Andy Dalton vs. A.J. McCarron Is The QB Battle To Watch

May 26, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) talks with quarterback AJ McCarron (5) during OTAs at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

There is no mistaking that Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyers or Geno Smith and Ryan Fitzpatrick will all provide compelling chatter for their respective team fan bases over the next couple months as they battle it out for the handful of starting quarterback jobs that are considered open around the NFL.  However, from a national perspective those competitions lack a certain level of zest mostly due to the fact that they take place on non-playoff teams.

That is why the one developing for the Cincinnati Bengals between Andy Dalton and A.J. McCarron is must-see TV.

First of all, it’s an intriguing situation.  The established starter (Dalton) who has two Pro Bowls to his credit, has never missed the playoffs in his career and just got handed a fat, new contract is suddenly threatened by an unheralded former 5^th round pick whom the coaching staff has taken a deep liking to over the past year.

Dalton has the experience but he also has a growing list of disappointing failures as well, having never won a single playoff game in four trips to the postseason since 2011.  He has posted good numbers but seems to lack that certain mindset or general talent needed to elevate his game when it matters.  Meanwhile, McCarron came out of college with two national titles under his belt at Alabama.  He’s got the size for the position, earned high marks for his leadership and intelligence before the draft and by all indications has improved his arm strength.

“In addition to confirming multiple reports that McCarron is throwing the ball better than he ever has, Breer notes that the former Alabama star is also showcasing “top-notch pocket presence.””

Does this mean McCarron can steal the job during the preseason?  Highly unlikely, but things can change in a hurry if the Cincinnati Bengals stumble out of the gate this year.  Dalton won’t have the same room for mistakes he’s had in years past.  If he can’t get beyond the .500 mark by the halfway point of the season, be prepared for some drama on the depth chart.