Andy Dalton doesn't live in a bubble. The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback is aware of the debate about his arm strength, but it won't shake his confidence after last season's successful rookie campaign.
"I'm comfortable with (my arm strength)," Dalton told The Cincinnati Enquirer this week. "Everyone knows what they are going to get out of me. I don't think it held us back last year and I don't think it is going to hold me back in my career. Arm strength is one thing, there's a lot to throwing. It's timing, consistency and making sure everyone is on the same page. I'm going to keep working but I don't think arm strength is an issue."
NFL Films producer Greg Cosell told Yahoo's Shutdown Corner Podcast last week that people inside the Bengals organization have "a few doubts" about Dalton's ceiling.
Dalton is rarely mistaken for one of the league's cannon arms, but offensive coordinator Jay Grudenissued a vote of confidence for his young quarterback after Cosell's comments swept the Internet. Gruden stated that Dalton can make all the throws in the team's precision-matchup scheme. If concerns exist inside the building, Dalton also benefits from a core of support after so capably taking over for Carson Palmer.
It doesn't change the current plan: The Bengals are moving forward with Dalton under center. His arm will be scrutinized, but his work so far remains impressive in Cincinnati.
