Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton comes through after rough first half

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton had another game of two stories. A two-headed monster. A story of two cities? Did I get that right? Use whatever symbolism works best for you. Dalton, who was dealing with the flu bug (excused from team meetings Saturday night, while throwing up all night and requiring multiple IVs) was awful in the first half but slowly recovered in the second half.

In the first story, Dalton threw three interceptions with his first taking place with 15 minutes remaining in the first quarter... Ok, it was the first offensive play of the game. Tampa Bay, unable to generate a first down, converted a 32-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead.

The interception could be a combination of 1) bad throw 2) bad awareness by A.J. Green or 3) the combination of both.

Game opening interception by Dalton. https://t.co/SxShmcU5sb

— Josh Kirkendall (@Josh_Kirkendall) November 30, 2014

Throwing an interception: -1
Throwing an interception on the first play of the game: -1
Throwing an interception that leads to points for the opposition: -1
RESULT: -3

After a pair of punts, Dalton threw another interception toward the front left pylon targeting A.J. Green, who was submerged in double-coverage. Now... in fairness to Dalton, it's not unusual for Dalton to heave the football up to Green and have Green come down with an amazing reception while deflecting half of the opposing defense. It's a high-risk throw, sure... but it's been converted before.

Andy Dalton must be sick, trying to throw into double coverage and waste a RZ possession. https://t.co/GrzRWOr7Uy

— Josh Kirkendall (@Josh_Kirkendall) November 30, 2014

Throwing an interception: -1
Throwing an interception in the redzone: -1
Having confidence in A.J. Green to haul it in: +1
Result: -1

Dalton added a third pick of the game with 25 seconds remaining in the first half. Facing intense pressure in his face, the fourth-year quarterback unloaded down the right sidelines for James Wright. The football floated into the air like a warm Disney-afternoon when Alterraun Verner intercepted the pass.

Dalton's third pick of the first half. https://t.co/135jmJi8RO

— Josh Kirkendall (@Josh_Kirkendall) November 30, 2014

Dalton told reporters after the game that he was trying to throw it away.

It was Dalton's third pick of the afternoon and came right after Terence Newman's interception with 51 seconds remaining in the first half.

Throwing an interception: -1
Throwing an interception inside two minutes: -1
Throwing an interception right after the defense forced a turnover: -1
Result: -3

Dalton completed 19 of 27 passes for 176 yards passing with a touchdown, three interceptions and a passer rating of 60.6. He also added a five-yard touchdown run in the second, reducing Tampa Bay's 10-0 lead. Where Dalton played big was the third quarter, completing nine of 11 passes for 79 yards passing, as well as a game-winning 13-yard touchdown to A.J. Green.

AJ Green with the 13 yard TD, giving the Bengals a 14-10 lead w/ 2:04 remaining in the third. https://t.co/hRYehuNW4n

— Josh Kirkendall (@Josh_Kirkendall) November 30, 2014

As for the sickness, Dalton said it came on strong last night and that he was throwing up right before the game. But, it started getting better as the game went on.

Score a rushing touchdown: +6
Score a passing touchdown: +6
Convert 3-11 (2:37 remaining) with 30 yard pass to Wright: +1
Convert 3-5 (3rdQ, 3:35) with 15-yard pass to Sanu: +1... and leads to a TD... +1
Play the entire game after puking your guts out (and not be drunk): +1
Win the game: +1,000,000
Sins: -7
Final tally: +1,000,008 (I think)