Chad Johnson continues defense of Andy Dalton

Let me show a little bias here.

Chad Johnson is one of the best wide receivers in Bengals franchise history. Maybe THE best. In addition to dominating faceless statistics, Johnson was a catalyst of fun. When his sunny disposition blossomed, it broke a monopoly of sorrow mercilessly holding Cincinnati down. Even old traditionalists began to soften, enjoying his ridiculous touchdown choreography; it may have been senseless, but it was entertaining during a time in which most of us weren't entertained.

Then things collapsed: Fun became awkward, good became irritating and smiles became frowns. A trade to New England exasperated his decline on the field, precipitating a free fall into villinary off-the-field. Domestic violence ended his marriage to Evelyn Lozada, after only 41 days, leading to 12 months of probation, in addition to domestic violence classes. Johnson was sent to jail for 30 days after slapping his lawyer on the gluteus maximus in front of a judge, who expressed no patience for such trivialities; he didn't fulfill the entire 30-day sentence. Quietly, Johnson lived his life before joining the Montreal Alouettes, posting seven receptions in five games for 151 yards receiving.

Despite his experiences in the CFL, Johnson has kept an eye directed back to Cincinnati, going into a Twitter fueled rant defending the Bengals and quarterback Andy Dalton.

Johnson resumed his lawyer-like defense on Monday:

"I know you want to win, now. Dude, he’s young. Give me a break," Johnson said via Bengals.com. "You get to the playoffs every year. Wild card or not. Going home or not. The fact is they're going to be there every year. And he’s going to get it done. Trust me. Everybody is impatient. Oh, 'He's losing.' Or, 'He plays poorly.' With experience comes better decision making. And he will get (it) done. Wait. It’s coming."

In 64 regular season games, the Bengals have won 40 with Dalton as the starting quarterback. Yet, breaking several franchise passing records doesn't cloud his postseason struggles; something he doesn't have a monopoly on. Still, the Bengals tendency to make the postseason is rather impressive in its own right.

"Being a Bengals fan right now, you know you’re a lock for the playoffs every year. And that’s a great feeling just coming in," Johnson says. "We’re getting to the playoffs no matter what. Getting over that hump is the next step. I’m really content with knowing that come January we’re going to have a game to play and we have a chance. That’s great from before, knowing once December came you’re going home. That’s great."