Here’s everything Zac Taylor had to say about decision to bench Andy Dalton

The Cincinnati Bengals announced the decision to bench Andy Dalton for rookie Ryan Finley on the Tuesday of the trade deadline.

Given that the news seemingly leaked out, the Bengals bumped up a Zac Taylor press conference to 2:30. There, the head coach revealed he informed both Dalton and Finley of the decision Tuesday and besides telling each positional group, also had a sit-down with A.J. Green. He also provided some insight into the team’s direction:

Keep in mind the press conference went down before the 4 p.m. ET trade deadline. Here are some of the most notable clips from the event:

Zac on switch: not an easy decision. Furthest thing from truth is QB at fault. Andy has represented the franchise in best way possible

— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) October 29, 2019

Zac Taylor on Andy Dalton decision: Not an easy day, not an easy decision, but it was my decision.

It's not just a one game change. We need to see him over multiple games. No set timetable of how many games Finley will play.

— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) October 29, 2019

Zac Taylor: It was my decision. At bye week, felt like with bye week now was the time.

— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) October 29, 2019

Zac: We’re not 0-8 because of Andy. His sense is the move doesn’t impact Green’s timetable for return

— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) October 29, 2019

Zac Taylor on his conversation with Andy Dalton: “He took it as a professional… He’s about the right stuff and he’ll help us win football games.” Added he expects Dalton to help Finley in any way he can.

— Marisa Contipelli (@BengalsMarisa) October 29, 2019

Zac Taylor said A.J. Green was one of the few guys he spoke to one-on-one about the move at quarterback and said A.J. understands and respects the decision. #Bengals

— Marisa Contipelli (@BengalsMarisa) October 29, 2019

Bengals coach Zac Taylor said the plan is to win as many games as possible in 2019, regardless of how it affects the 2020 draft pick.

— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) October 29, 2019

Taylor: “Ryan (Finley) has put in a lot of extra time this first 8 weeks, like any backup quarterback does… Everything I’ve seen from him shows us that he can handle it.” #Bengals

— Marisa Contipelli (@BengalsMarisa) October 29, 2019

We wanted to get this done since we have practice tomorrow. Nothing to do with trade deadline.

— Keenan Singleton (@KJMSingleton) October 29, 2019