Carson Palmer's era may be over as Bengals draft QB Andy Dalton

Andy Dalton had an inkling of weeks ago that he would wind up with the Cincinnati Bengals. By Robert Hanashiro, USA today

Former quarterback Andy Dalton TCU Horned Frogs might find himself starting this season for the Bengals.

By Robert Hanashiro, USA today

Former quarterback Andy Dalton TCU Horned Frogs might find himself starting this season for the Bengals.

The day before moving on to Trapani at the combine, the new Bengals quarterback TCU offensive coordinator met Jay Gruden. "It was like, ' go ahead and throw a couple in the dirt, tomorrow, so no one else you like, "Dalton said Friday night after the Bengals took him with the third pick of the second round, 35th overall."So I heard that he liked me and I knew that there was always a possibility. But once I got that phone call, I was very excited. "Arrival of Dalton, paired with a selection first round Thursday night dynamic Georgia receiver A.J. Green, further signals new era for the Bengals offense. Carson Palmer, the incumbent starting quarterback coming off a mediocre season, threatened to retire if he isn't traded.Now his replacement seems to be okay. "Everyone says that he is not coming back, "Dalton said of Palmer. "But I can't worry about it. I just come in and learn as much as possible as quickly as possible. "Bengals coach Marvin Lewis would not waste any time proclaiming its expectation that Dalton, who led the horned frogs to an undefeated season and Rose Bowl victory and was 42-7 during his college, will start as a rookie. " I feel really confident, "said Lewis. "I think this is what really drew us. We felt that it was quite mature and ready to handle the situation. "Gruden, who is installing a West Coast offense, believes that Dalton, 6-2, 215, is the most accurate quarterback in the draft and ready. After four quarterbacks within the first 12 picks Thursday, Dalton was the fifth passer drafted — a slot before the San Francisco 49ers took Colin Kaepernick. Physically Nevada quarterback, maybe not in the project has a stronger arm than Ryan Mallettsuch as the New England Patriots drafted in the third round, 74th overall. But the Bengals were attracted by the arm Mallett. Not compared to the skills of Dalton and apparent NFL ready. Dalton completed 66% of his passes last season, with a ratio of TD to INT 27-6. "For what I imagine," Gruden said, "I think that Andy is the best fit."With his new team by using their first two picks on their quarterback-receiver tandem of the future, Dalton Gets the message.Dalton said, "makes me think they're trying to get better on offense and trying to attack the people."This aggressiveness is also reflected with the calendar of Dalton. But with the uncertain situation of Palmer, Gruden wanted a player to make a quick transition to the lineup.That is a tall order for a rookie, especially inside the Division contains two of the NFL's best defenses. Dalton — which ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer rated readiest NFL quarterback in the draft — can look forward to playing at the end the twice a year against the Pittsburgh Steelers and complex zone-Blitz Coordinator Dick LeBeau and Baltimore Ravens still defense led by Ray Lewis. During the mietitrebbiaGruden asked Dalton"what you want to come to the NFL and being a backup copy and learn for three years, or you're ready to start in six months?"The answer most sold Gruden, who had already fallen in love with what he calls the "anticipation" precision passes thrown before making their final breaks receivers. "He said: "now I'm ready. Let's go, ' "Recalls Gruden."That is his mentality. "Still, Gruden, younger brother of ESPN analyst Jon Gruden, who is worried that his plan would be counterproductive if another team drafted Dalton. The team had extensive contact with Dalton during the process while, at one point, giving it a mini-playbook. Last Friday, the Bengals put Dalton through another private workout TCU campus. "I was nervous the last couple of days," Gruden said. "I've been a big fan of Andy since I started this process of evaluation. I was holding my breath. "Dalton, who huddled together eligible for the draft to her parents ' House in Katy, Texas, seemed bewildered by the drama of the draft. In this regard, it has lived up to its reputation as a cool customer.He said that wasn't even disappointed that it wasn't a first round pick. "I'm happy for all those other guys that I took, "said Dalton. "But God has a plan for me and Cincinnati was in the right place."It was a long day yesterday, "he added on Thursday," but I'm glad that today was quick. "Nerves are definitely in for Dalton further testing. Not only does he have a new job and moves to a new city, but you'll also get married on 9 July so it seemed fitting that the day that the Bengals Dalton tabbed as their quarterback of the futureHe and his finance watched the Royal Wedding by Great Britain For more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ. To report corrections and clarifications, contact standards Editor Brent Jones. 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