Dalton, offense let Bengals down again in playoffs, main area for concern in offseason

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton walks off the field after losing 19-13 against the Houston Texans at an NFL wild card playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (The Associated Press)

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton watches action against the Houston Texans on a video scoreboard during the fourth quarter of an NFL wild card playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (The Associated Press)

The defense was playoff-worthy for most of the season. Andy Dalton and the offense fell apart in the biggest moments. And the Bengals ended what appeared to be a breakthrough season with a familiar heartbreak.

Still no playoff victory in 22 years, the seventh-longest streak in NFL history.

Dalton and the offense imploded again during a 19-13 loss in Houston on Saturday, the second straight year that they did little or nothing in a first-round game against the Texans.

Dalton has led the Bengals to back-to-back playoff appearances, which is no small feat. But he's been a disappointment in the postseason, throwing for only 384 yards with no touchdowns and four interceptions.

Cincinnati has to decide what to do with its offense in the offseason.

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