Once again, the Bengals' top two quarterbacks looked calm and confident in the preseason, as the Bengals beat the Lions in Detroit. Andy Dalton and AJ McCarron both had quarterback ratings greater than 100, and each led their team to touchdowns on their first drives.
For highlights and analysis of some of the most noteworthy throws by the two quarterbacks, watch the following video:
The Data:
Dalton was 7/9, for 78 yards with 0 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. His QB rating was 102.8. McCarron was 10/15 for 95 yards, with 1 touchdown and 0 interceptions, good for a QB rating of 106.3.
Deconstructing Dalton and McCarron:
Both passers had above average games. On only his second pass of the game, Dalton threw an absolute dart to rookie receiver Tyler Boyd on the run, a 26 yard completion that reminded fans of the fifth year quarterback's mobility and accuracy. Despite Boyd not getting great separation, Dalton essentially threw him open by leading him with the pass. And McCarron's touchdown pass to Boyd had excellent touch and velocity. Of course, as John points out in the video, both also had a couple of errant throws. But what was most encouraging was the speed at which both quarterbacks got rid of the ball, avoiding pressure and demonstrating that their timing with the receivers (including rookies Boyd and Cody Core) is about as good as one could ask for at this point, and that the transition from Hue Jackson to Ken Zampese has been smooth.