Game Ball Of The Week: Bengals Quarterback Andy Dalton

In regards to the news regarding a former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, the team's current quarterback Andy Dalton is the first Bengals quarterback to beat the Indianapolis Colts since 1997, first quarterback to beat the Buffalo Bills since 1988 and the first Bengals quarterback to beat the Jaguars in Jacksonville that broke a seven-game losing streak. Against the Indianapolis Colts, Dalton engineered four scoring drives, two possessions of 11 plays or more and sustained the team's offensive possessions that dominated time of possession in the second, third and fourth quarters. Dalton completed 25 of 32 passes, recorded a first quarter touchdown and posted a passer rating of 111.5. A machine. Efficient.

With 9:25 remaining in the first quarter, Kyle Cook snaps the football from shotgun. Andy Dalton gently catches the football and cocks his arm while surveying the field. Wide receiver A.J. Green, lined up in the slot to the right with Jerome Simpson flanking wide, sprints into the end zone and breaks out towards the right sidelines. Dalton floated the football with the anticipation that Green would climb the ladder to haul in the touchdown, giving the Bengals a 7-0 lead. Jerome Simpson caught six passes for 101 yards receiving, safety Reggie Nelson was involved in some capacity with both forced fumbles that the Bengals recovered and led the team with seven tackles. Leon Hall had a game-sealing interception and Carlos Dunlap scored a touchdown that gave the Bengals a two possession lead late in the game.

Contributions during Cincinnati's 27-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts were all-around, outstanding and as team-oriented as we've ever seen. However in honor of the official changing of the guard, with the old quarterback leaving, cementing the youthful foundation of a dynasty yet to be defined, we give this week's Game Ball to Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton.