It’s becoming a familiar sight for Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor: preparing his team to face Andy Dalton, the former Bengals quarterback. Despite Dalton’s tour of different NFC teams over the past few years, he always seems to find his way back to a matchup with the Bengals.
Dalton’s journey since leaving Cincinnati has taken him to the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, the Chicago Bears in 2021, the New Orleans Saints in 2022, and now the Carolina Panthers in 2024. Four teams in four years, spanning three divisions, but the one constant is another reunion with his former team—stemming from his release by the Taylor-led Bengals after the 2019 season.
Dalton was Taylor’s first starting quarterback when he took over as head coach, though he only lasted 13 games that season before being benched in favor of Ryan Finley, Taylor’s first draft pick at QB. Five years later, Dalton is once again set to face his former coach and team, this time looking for his third win against the Bengals in a different jersey.
Despite the competitive stakes, Taylor holds nothing but respect for the quarterback who helped him navigate his early days as an NFL head coach.
“Total pro. I’ll always be grateful to Andy,” Taylor said when reflecting on his time with Dalton. “He led us through a very difficult time. Did it the right way, was always really good with me, giving me feedback, especially as a first-year head coach dealing with all the challenges that came that year.”
Zac Taylor grateful for the stability Andy Dalton brought in his first year in 2020. pic.twitter.com/2UxwVATS9A
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) September 25, 2024
Dalton had been the face of the Bengals franchise long before Taylor arrived, so it’s no surprise that the young head coach learned from his experienced QB. Even though Dalton’s time in Cincinnati ended with the Bengals drafting Joe Burrow in 2020, his legacy remains intact. Dalton, who still holds the franchise record for career touchdown passes, has since built a reputation as a reliable veteran, starting for multiple teams when needed.
Taylor isn’t shocked by Dalton’s ability to stay relevant in the league.
“I’m not surprised that he keeps getting opportunities and makes the most of them,” Taylor remarked. “The way he prepares, his talent, his experience—he’s seen it all. He’s played in so many different situations, and you’re not surprised to see him out there winning games, making big throws, and doing what he does best.”
Dalton’s latest impressive performance came just last week, when he led the Panthers to their first win of the season, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. It was a reminder that Dalton, even at this stage in his career, is still capable of delivering in high-pressure situations. His performance helped Carolina notch a victory, and now he’ll be looking to do the same against the Bengals, potentially deepening Cincinnati’s current struggles with a win that could drop Taylor’s team to 0-4.
For the Bengals, this game also brings echoes of the 2022 season, when Dalton—then with the Saints—faced off against his former team. Cincinnati pulled off a 30-26 win in New Orleans, a victory that became a key turning point in their eventual 10-game winning streak that propelled them into the playoffs. Ironically, that streak also featured a win against the Panthers, a team the Bengals hope to use as a similar spark this year.
As Taylor prepares for another reunion with his former quarterback, both teams find themselves in need of a victory. For Dalton, it’s another chance to prove himself against the franchise that gave him his start. For the Bengals, it’s an opportunity to avoid falling into an 0-4 hole and potentially kickstart their season—just like they did in 2022.