History of the Cincinnati Bengals
Encyclopedia
This article details the history of the Cincinnati Bengals
American football club.
a Cincinnati-based ownership group led by Paul Brown
was granted a franchise in the American Football League
.
As the founder and head coach of the Cleveland Browns
from 1946
to 1962
, Brown led his team to a .759 winning percentage and seven championships, which includes four championships earned while a member of the All-America Football Conference
. The Browns were champions of that league in each of the four years it existed. When the AAFC folded after the 1949 season, the Browns, as well as the San Francisco 49ers
and the first incarnation of the Baltimore Colts
, were absorbed into the National Football League.
Brown became a recognized innovator for his approach to training, game planning, and the passing game. However, Brown sold majority interest in the team in 1961
to businessman Art Modell
. On January 9, 1963, Modell controversially fired Brown. Many believe that Modell had tired of complaints of Brown's autocratic
style; others claim it was Brown's decision to trade for Syracuse University's
Heisman Trophy
-winning running back Ernie Davis
, who was drafted by the Washington Redskins
, without Modell's knowledge. However, tragically, Davis was diagnosed with leukemia
shortly afterward. Brown didn't want to play Davis; Modell insisted he could play. The relationship between Paul Brown and Art Modell, which was never warm to begin with, deteriorated further. Davis died on May 18, 1963.
By 1966
, Paul Brown wanted to become involved in professional football again. James A. Rhodes, then the governor of Ohio, convinced Brown that Ohio needed a second team. Cincinnati was deemed the logical choice, in essence, splitting the state.
Brown named the team the Bengals in order "to give it a link with past professional football in Cincinnati." http://www.cincinnatibengals.com/team/history.asp Another Bengals team existed in the city and played in a previous American Football League from 1937
to 1942. Possibly as an insult to Art Modell, Paul Brown chose the exact shade of orange used by his former team. He added black as the secondary color. Brown chose a very simple logo: the word "BENGALS" in black lettering. Ironically, one of the potential helmet designs Brown rejected was a striped motif that was similar to the one featuring the "varicose pumpkin" helmets adopted by the team in 1981
and which is still in use to this day; however, that design featured orange stripes on a black helmet which were more uniform in width.
However, Brown was not a supporter of the rival American Football League
, stating that "I didn't pay ten million dollars to be in the AFL", http://www.conigliofamily.com/PaulBrown.htm. He only acquiesced to joining the AFL when he was guaranteed that the team would become an NFL franchise after the impending merger of the two leagues
.
There was also a complication: the Major League Baseball
Cincinnati Reds
were in need of a facility to replace the antiquated, obsolete Crosley Field
, which they had used since 1912
. Parking nightmares had plagued the city as far back as the 1950s, the little park lacked modern amenities, and New York City
, which after 1957
had lost both their National League
teams, the Dodgers
and the Giants
to Los Angeles
and San Francisco, respectively, was actively courting Powel Crosley. However, Crosley was adamant that the Reds remain in Cincinnati and tolerated worsening problems with the Crosley Field location, which were increased with the Millcreek Expressway (I-75) project that ran alongside the park.
With assistance from Ohio governor James A. Rhodes, Hamilton County
and the Cincinnati city council agreed to build a single multi-purpose facility on the dilapidated riverfront section of the city. The new facility had to be ready by the opening of the 1970 NFL season
and was officially named Riverfront Stadium, which was its working title.
With the completion of the merger in 1970, the Cleveland Browns were moved to the AFL-based American Football Conference
and placed in the AFC Central, the same division as the Bengals. An instant rivalry
was born, fueled initially by Paul Brown's rivalry with Art Modell.
For their first two seasons, they played at Nippert Stadium
which is the current home of the University of Cincinnati Bearcats
. The team finished its first season with a 3-11 record, although one bright spot was running back Paul Robinson
. Robinson rushed for 1,023 yards and was named the AFL Rookie of the Year.
coached the team for its first three seasons, accumulating 15 wins and 27 losses and one tie. One of Brown’s college draft stategies was to draft players with above average intelligence. Punter/wide receiver Pat McInally
attended Harvard, and linebacker
Reggie Williams attended Dartmouth College
and served on Cincinnati city council while on the Bengals’ roster. Because of this policy, many former players were highly articulate and went on to have successful careers in commentary and broadcasting
as well as the arts. In addition, Brown had a knack for locating and recognizing pro football talent in unusual places.
