Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton has thrown three interceptions but scored a rushing touchdown during a mixed first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers are leading 10-7 at half time, though it is Dalton who has been at the centre of the action.
Things started awfully for the Bengals, who turned over possession within the first 10 seconds. Dalton's pass downfield was picked off by Johnthan Banks, who ran it back all the way to inside the Bengals 10.
Despite the gain of ground and red zone opportunity, the Buccaneers had to settle for a Patrick Murray field goal to take the lead.
It quickly became a match where defenses looked to get on top, with both sides struggling for yardage. When Tampa attacked at the beginning of the second quarter, they finally reached the endzone via Doug Martin's seven-yard run.
The Bengals picked things up during their next series and found themselves deep in Bucs territory. However, Dalton tried to force the pass to AJ Green, instead throwing his second pick of the day, straight into the welcoming hands of Brandon Dixon.
Dalton almost lost the ball when the Bengals next got to the red zone, with a risky shovel pass almost intercepted. The quarterback opted against a pass on the next play, instead rushing for six yards himself to register his team's first points of the day.
Following the score, the Bengals were forced into hurry-up offense on their next drive, leading to Dalton's third throw into Tampa hands before the break.
Joe McPhee
