The Andy Dalton era is over in Cincinnati, as rookie quarterback Ryan Finley got the start during the Bengals' blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens this past week.
Finley's debut wasn't exactly pretty, as he completed just 16 of his 30 throws for 167 yards, a touchdown, an interception and a fumble in a 49-13 loss, but the youngster says he thinks it was a good learning experience and that the team can build from it going forward.
“I thought we had a really good plan in place,” said Finley, according to Tyler Dragon of The Cincinnati Enquirer. “Our time of possession was good. We had some really good drives. The coaches had me, personally, ready. I felt good. I thought we had good juice, good energy. So, we have a lot to build on.”
Of course, it's going to be hard for Bengals fans to see any positive this season.
Cincinnati is an NFL-worst 0-9, and while the club has actually lost a bunch of close games throughout the year, it's clear that they are light years away from contending for anything.
But the Bengals are hoping they have something in Finley, whom they drafted in the fourth round back in April.
The 24-year-old began his collegiate football at Boise State but transferred to North Carolina State after having played only scarcely during his freshman and sophomore campaigns.
He was able to gain an extra year of eligibility and spent three years with the Wolfpack, posting middling results.
During his final NCAA season, Finley threw for 3,928 yards, 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 67.4 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 148.
Follow Us
Subscribe