A few days ago, we published Dalton's first great throw into the Chiefs, a deep throw to AJ Green in double coverage. Later in the game, Dalton would make perhaps an even better throw, also against double coverage. This time to Brandon Tate.
3rd Quarter 5:38 - 2nd & 8 from the Cincinnati 33:
The Bengals have three wide receivers (A.J. Green, Mohamed Sanu, and Brandon Tate), one tight end (Jermaine Gresham), and one running back (BenJarvus Green-Ellis).
All three receivers will run routes, while Gresham and Green-Ellis will stay to protect the passer.
Tate jukes towards the sideline, then cuts back inside to gain separation from the cornerback.
Tate runs diagonally upfield, but the cornerback is able to recover quickly. Dalton is scanning the opposite side of the field, because his first two reads are to Green and Sanu. Then, he comes back to Tate, who isn't open anymore.
Dalton moves to his left to evade the pass rush. He sees that Tate has broken off his route and is running back towards the left sideline.
Dalton decides he will fit the football into a tiny window. The safety and cornerback have both reacted well to Tate's breakoff route. By the time the ball gets to Tate, there's only about two yards of space between the defenders.
Dalton steps into his throw and fires a laser downfield.
Tate makes a magnificent catch here. He reels in the football with his fingertips, gets two feet down in bounds, and possesses the ball all the way to ground.
The two Kansas City defenders are in disbelief that Tate caught it, but both sideline officials agree it was a catch.
These are the types of throws that make you believe in Dalton's talent. Accurately firing 30+ yards downfield is a key component of an elite NFL quarterback. Dalton has shown he can make these throws, but he needs to do it more consistently.