Bengals reinstall Andy Dalton as starting QB
The winless Cincinnati Bengals are going back to Andy Dalton as their starting quarterback in Week 13 against the New York Jets, the team announced Monday.
"We just want a win, and that veteran presence he has will certainly be helpful," first-year head coach Zac Taylor told reporters, including NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Dalton sat for three games while the Bengals started rookie Ryan Finley, a fourth-round pick out of NC State. Finley failed to eclipse 200 yards passing in all three starts, threw two touchdowns against two interceptions, and was sacked 11 times.
In eight games prior to his benching, Dalton threw for 2,252 yards with nine touchdowns and eight interceptions. He had taken 29 sacks, the most of any quarterback up to that point in the season.
Dalton was miffed upon learning of his demotion, which took place on the same day as the NFL trade deadline. At the time, he complained it was too late for him and his agent to explore trade possibilities to a team in need of a quarterback.
"We've been on the same page," Taylor said of his relationship with Dalton, according to ESPN's Ben Baby. "Andy's handled it as well as any veteran hoped you would."
The 0-11 Bengals are the only team in the league without a win.