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Based off his recent early-season history, he should have another solid game at Baltimore today, helping beef up the numbers that currently have him and his Bengals teammates sitting near the top of the NFL's overall standings.
For the second straight year, the quarterback is going into the Bengals' third game of the year pick-free and sack-free. Dalton at this very early stage is looking every bit as efficient as he did some 365 days ago.
What makes this happen? Why does it seem Dalton plays better right at the beginning of each season?
"It's just preparation," Dalton said. "I understand what we're doing, what we're facing and the time I put in."
That's not all, though.
According to Harvey, part of the reason it seems Dalton plays better through the first three weeks of a season is because the Bengals as a whole have a knack for winning at a season's beginning.
According to ESPN Stats & Information, they have an 8-4 combined record through their first three games of each of Dalton's first four seasons in the league. That works to a 66.7 winning percentage. If the Bengals win Sunday's game at Baltimore to go 3-0, that percentage increases to 73.3 percent.
Alternatively, in Weeks 4-17 of Dalton's first four seasons, the Bengals have a 62.5 winning percentage. As those seasons wore on, his teams wore down just a bit. So what really lies at the heart of Dalton's perceived early-season success is the fact his teams have been generally winning. Such strong starts are traits of a Marvin Lewis-coached team. Since 2003 when Lewis became Cincinnati's head coach, the Bengals have a 57.1 winning percentage in the month of September, their second-most successful month behind November at 59.4 percent.
What made last season's 3-0 start rather amazing was that it came despite the Bengals having serious health issues on offense. It was going into Week 2 last season when Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Green suffered a toe injury that started to alter the Bengals' passing game. Marvin Jones and Tyler Eifert were already out with injuries that ultimately sidelined them for the whole year. Before too long, Mohamed Sanu became Cincinnati's No. 1 passing option. Thanks to the Bengals' relative health so for this season, Sanu has been their least productive of the primary pass-catchers.
The Bengals are thankful Dalton hasn't had to contend with those health issues so far. If their receivers and running backs can stay healthy, perhaps Dalton's typical fast start can extend a little deeper into this season.
Dalton's ability to limit turnovers and avoid sacks have contributed to his early success, too. His line has protected well and he's made smart decisions with respect to throwing the ball away.
Dalton has yet to be sacked through two games. And with Baltimore OLB Terrell Suggs out with a torn Achilles, the Bengals quarterback hopes to remain upright for a third straight week.