Dalton League Leading Post/Corner Route QB

[*SHRacerX*]

(03-21-2017, 10:34 AM)Fan_in_Kettering Wrote: This is one of the best posts I've seen on this board because it's completely true. If Tom Brady and Andy Dalton had switched teams in 2016 I can't see the final results being much different.  Whether Andy Dalton could have led the Patriots through the playoffs to a Super Bowl win is legitimately debatable but I want to concentrate on what Tom Brady would have experienced in Cincinnati.  

Because of their offensive line under the brilliant Dante Scarnecchia, New England has every play in their playbook open to them.  The Patriots run block well, pass block well, hit secondary blocks well, and they don't do anything badly.  Does their line hold a lot?  Yes, but not as egregiously badly as Pittsburgh!  Andy Dalton would be dangerous behind that line because when he has sufficient time to throw he's among the best in the league.

Now let's put Tom Brady behind the Cincinnati line from last season.  When a line lacks fundamental skills, the entire playbook is not open.  In fact, the type of plays a team can run become very limited.  Is Tom Brady mobile?  Not really?  Is he a threat to run?  Not really.  Is he the best at bouncing around in the pocket awaiting a receiver to get open?  Yes he is -- and this time he needs would not be allowed by the sieve-like line play we saw from the Bengals in 2016.  He would become a crash test dummy.

Dead on.  I know you (and now I) will get a crap-ton of grief for such a statement, but it is 100% accurate.  Dalton was amazing last year with what he had to deal with.  I can't wait to see what he does with a vertical threat like Ross and a better RB than Hill. The offensive line was much improved by benching Ced, but it was too late and alot of their weapons were out injured. 

I am excited for this draft, and although it had a really bad start, FA has picked up steam with the acquisitions of Minter and Smith.  

Dalton will be an MVP candidate next year.  Mark my words.