, the Bengals moved to play at Riverfront Stadium, a home they shared with the Cincinnati Reds
until the team moved to Paul Brown Stadium
in 2000
.
, but was reported to still influence the daily operations of the team. Shortly after his passing, the Bengals' fortunes changed for the worse for a long time.
, the Oilers/Titans team was moved from the division, and the Baltimore Ravens are considered a "new" franchise as Cleveland retained its rights to the name and history). While the Bengals were in the midst of a terrible decade the intensity of the rivalries tapered off.
lost his job as head coach after winning just two games throughout the 2002 season. LeBeau went 12-33 as head coach. His last season was a franchise worst 2-14 and had the worst winning percentage of all non-interim Bengal coaches of 26.67%. He returned to Pittsburgh as the defensive coordinator.
Current head coach Marvin Lewis
won 8 and lost 8 in both the 2003 and 2004 seasons. He secured the 1st winning season (11–5) for the Bengal's franchise since 1991–92 playoff. He has introduced season "themes", from "Do Your Job" in 2004–05 to "Keep on Digging" 2003–04.
AFC Wild-Card Round
This year neither team's home field advantage proved advantageous. In the series the home team lost every game. The Steelers defeated the Bengals in the wild-card playoff game, 31–17.
Paul Brown Stadium
was built for the 2000 season using private and public money. In tribute to his father, Mike Brown refused corporate offers to have the stadium renamed for their company which became a trend in the NFL and other sports team around that time.
During the 2005 season
, the Bengals
became known for their players' off-field and non-football related violations of league substance policies and legal troubles.
). During the offseason the Bengals made very few free-agent acquisitions and a large number of drafted players (or new ones to the team) were not positioned as starters which is considered a sign of an established team instead of one in the midst of rebuilding (as there was considerable player turnover in the first few years under Lewis). There were concerns about many players' personal legal troubles which kept them in the news but one of the biggest concerns was Carson Palmer's ability to rebound from the serious knee injury he suffered in the playoffs to Pittsburgh.
As the preparations were being made for the season, the Bengals went undefeated at 4-0 for the first time in preseason games and went on to win their first three games, including winning the first two intradivision games versus the Cleveland Browns
and Pittsburgh Steelers
. The team lost quite a few players of value during these first weeks, due to injury or suspension causing many of the rookies, originally not intended to start, into starting roles. In the fourth week, Cincinnati lost a one-sided game to the New England Patriots
at home.
Coming out of their early bye, the team went to Tampa, Florida to face the winless Buccaneers
and went home with a 13–14 loss. In week seven, the Bengals would face the Carolina Panthers
at home, managing the win. Cincinnati went on to lose their next three games against the Atlanta Falcons
, Baltimore Ravens
, and San Diego Chargers
. During the San Diego game, however, the team had a memorable offensive experience. Carson Palmer threw for a career-high 440 passing yards. Chad Johnson also set a franchise record of 260 receiving yards in a single game.
The team went to New Orleans
in week 11 to face the Saints and ended their losing streak. Chad Johnson had 190 receiving yards in that game, along with 3 touchdowns. The Bengals continued to improve their playoff chances when they went to Cleveland to face the Browns. They were on the winning side of the second shutout in the history of the Battle of Ohio
with the final score 30-0. Carson Palmer
threw three touchdown passes and 275 passing yards. The previously struggling Bengals' defense recorded four interceptions, four sacks, and two forced fumbles. With this win they got themselves back to a winning record of 6-5.
The Bengals would win two more games against Baltimore and Oakland
before the win streak ended with a loss to Indianapolis. The Bengals then lost to Denver
24-23 the following week on a snowy Sunday when Brad St. Louis' long snap on an extra point in the final minute sailed through the hands of holder Kyle Larson
, preventing Shayne Graham
from even attempting the conversion.
