Marvin Lewis Reiterates: Bengals Quarterback Andy Dalton Could Start First Game Of The Regular Season

by Josh Kirkendall on Jun 10, 2011 2:14 PM EDT in Analysis

The Bengals have been consistent about one thing. They like quarterback Andy Dalton. Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden once called Dalton the "most NFL ready quarterback in this draft." Even Marvin Lewis said he's capable of starting the first week of the regular season against the Cleveland Browns on September 11, 2011 -- provided that the season actually starts on September 11 and that the opening game of the season is against the Cleveland Browns.

"I feel really confident in that. I think that’s what really drew him to us. We felt he was mature enough and ready to handle it. We went through quite a process with these guys and felt great about him."

Mike Brown, the owner that's acting like he's trying to move on from a girlfriend that left him, is at least coming around to Dalton saying that "he can be productive" in Cincinnati. We're not sure if Brown had a Pearl Jam rock ballard jamming in the background (I totally did while writing this).

During his interview with ESPN 101 in St. Louis (did you know that Lewis interviewed with ESPN 101 in St. Louis?), Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis reiterated the belief that Dalton could start the first game of the season if he's ready.

"Well that’s something we are going to have to see what happens and how it plays out, but there’s no question when we selected Andy Dalton we selected him with that in mind that he’d possibly be our opening day starting quarterback."

Lewis was also pleased that Dalton was able to meet his teammates recently and work out with them.

"Well that’ll give a good start for our guys. It’ll give Andy a good introduction and a chance to meet his teammates and I think that’s the biggest thing is really developing some camaraderie, some working together, and so fourth and kind of a commitment to the guys that way. I think if anything it helps with that."

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Comments

Marvin Lewis is delusional

How can you start a guy that you’ve seen play in only a college all star game and game tape? Won’t happen if it does they will ruin Andy Dalton’s chances of having a successful NFL career.

by JamesShively on Jun 10, 2011 2:56 PM EDT reply actions

+1

by WHYUS!! on Jun 10, 2011 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Possible

It could work with Andy Dalton starting day one. If and only if the bengals are able to have a decent training camp and have him work with the coaches that will actually be calling the plays. He was a proven winner in college and while granted we don’t have the ideal team around him as others have. It’s worked for other teams. Matt Ryan. Joe Flacco. Ben Roethlisburger. Sam Bradford. All these guys started and had varying amounts of success. Let’s get him into camp. I’m excited about Dalton and Green.

by CinciSeabee on Jun 10, 2011 9:30 PM EDT reply actions

No Choise

The Best QB has to start early and learn quickly against an easy schedual. This season is the year that the Bengals can make a move AWAY from a rebuilding Mode into a team that demands respect. It starts with a QB who can hit the Bengals talented recievers quick and fast. In Stride! Opponnets linebackers will then play east and west insteat of north and south. Chad Johnson is the Bengal MVP this Year. Why? Because 85 is the only Bengal Player who can bring fear! Give 85 an ARM and its all over! Give Tom Brady 85 and ……………….?! Fill in the blanks. If the Bengals lose their only player who can BRING FEAR!!! Then what!!!

by Chili Dog on Jun 11, 2011 4:07 PM EDT reply actions