It's hard to even call it a quarterback change. The same QB that's started in each of the past four games will run out there again -- his name is Andy Dalton.
When he first took over the role against the Vikings in London, still as a backup, his coaches told him to "expect to play until you hear something different."
So far, what he's heard can be summarized with: Keep doing what you're doing.
"I feel like I'm in a good place with everybody," Dalton said. "We feel like we've been in a good rhythm. And we've been able to do some do some good things."
The 35-year-old is starting for his fourth team in as many seasons, with head coach Dennis Allen affirming his role as the QB1 beginning in Week 8. But his mentality won't change, simply his location on the depth chart.
Allen pointed to the offensive successes of the past four weeks that have the Saints sitting in the top-10 of scoring and top-5 of yards gained. He doesn't consider the back-to-back pick-6s that helped swing the game in Arizona to be on the quarterback. One came after it hit his WRs hands, the other came after Dalton was hit in the pocket.
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The quarterback would concur. He points to an offense that has found a good balance between the run and the pass and has been efficient and effective converting third downs. Mistakes have to be cleaned up, and that's been a major factor in a 2-5 start, and red zone efficiency has to improve.
In all, Dalton has completed 83 of his 131 passes for 946 yards and 7 TDs against 4 interceptions. His head coach did leave the door open for Winston with the caveat that the starting QB question will remain answered as long as the production remains. If things go stagnant, we could be right back at the same question.
Winston has been battling back and ankle injuries, but Allen said he'd be healthy enough to play and has been a full participant in practice.
If all goes to plan, Dalton is hopeful it's not just a one off. That was the case with the Cowboys in 2020 when he took over after Dak Prescott went down with an injury. It was the case in 2021 with the Bears as he effectively served as a bridge to rookie Justin Fields.
Engineering a turnaround in New Orleans could help cement a Dalton-led offense for more than a handful of regular season games. But he'll let that sort itself out, and it's going to have to start with winning football games.
"I think that's one thing for me when you're in this position, you know, the biggest thing you can ask for is an opportunity. And, you know, fortunately, I have one here," Dalton said. "And so I'm not focused on what this could mean, and what what could go on. That's all going to take care of itself. Whenever that time comes. ... I'm just trying to enjoy the moment and be present where I'm at."
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