Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton has admitted that he listens to his critics as he gears up for the new campaign.

The 27-year-old was signed by the Bengals in 2011, but he has failed to guide the team past the wildcard round in the playoffs and has been heavily criticised by Bengals fans.

He told ESPN: "I hear it just because it's hard not to. I'm sure you know, but I can post a picture on my Instagram and all it's about is different stuff.

"As much as I want to say I don't look at it and I don't see it, with the world today, it's hard not to see stuff. And a lot of stuff that's said, you can look at it and it could be an eighth grader or something.

"People can hide behind a computer screen and it's the same person that's coming up wanting my autograph. So it is what it is."

The Bengals open their season against the Oakland Raiders.