CINCINNATI – Andy Dalton fit a sideline throw between two defenders, dropping it just over the hand of the one in front. He made a pump-fake and hit A.J. Green for a 45-yard touchdown.
Virtually everything he did was right on the mark in the Cincinnati Bengals' season opener.
The third-year quarterback completed a career-best 78.7 percent of his passes during a 24-21 loss at Chicago on Sunday, one that came down to turnovers and defensive gaffes. It's an encouraging start for Dalton, who knows that the Bengals are looking for him to lead them to a third straight playoff appearance.
They'll get a good gauge on Monday night when Dalton goes against the Steelers, who have handled him in the past.
___
AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.