Person of Interest: Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton

A closer look at Cincinnati's Andy Dalton, a player the Seahawks almost drafted in 2011 and a quarterback who is playing at an elite level in his fifth season.

BY DANNY O

Oct 9, 2015, 8:07 AM Updated: 8:22 am

Follow on Google News

Andy Dalton has thrown nine touchdowns to one pick and has a 123.0 passer rating through four games. (AP)

(AP)

Vitals

• Position: Certified ginger and the best active QB never to have won a playoff game
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 216
• Age: 27
• Experience: Fifth season

The storyline

He is the path not traveled for the Seahawks. The quarterback who was on the board when Seattle was on the clock with the 25th selection of the 2011 draft and someone the Seahawks passed on picking, choosing offensive tackle James Carpenter instead.

The Bengals chose Dalton No. 35 overall, and all he has done is lead Cincinnati into the playoffs in each of his four seasons in the league. He has, however, failed to win a playoff game, which is the one thing that keeps those who cover the NFL from inviting Dalton to sit at the grown-ups table for elite quarterbacks.

That might change this year. After four games, Dalton has the second-best quarterback rating of all starters in the NFL at 123.0. His holiness Aaron Rodgers is the only quarterback with a better ranking. Dalton has passed for nine touchdowns while being picked off once, and Matt Ryan and Philip Rivers are the only two players in the NFL to pass for more yards this season.

The statement

Defense has long been considered the bedrock of any Bengals success under coach Marvin Lewis, who’s in his 13th season. That has changed this year with Dalton, receiver A.J. Green and the double play of Gio Bernard and Jeremy Hill at running back not to mention tight end Tyler Eifert.

This is an offense built around big plays as evidenced by the fact Dalton has completed 20 passes of 20 yards or more this season, tied for the most in the NFL.

“They’re bold,” coach Pete Carroll said of Cincinnati’s offense. “They’ve been taking their shots with guys across the board that can make plays.”

That puts Cincinnati in the teeth of the Seahawks’ defensive strength. In the two games since strong safety Kam Chancellor returned, the Seahawks have given up a total of three completions of 20 yards or more.

Dalton has been sacked just twice this season, and keeping him from having time to look down-field might be Seattle’s ticket to success in this game.