In week 17, The Bengals lost in overtime to the Pittsburgh Steelers 23–17, thus ending any possibility of post-season play. Chris Henry gained 124 receiving yards and he scored a touchdown. Shayne Graham missed a 38-yard field goal on the last Bengals' play in regulation with 0:08 left on the clock. The Bengals were eliminated by losing to the Steelers by a Santonio Holmes
touchdown reception on the third play of the extra session. Cincinnati ended the season at 8–8.
would see Cincinnati crash to the ground. The team lost its first eight games before finally beating the Jaguars
in Week 9. After that, they hosted the Eagles in a rare tie, the final score being 13-13. There followed three more losses followed by three wins to end the year at 4-11-1 and third in the division.
, but the results surprised everyone. The season opener against Denver
was a 12-7 defeat, but afterwards the Bengals won four in a row against the Packers
, Steelers
, Browns
, and Ravens
. The team lost at home to the Texans
, then beat the Bears
, Ravens, and Steelers. In Week 11 however, Cincinnati fell into a trap game when it lost to the 3-7 Raiders
. After another defeat of Cleveland, the Bengals had won all six of their divisional matches for the year. Following the next game (an easy win at home over Detroit
), Chad Ochocino was fined $20,000 by the NFL for donning a poncho and sombrero after scoring a touchdown (he had been fined three weeks earlier for joking about bribing the referees). Week 14 saw the Bengals travel to Minnesota, where the Vikings
routed them 30-10. During the week after that game, tragedy struck when Chris Henry fell out of a pickup truck during a domestic dispute and died from his injuries. The team's previously lighthearted mood turned to one of mourning, and they lost the next match against San Diego
. After a victory over the Chiefs
, the Bengals secured the AFC North title for only their second playoff berth since 1990. On the season ended, they traveled to the Meadowlands for a match with the New York Jets, but still shaken from Chris Henry's death, they were shut out 37-0. The Bengals and Jets had to face each other again in the wild card round of the playoffs, but now in Cincinnati. Their season, which looked so promising a few weeks earlier, ended with a whimper as the Jets won a second time, the score being 24-14.
The biggest 2010 acquisition for the Bengals was veteran WR Terrell Owens
, signed in July. This move was controversial, as Owens was quite old at 36 and had caused considerable problems while playing in San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Dallas. Perhaps more controversial was the signing of CB Adam "Pacman" Jones, who had been involved in a shooting at a Las Vegas nightclub in 2007.
Cincinnati started off 2010 by losing on the road to the Patriots, and then returned home to beat Baltimore in a poorly-executed game that saw them win on five field goals. In Week 3, they easily defeated the Panthers in Carolina before losing to Cleveland and Tampa Bay to enter their bye week at 2-3. After losses to Atlanta, Miami, and Pittsburgh, the Bengals entered Week 10 at 2-6 and largely out of playoff contention. Following further losses, the Bengals beat Cleveland and San Diego before losing their final game to Baltimore and ending the 2010 campaign at 4-12. The team also suffered four blackouts, the first since 2003.
With the 4th pick in the 2011 draft, the Bengals took WR A.J. Green from Georgia. Most of the off-season was marred by a league lockout and Carson Palmer's sudden demand to be traded to another team. Mike Brown flatly refused to either release or trade him, and Palmer instead announced his plans to retire from the NFL. Another familiar face departed when Chad Ochocinco was traded to New England in August. With this, the Bengals decided to name unproven rookie QB Andy Dalton as their starter. On October 17, Palmer, who had been holding out since Brown announced he refused to trade him, was traded to the Oakland Raiders
for 2 first round picks in 2012
and 2013
.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
American football club.
Origins
In 19671967 NFL season
The 1967 NFL season was the 48th regular season of the National Football League. The league expanded to 16 teams with the addition of the New Orleans Saints. The league's teams were realigned into four divisions: the Capitol and Century Divisions in the Eastern Conference, and the Central and...
a Cincinnati-based ownership group led by Paul Brown
Paul Brown
Paul Eugene Brown was a coach in American football and a major figure in the development of the National Football League...
was granted a franchise in the American Football League
American Football League
The American Football League was a major American Professional Football league that operated from 1960 until 1969, when the established National Football League merged with it. The upstart AFL operated in direct competition with the more established NFL throughout its existence...
