ESPN: Andy Dalton Is In Good Company -- But Not When Opposing Defenses Blitz

by Josh Kirkendall on Jan 6, 2012 11:07 AM EST

Bengals rookie quarterback Andy Dalton was the first since Greg Cook to start his first regular season game during his team's regular season opener. Dalton has led four fourth-quarter comebacks, surpassed the franchise rookie touchdown record and he finished in the AFC Pro Bowl voting fourth, named as the first alternate. So what does Dalton have in common with Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Phillip Rivers, Aaron Rodgers, Tony Romo and Matt Stafford?

According to the ESPN Statistics and Information blog, Dalton is one of seven quarterback in the NFL (the other six named above) to rank in the top ten in the following categories: "eighth in yards per attempt (13.3), eighth in plays of 30-plus yards (17) and tenth in total expected points added (34.6)."

Where Dalton is susceptible is when opposing defenses send five or more pass rushers.

Dalton’s dropbacks per sack balloons from one every 37.9 dropbacks against four or fewer pass rushers to one every 13.2 when the defense sends five or more defenders. He also averages only 6.6 yards per attempt, which is tied for 27th among quarterbacks with at least 50 dropbacks this season.

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Comments

I could have sworn I read something very recently

That said Dalton had one of the highest QB ratings in the league against the blitz. I’d also like to see how those sack numbers against the blitz compare to other QB’s because I’d imagine EVERYONE’S saks per droppback “balloon” when opposing defenses send more rushers. What with…you know…more rushers. I think that’s how math works?

by eric nyc on Jan 6, 2012 11:17 AM EST reply actions

I should say "higher" QB rating

He wasn’t “one of the highest” in anything. But still.

by eric nyc on Jan 6, 2012 11:18 AM EST up reply actions

He has the low YPA b/c I think he doesn't make mistakes against the blitz. He's so aware that if he's got a free rusher, he doesn't take a chance, he throws it away.

Change gone come mane! Trust me! Cause i Bleed tigerblood!--Jerome Simpson

by Grizzlyfox on Jan 6, 2012 11:22 AM EST up reply actions

RE:

Exactly. He will also scramble and throw the ball away. The fact that he’s got a 13.3 YPA while in the pocket shows you just how confident he is in his and A.J. Green’s skills.

CincyJungle.com Manager/Editor
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by Anthony Cosenza on Jan 6, 2012 11:43 AM EST up reply actions

Exactly...

And whether he throws the ball out of bounds, or not, he’s still getting the ball out quick (6.6 per attempt), which is what you’re supposed to do against the blitz.

by whodeycommish14 on Jan 6, 2012 12:06 PM EST up reply actions

Sal Paolantonio just said on ESPN radio

that Dalton was “really really good against the blitz. He’s really good above the shoulders.”

AJ Green = Optimus Prime

by Helmsy on Jan 6, 2012 11:57 AM EST up reply actions

I saw something about this recently, too.

I think the stat was something like 12 TDs and only 2 INTs.

by Aether on Jan 6, 2012 12:21 PM EST up reply actions

Whats really interesting is

In the redzone he has 15 TD’s and 0 interceptions. That is amazing for a rookie. I know our redzone offense is suspect but that stat is a good one.

AJ Green = Optimus Prime

by Helmsy on Jan 6, 2012 12:24 PM EST up reply actions

Kinda goes to show why our redzone offense is suspect :)

We simply are unable to run the ball effectively. Of course, we are rarely able to run the ball effectively.

by C1ncy4Life on Jan 6, 2012 1:09 PM EST up reply actions

And that is why...

… everyone knows we need to draft interior O-line and RB help this year. :P

Get those two fixed, and our O could be pretty decent pretty quickly.

by Aether on Jan 6, 2012 1:55 PM EST up reply actions

Well the reason our redzone O sucks

Is our lack of being able to run effectively consistently. And the fades to the corner of the endzone….I hate those

AJ Green = Optimus Prime

by Helmsy on Jan 6, 2012 2:48 PM EST up reply actions

it seems like our OL cant pick up the blitz

its a good thing dalton is moble or we might be starting #7 right now

by Bengalsfan024 on Jan 6, 2012 12:13 PM EST reply actions

i think we need better blocking from our RB too

AMAS

by AMAS85 on Jan 6, 2012 12:16 PM EST up reply actions

Peerman?

Who Dey aint tryin to see central bookins!

by NCWhoDey1987 on Jan 6, 2012 12:37 PM EST up reply actions

Joe reedy on PFT live right now

"In a battle between patience and power, patience always wins"

by ticalcaldwell on Jan 6, 2012 12:16 PM EST reply actions

omg he's a rookie who has issues adjusting to nfl blitzs

we’re doomed!!!!!

"the bengals are not a west of the 104 longitude team."

by palewook on Jan 6, 2012 1:02 PM EST reply actions

Red Alert

Andy is red hot against the blitz, Unlike the former statue of liberty we used to have in the back field.

If our offensive line can not pick up the blitz then its time to take a close look at the offensive line couch.

Same goes for our Lb coach and Rb Coach and Wide Receiver Coach…. Strait down the line. Its time to look under the hood and give the team a much needed tune up.

Do you know what a super man Ass Whooping is ?... Its the type of Ass Whooping you wish you could Fly away from !....

by 77CincyRage on Jan 6, 2012 1:13 PM EST reply actions

red alert

I like that

"In a battle between patience and power, patience always wins"

by ticalcaldwell on Jan 6, 2012 1:28 PM EST up reply actions

statue of liberty,..

lmfao…..

by Trevor 85 on Jan 6, 2012 2:48 PM EST up reply actions

what is Yates stats

and who has the hurt shoulder? and how many times did he get beat up against us?? jus sayin

"In a battle between patience and power, patience always wins"

by ticalcaldwell on Jan 6, 2012 1:29 PM EST reply actions

until last 3 minutes

playing not too lose..+ non-existent pass rush…+ poor pass coverage + failure to recover a fumble that my grandmother could of recovered = having to hear about the Texans being better for the next 5 years…

"In a battle between patience and power, patience always wins"

by ticalcaldwell on Jan 6, 2012 1:32 PM EST up reply actions

I think its Yates left shoulder (non-throwing shoulder)

Paul Brown Stadium, where everyone's hopes go to die.

by DTFCPDX on Jan 6, 2012 4:11 PM EST up reply actions

Sounds to me

like that is an issues with backs misreading blitzes, releasing free for a checkdown and tturning to see AD14 impersonating Fran Tarkenton. Backs and line need to have their act together tomorrow or it’s a long wait til next year.

by david in upstate SC on Jan 6, 2012 1:50 PM EST reply actions