IRVING, Texas — Andy Dalton was thriving, producing by far the best season of his five-year NFL career. The Cincinnati Bengals were cruising, putting themselves in prime position to finally register that first win in the playoffs since the 1990 postseason.
Then came the game against Pittsburgh on Dec. 13, the interception Dalton threw in the first quarter and his fateful contribution to the tackle that stopped Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt.
Dalton's thumb on his throwing hand was broken.
The Bengals and their Super Bowl goal were still intact, but with major collateral damage.