.
As the founder and head coach of the Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
from 1946
1946 NFL season
The 1946 NFL season was the 27th regular season of the National Football League. Before the season, Elmer Layden resigned as NFL Commissioner and Bert Bell, co-founder of the Philadelphia Eagles, replaced him...
to 1962
1962 NFL season
The 1962 NFL season was the 43rd regular season of the National Football League. Before the season, CBS signed a contract with the league to televise all regular-season games for a $4.65 million annual fee....
, Brown led his team to a .759 winning percentage and seven championships, which includes four championships earned while a member of the All-America Football Conference
All-America Football Conference
The All-America Football Conference was a professional American football league that challenged the established National Football League from 1946 to 1949. One of the NFL's most formidable challengers, the AAFC attracted many of the nation's best players, and introduced many lasting innovations...
. The Browns were champions of that league in each of the four years it existed. When the AAFC folded after the 1949 season, the Browns, as well as the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
and the first incarnation of the Baltimore Colts
Baltimore Colts (1947-50)
The Baltimore Colts were a professional American football team based in Baltimore, Maryland. The first team to bear the name Baltimore Colts, they were members of the All-America Football Conference from 1947–1949, and then joined the National Football League for one season before folding...
, were absorbed into the National Football League.
Brown became a recognized innovator for his approach to training, game planning, and the passing game. However, Brown sold majority interest in the team in 1961
1961 NFL season
The 1961 NFL season was the 42nd regular season of the National Football League. The league expanded to 14 teams with the addition of the Minnesota Vikings, after the team's owners declined to be charter members of the new American Football League. The schedule was also expanded from 12 games per...
to businessman Art Modell
Art Modell
Arthur B. Modell is an American businessman, entrepreneur and former National Football League team owner. He owned the Cleveland Browns franchise from 1961–1995 and the Baltimore Ravens franchise from 1996–2004. Modell is the grandson of the late Morris Modell who founded the northeast...
. On January 9, 1963, Modell controversially fired Brown. Many believe that Modell had tired of complaints of Brown's autocratic
Autocracy
An autocracy is a form of government in which one person is the supreme power within the state. It is derived from the Greek : and , and may be translated as "one who rules by himself". It is distinct from oligarchy and democracy...
style; others claim it was Brown's decision to trade for Syracuse University's
Syracuse Orange football
The Syracuse Orange football program is a college football team that represents Syracuse University. The team is a member of the Big East Conference, which is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I conference that is part of the Football Bowl Subdivision...
Heisman Trophy
Heisman Trophy
The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award , is awarded annually to the player deemed the most outstanding player in collegiate football. It was created in 1935 as the Downtown Athletic Club trophy and renamed in 1936 following the death of the Club's athletic director, John Heisman The Heisman Memorial...
-winning running back Ernie Davis
Ernie Davis
Ernest "Ernie" Davis was an American football running back and the first African-American athlete to win the Heisman Trophy. Wearing number 44, Davis competed collegiately for Syracuse University before being drafted by the Washington Redskins, then almost immediately traded to the Cleveland...
, who was drafted by the Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
, without Modell's knowledge. However, tragically, Davis was diagnosed with leukemia
Leukemia
Leukemia or leukaemia is a type of cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells called "blasts". Leukemia is a broad term covering a spectrum of diseases...
shortly afterward. Brown didn't want to play Davis; Modell insisted he could play. The relationship between Paul Brown and Art Modell, which was never warm to begin with, deteriorated further. Davis died on May 18, 1963.
By 1966
1966 NFL season
The 1966 NFL season was the 47th regular season of the National Football League, and the season after which was played Super Bowl I, though it was called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game. The league expanded to 15 teams with the addition of the Atlanta Falcons, thus an odd number of teams...
, Paul Brown wanted to become involved in professional football again. James A. Rhodes, then the governor of Ohio, convinced Brown that Ohio needed a second team. Cincinnati was deemed the logical choice, in essence, splitting the state.
