AJ McCarron Becomes First Alabama QB to Win NFL Game Since 1987
AJ McCarron accomplished something on Sunday that no Alabama quarterback had done in nearly 30 years when he led the Bengals to a win over the 49ers.
The victory marked the first for a former Crimson Tide quarterback since Jeff Rutledge guided the New York Giants to a 20-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in 1987. Since that time, Alabama signal-callers had lost 13 straight starts until Sunday.
McCarron made his first career NFL start after Andy Dalton broke his thumb in last week's game. He finished the game with 192 passing yards and completed 15 of his 21 passes. His second-quarter touchdown throw to Tyler Kroft would ultimately be the difference in the 24-14 win.
With the victory, the Bengals clinched a playoff spot and will have the opportunity to claim the AFC North next week. McCarron will make his second-consecutive start on the road against the top team in the AFC West, Denver.