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Former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron wants more in year three at Cincinnati

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (No. 5) celebrates TD with WR Alex Erickson: Aaron Doster - USA TODAY Sports

Andy Dalton got the start at quarterback for Cincinnati in Friday’s preseason opener against Minnesota, but it was third-year man AJ McCarron who received the most reps under center.

He executed a two-minute drill offense late in the second quarter, guiding the Bengals on a 54-yard drive (five plays) that ended on a three-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Alex Erickson.

McCarron, who accounted for Cincinnati’s lone touchdown, completed 11 of 16 passes for 125 yards and a score. Despite a 17-16 loss to Minnesota, McCarron has proven that he can run the offense when needed. After missing the 2014 season (shoulder), he came off the bench in 2015 and filled in admirably for Dalton—who sustained a thumb injury in Week 13 against Pittsburgh.

The former Alabama standout and three-time national champion accounted for 854 passing yards with six touchdowns to two interceptions. He posted a 66.7 percent completion rating, while having an overall passer rating of 97.1 through seven games last year. He became the first ex-Tide quarterback to start in an NFL playoff game since Richard Todd (New York Jets, 1981). Now as husband, father and football player, McCarron eyes more of an opportunity to shine in Cincinnati.

Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama MagazineYou can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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