The Cincinnati Bengals are headed into the Wild Card matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a few lingering concerns. While the team did beat up on the Baltimore Ravens to end the season, their game against the Steelers will be much tougher as quarterback questions hang over the franchise. While Andy Dalton is hoping to get back on the field in the coming days, the Bengals are making it clear they are moving forward with AJ McCarron.
According to ESPN.com's Adam Schefter, the Bengals are prepared to start McCarron in the Saturday night game against the Steeelers regardless of what happens to Dalton's broken thumb this week. The Bengals are 2-1 with McCarron under center as their only loss came the Denver Broncos in overtime. He is coming off a game where he tossed two touchdowns in the win over the Ravens while having yet to toss an interception. Since filling in for Dalton, McCarron has thrown for 832 yards and six touchdowns and has the confidence heading into the Wild Card game showdown.
"I feel like I am finally getting some reps, know the offense a little bit more and am more used to it," McCarron said, via ESPN.com. "I've been trying to take care of the football and being thrown in that game, I didn't. If the other quarterback turns the ball over and you don't, it puts your team in a situation to win the ballgame. That's the biggest thing for us, taking care of the football."
Dalton is hoping to get on the field soon for the Bengals. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Dalton is hoping to get the cast off of his hand early this week so that he can resume practice with the team. The Bengals were hoping to have Dalton back for the AFC Divisional round should they make it there. The question is if McCarron is playing well, will the Bengals stick with the hot hand or put Dalton back under center once he is healthy?
"I'm hoping so. But again, it's wait and see," Dalton said, via the Cincinnati Enquirer. "(The doctor has) got to check it out and make sure he feels that would be a good thing. But I tell you what, I'm ready to get out of the cast. I'm thinking as soon as I can get back, I'll be back. Whatever week that is, whatever time that is. I'm hoping it's sooner than later. I'll find out more on Monday."
Heading into the game against the Steelers, the Bengals are happy to have back a healthy Tyler Eifert to pair with AJ Green and Marvin Jones. Now they simply need the run game to follow suit as both Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard have struggled with consistency this season. Hill has momentum after putting up 96 yards in the last week of the season. He got a majority of the touches which is expected to continue heading into Saturday's game.
