Bengals QB AJ McCarron preparing for 1st National Football League start

The Steelers were steamed at Vontaze Burfict for injuring All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell in the first meeting between the two teams at Heinz Field. Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson told the Cincinnati Enquirer as much, stressing that the Bengals’ offense will look the same with McCarron as it did with Dalton, whether that means beating teams on the ground or through the air. Hurt by the time of possession – Pittsburgh held an 11-minute advantage – and a poor showing on third down (8-for-14), Cincinnati’s defense still played the Steelers tougher than other teams had in recent weeks. Bengals fans headed for the exits after Robert Golden picked off McCarron with 5:14 to go, leaving Steelers fans to twirl their Terrible Towels in celebration as Pittsburgh scored a clinching touchdown.

“That game – it was grimy out there”, Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier said.

This after tackle Marcus Gilbert wrote Monday on Twitter, “All I want for Christmas is the Bengals”. McCourty is not expected to miss the playoffs.

Spring forward to this past Sunday.

NEW LEVEL OF NASTINESS: There was trash talk after the Bengals’ 16-10 win in Pittsburgh on November 1 that intensified in the week leading up to this game and carried over to the field.

Let’s take a 2nd to mourn the potential lack of the fantasy-friendly Cincinnati Bengals offense. Although many analysts are writing the Bengals off, they’re going full speed ahead with McCarron. The Steelers continue to create turnovers and keep opposing offenses out of the end zone.

Then Lucy had to come and pull the football out once again.

Dalton’s teammate and superstar tight end this year, Tyler Eifert, is also on the injury report, though his injury is a concussion. One of the more telling comments McCarron repeated after his 280-yard, two-touchdown, two-interception effort Sunday was that he’s “going to play better”.

McCarron has a stout defense.

Perhaps it’s visions of grandeur, but McCarron compares his situation to New England’s Tom Brady rescuing the Patriots after an injury to Drew Bledsoe.

McCarron didn’t play last season while working through a shoulder ailment. The Bengals are greater than 99 percent likely to reach the postseason regardless of who is starting at quarterback but their chance of winning the division decrease from 92.6 percent to 84.8 percent. Dalton said he wasn’t immediately aware of the extent of his injury.

Mallett could enter next season as Flacco’s backup. The San Francisco defense is allowing 24.2 points and 401.7 yards with nine interceptions, 22 sacks, and four fumble recoveries.

The 2015 Bengals are hoping this is not a sign of things to come for them.

Somehow, the Panthers don’t seem too bothered. With Russell Wilson on a tear, the Seahawks wideout has eight touchdown catches in three games.

“It’s unfortunate that it happened at this point in the season”, Dalton said. They’re one of the more balanced teams in the playoff picture.

Head coach Marv Lewis said an examination and tests revealed the fifth-year quarterback does not require surgery on the thumb he fractured on his right throwing hand in a loss to Pittsburgh. But in the National Football League, anything is possible – except perhaps, the 49ers organization functioning with any bit of sense, but I digress.

However, Dalton does not need surgery, and it’s possible he could return for the playoffs in January.

The fact is that the Bengals should not yet concede this season as lost. I try to target a handful of players who might not have gotten the accolades they deserve, so I give it to them here.