Dalton completed 16 of 23 passes for 185 yards and two scores on Dec. 13, 2020. On injured reserve, Burrow did not play.
Dalton. 36. anticipates another showdown with Burrow, who has guided the Bengals to a 0-3 mark.
On his Bengals roots, Dalton said he has a “ton of memories.”
“It’s just going to be nice to catch up with them and get to see them,” Dalton said. “It’s always fun to get the opportunity to go up against them.”
#Panthers QBs Andy Dalton (14) and Bryce Young (9) alternate passing reps as their teammates stretch before Wednesday’s #NFL practice … pic.twitter.com/bzWiMKNn7t
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) September 27, 2024
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
