Andy Dalton Appears On 97.1 "The Fan" To Talk About The Offense, Offseason, & Concussions

On Wednesday, quarterback Andy Dalton appeared on 97.1 FM The Fan for an interview with the eccentric duo "The Common Man and the Torg", and Andy had quite a bit to say.

The interview covered a wide range of issues, including the offseason, the rookie transition, the turnover on offense, working with A.J. Green, blackouts, and concussions.

Here's the transcription.

Compare offseasons, is it much easier?

"Absolutely, I feel like last year, I got drafted and then I had to wait around, not knowing when I was going to report and all that kind of stuff. It's a lot different this year. We knew where we had to be and when. To be back and already know the offense and not have to know that, for us being in the second year of the offense, there's things that we can do that we weren't able to do last year. I'm excited about what we've got here."

Looking back at last year, what are some of the things you feel you need to work on coming into this season?

"Yeah, I think I've touched on that. Some of the deep balls that I threw. I could have gotten a lot better at them, but I've worked on it now, and I've definitely improved, and hopefully that's going to help us this year. But it's just taking more control and doing my part."

If you could pinpoint the biggest difference between college football and professional football what would it be?

"It's definitely the speed of the game, and there's a lot more scheme going on as well. But I think for the speed of the game, you've got to adjust, and you get better once you get used to it, and then it just becomes second nature out there. It's a lot of work. You've just got to put in the time and effort."

When did the chemistry between you and AJ Green get going? Was it early on for you or did it take some time to build?

"It happened early on. It's hard not to have chemistry with him because he's so good and he does all the right things. We definitely had it early on though."

Does it get discouraging at all that you guys are playing good football and you're still not selling out the place?

"Yeah, I mean, we'd obviously love to have the place sold out and there's some things that happened in years past that maybe people were turned off by the Bengals, but now I feel like we've done a really good job of winning the fans over so hopefully we'll have a lot of sellouts."

Have you put that Texans game behind you or do you still wake up at night thinking about it?

"Well, I've put it behind me, but you definitely see areas where you need to improve and get better and that's what we're working on right now, we're working on things that we need to get better at and we've done a good job so far."

Talk to me a little about the concussion story. Do you think it's overblown, or do you think it's legit?

"Yeah, concussions happen. It's an unfortunate part of the game, but it's part of it. We're trying to make the helmets we wear even safer, and you're playing a game where you are going to be hitting people. Concussions are going to happen. So obviously we want to limit them, but it's going to be a part of the game regardless."

Have you had one?

"I have not. Knock on wood."

Andy, we appreciate it, good luck this season my friend!

"Thanks a lot."