Week 4 QB projections • CIN Stats
QB Bruce Gradkowski, Cincinnati Bengals
HT: 6-2, WT: 210, Born: 1-27-1983, College: Toledo, Drafted: Round 6
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2011 Projections
| G | CMP | ATT | PYD | Y/A | PTD | INT | RSH | YD | Y/R | TD | FPT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Dodds | 9 | 25 | 47 | 286 | 6.1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 18 | 3.0 | 0 | 19 |
| Bob Henry | 6 | 92 | 165 | 1073 | 6.5 | 7 | 8 | 25 | 113 | 4.5 | 1 | 90 |
| Jason Wood | 6 | 109 | 200 | 1185 | 5.9 | 8 | 6 | 12 | 30 | 2.5 | 0 | 90 |
Best Case
Gradkowski has played in the NFL for six seasons now and brings some solid experience to the table. He will do a nice job of mentoring rookie Andy Dalton thanks to his time as a starting quarterback as a rookie in 2006 when he started eleven games for the Buccaneers. He is a born leader on the football team, having a nice confidence about him on the field. He works hard and will do a serviceable job with his skills
Worst Case
Unfortunately for Gradkowski, he does not have the size, arm strength or quick release to be an elite NFL quarterback. He also struggles with accuracy and is barely over 50% in his career. He never really progressed past his promising start as a rookie which is due to his limited physical abilities. His career yards per attempt of 5.7 is miserable and showcases that he doesn't have the talent to be a consistent game in and game out starter.
Outlook
The Bengals may want to ease Andy Dalton into action this season but Gradkowski is better served as a backup quarterback who can help the rookie from the sidelines. He will almost certainly see some action, maybe start the season at quarterback but he'll have to greatly exceed his career statistics to this date to keep the job from a talented youngster in Dalton.
Why he is a good deep sleeper pick
according to one of our writers --- go here for the complete articleMatt Waldman - The Gruden family has a man crush on Andy Dalton. I understand that Dalton is smart and aggressive. There's promise in his game even if I think there are more flaws than most analysts mention. I also expect Dalton get his bell rung more often in the AFC North than the one at the University of Georgia Chapel on North Campus during spring commencement. Gradkowski is smart, tough, mobile, and a leader. I think he'll be a great waiver wire substitute as a bye-week option capable of some low-end QB1 performances.
2011 Schedule
| Week | Opponent |
|---|---|
| 1 | at Cleveland Browns |
| 2 | at Denver Broncos |
| 3 | San Francisco 49ers |
| 4 | Buffalo Bills |
| 5 | at Jacksonville Jaguars |
| 6 | Indianapolis Colts |
| Bye week | |
| 8 | at Seattle Seahawks |
| 9 | at Tennessee Titans |
| 10 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 11 | at Baltimore Ravens |
| 12 | Cleveland Browns |
| 13 | at Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 14 | Houston Texans |
| 15 | at St. Louis Rams |
| 16 | Arizona Cardinals |
| 17 | Baltimore Ravens |
2011 Game Summaries
Week 1 - Bruce played the entire 2nd half and despite not being accurate he showed good leadership and also ability to manage the game and give the Bengals a chance to win which they did. His best play of the day was when he went with a hurry up while Cleveland was still getting their players set; then low an behold he finds A.J. Green all alone streaking up the right sideline for a huge touchdown as Joe Haden and the entire defense was caught with their pants down. That play turned the game back in their favor. Gradkowski is a capable back up and probably should be starting but the good news is he is ready to come in and take over if and when Andy Dalton is struggling or is injured as he was today.