This initially seemed set to be a quiet bye week for the Cincinnati Bengals. Not making any trades before Tuesday’s deadline as expected. However, veteran quarterback Andy Dalton’s benching on Tuesday rumbled the quiet jungle.

Being benched presents Andy Dalton with a significant challenge. One he never really faced in a significant way before this week. Having his job security as the Bengals franchise quarterback challenged. Until now, Dalton has gone through his entire career without that status in doubt. Thus producing a perception that he’s growing complacent under center.

Dalton being benched could produce the motivational kick he needs. To be less predictable, more accurate and quick on his feet. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor could also use this as a motivational moment. Something he and the Bengals need after their 0-8 start. This is the most bold step taken by the Bengals since Taylor’s hiring.

This decision highlights a problem with how Cincinnati approached this past offseason. Sure, the Bengals hired a new head coach and staff. Aside from that, they didn’t do much to improve their roster. The first half of the season is the consequence of that. Halfway through, the Bengals mostly perform like they did last season.

Benching Dalton doesn’t solve that issue in a massive way. Though trading Dalton and others on Tuesday wasn’t going to solve this either. Cincinnati made this decision with the trade deadline looming. Ultimately holding to the expectation that they wouldn’t trade anyone. Making the trades some hoped for weren’t going to fully fix the Bengals issues. Trading Dalton or A.J. Green wasn’t going to fix the Bengals offense. Their offensive problems extend collectively to their offensive line.

Still winless, the Bengals couldn’t stand by and do nothing. Being one loss from a losing season is no time for the status quo. That’s the ultimate reason why this move was made. They needed to find some way to provide a joint to an otherwise lethargic team. While it’s a start, benching Dalton might not do this.

Whether this begins the end of Dalton’s Bengals career is a different story. Week 10 starting rookie quarterback Ryan Finley could be surprisingly effective. Dalton becomes an unrestricted free agent after the 2020 season. His go-to wide receiver A.J. Green is an unrestricted free agent after this season. Bengals owner Mike Brown typically likes to stick to the terms of a contract. Perhaps Dalton gets effectively shuffled out after 2020 if Green leaves. Just as Jon Kitna was after Cincinnati drafted Carson Palmer in 2003.