The Red Rifle

This was an essay I wrote for school earlier this year. Sorry about my absences and lack of posts, high school has brought new friends, but also tremendous amounts of  homework. Thanks for those who will actually read this post. Please post a comment if you agree or disagree with me. Thanks again!
    

     The NFL has become a passing league over the years, and as a result, the value a franchise quarterback has to a team has skyrocketed. Today, a quarterback must be durable, accurate, a powerful arm, an offense to fit his talents, and a good character and leadership skills. Andy Dalton, the Bengals’ second round pick in the 2011 NFL draft, has a chance to be that kind of quarterback.

       This year, Dalton has essentially found himself inside a ‘perfect storm.’ He has talented receivers to throw to, particularly first round pick A.J. Green, and three year veteran Jerome Simpson, along with tight end Jermaine Gresham, which will make his transition from a college phenom to an NFL rookie much easier than draft bust Jimmy Clausen’s was. He also has an offensive coordinator, Jim Gruden, who has designed an offense to fit his skill set. Gruden ran a West Coast offense in the United Football League, his systems stressing a versatile running back and a very accurate quarterback. Cedric Benson fits the mold in the backfield, and Dalton, whose career completion percentage at Texas Christian University was over 64%, can make all the throws necessary. As a result of his ability to make decisions in a pro-style offense and his aforementioned accuracy, some scouts labeled him the most developed quarterback in the draft. 

     He also has all the intangibles necessary to become a role model, something other quarterbacks like Peyton Manning or Drew Brees, both devout Christians, have become. Dalton started a prayer group in college, and his coaches have stated that he is a brilliant leader in the huddle. He was also a winner, something no coach can teach, for he ranks among the top three in total wins as a starter in NCAA history.  For these reasons, sports columnist Peter King called him “the Drew Brees of the 2011 NFL Draft.” If this statement is true, Dalton will be throwing for 4,000 yards annually. Dalton also gets to be the starting quarterback for a perennial loser, the Bengals, so there is not as much pressure as there was for Mark Sanchez of the New York Jets when he was drafted.

     Because of the traits he has, it is believed that Andy Dalton will be a successful NFL quarterback and eventually he and A.J Green will lead the Bengals to the playoffs once again.  

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