Andy Dalton made his NFL debut on September 11, 2011, at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Prior to being dubbed “The Red Rifle,” Dalton began earning the nickname. His first three professional drives resulted in 13 points for the Bengals. He tossed his first career touchdown with 2:22 left in the first quarter; a two-yard toss to tight end Jermaine Gresham.
A hand injury shortened Dalton’s debut. Bruce Gradkowski came in to rally Cincinnati to a 27-17 victory that day with a 41-yard touchdown to AJ Green (his first NFL catch).