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Earlier today, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the Cincinnati Bengals are making a switch at quarterback. After starting 128-straight games, Andy Dalton’s streak will end and rookie QB Ryan Finley will begin his own starting streak. This is big news in itself as Dalton’s been the starter for the Bengals since 2011 but the disrespect from the franchise comes from the news releasing on Dalton’s 32nd birthday.
Sources: The #Bengals are making a QB change after the bye. Andy Dalton goes to the bench. Rookie Ryan Finley expected to start. More right now on @nflnetwork
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 29, 2019
Andy Dalton, who threw for 329 yards and a touchdown without any turnovers against the Rams on Sunday, turns 32 years old today. Not the happiest of birthdays. If the Bengals are done with him, maybe they can do him a favor and trade him before today’s deadline.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 29, 2019
According to Cincy Jungle’s Jason Marcum, this is, “one of the most shocking moves I can remember the Bengals ever making under Mike Brown.”
This means Finley’s first NFL start will be against the Baltimore Ravens coming out of their bye week, which means he’s going up against Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Peters and Earl Thomas—not exactly an easy task. That being said, some rookies get the benefit of not having film for the opposition to analyze, so Finley could surprise the secondary with some nice throws.
We’ll see what the future of Cincinnati holds, because right now they’re staring at an 0-16 season.