With help from Steelers non-tackles
Andy Dalton threw possibly the worst interception we’ve ever seen in the history of the league and even worse, he injured himself trying to tackle the guy who caught it.
That wasn’t a problem for the Cincinnati Bengals, though. Filling in for Dalton was AJ McCarron, the Alabama quarterback who has been sitting the bench behind Andy since the 2014 NFL Draft.
The boy was looking top notch on this play in the second quarter, putting the Bengals on the scoreboard after trailing 14-0. Showing his arm strength, he threw a perfect lob to A.J. Green and he did the rest (dodge two tackles and skate his way to a 66-yard touchdown). This is McCarron’s first TD of his career and a beauty at that.
Yet, he also had inexperienced plays like these.
Speaking of beauties, AJ is winning either way. Off the field.
The QB ended his first game in the NFL throwing 22/32 for 280 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. With no timetable for Dalton’s return, he is slated to take over the starting role for the foreseeable future. The confidence is in his blood, considering after the game at the press conference, he said:
“You gotta love pressured moments. That’s what makes you great, it’s when the great ones really shine. I guess Tom Brady was in the same situation when he had the opportunity”
Take the Bengals out of the first round of the playoffs, AJ.
FINAL: PIT 33 | CIN 20