Brown named the team the Bengals in order "to give it a link with past professional football in Cincinnati." http://www.cincinnatibengals.com/team/history.asp Another Bengals team existed in the city and played in a previous American Football League from 1937
1937 American Football League season
The 1937 American Football League season is the second season of the second edition of the AFL. After the folding of the Syracuse/Rochester Braves in the 1936 season and the departure of the Cleveland Rams for the National Football League, the league added the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles...
to 1942. Possibly as an insult to Art Modell, Paul Brown chose the exact shade of orange used by his former team. He added black as the secondary color. Brown chose a very simple logo: the word "BENGALS" in black lettering. Ironically, one of the potential helmet designs Brown rejected was a striped motif that was similar to the one featuring the "varicose pumpkin" helmets adopted by the team in 1981
1981 NFL season
The 1981 NFL season was the 62nd regular season of the National Football League. The season ended with Super Bowl XVI when the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals.-Major rule changes:...
and which is still in use to this day; however, that design featured orange stripes on a black helmet which were more uniform in width.
However, Brown was not a supporter of the rival American Football League
American Football League
The American Football League was a major American Professional Football league that operated from 1960 until 1969, when the established National Football League merged with it. The upstart AFL operated in direct competition with the more established NFL throughout its existence...
, stating that "I didn't pay ten million dollars to be in the AFL", http://www.conigliofamily.com/PaulBrown.htm. He only acquiesced to joining the AFL when he was guaranteed that the team would become an NFL franchise after the impending merger of the two leagues
AFL-NFL Merger
The AFL–NFL merger of 1970 was the merger of the two major professional American football leagues in the United States at the time: the National Football League and the American Football League...
.
There was also a complication: the Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
were in need of a facility to replace the antiquated, obsolete Crosley Field
Crosley Field
Crosley Field was a Major League Baseball park located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was the home field of the National League's Cincinnati Reds from 1912 through June 24, 1970, and the original Cincinnati Bengals football team, members of the second and third American Football League...
, which they had used since 1912
1912 Major League Baseball season
Harper's Weekly conducted a detailed accounting of the expenses of Major League clubs, and came up with a figure of $175,000 to $200,000.-Statistical leaders:-External links:*...
. Parking nightmares had plagued the city as far back as the 1950s, the little park lacked modern amenities, and New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, which after 1957
1957 Major League Baseball season
The 1957 Major League Baseball season involved the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants playing their final seasons as New York-based franchises before their moves to California for the following season, leaving New York without a National League team until the birth of the Mets in...
had lost both their National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
teams, the Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
and the Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
to Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
and San Francisco, respectively, was actively courting Powel Crosley. However, Crosley was adamant that the Reds remain in Cincinnati and tolerated worsening problems with the Crosley Field location, which were increased with the Millcreek Expressway (I-75) project that ran alongside the park.
With assistance from Ohio governor James A. Rhodes, Hamilton County
Hamilton County, Ohio
As of 2000, there were 845,303 people, 346,790 households, and 212,582 families residing in the county. The population density was 2,075 people per square mile . There were 373,393 housing units at an average density of 917 per square mile...
and the Cincinnati city council agreed to build a single multi-purpose facility on the dilapidated riverfront section of the city. The new facility had to be ready by the opening of the 1970 NFL season
1970 NFL season
The 1970 NFL season was the 51st regular season of the National Football League, and the first one after the AFL-NFL Merger.The merger forced a realignment between the combined league's clubs. Because there were 16 NFL teams and 10 AFL teams, three teams needed to transfer to balance the two new...
and was officially named Riverfront Stadium, which was its working title.
With the completion of the merger in 1970, the Cleveland Browns were moved to the AFL-based American Football Conference
American Football Conference
The American Football Conference is one of the two conferences of the National Football League . This conference and its counterpart, the National Football Conference , currently contain 16 teams each, making up the 32 teams of the NFL....
and placed in the AFC Central, the same division as the Bengals. An instant rivalry
Battle of Ohio (NFL)
In the National Football League, the Battle of Ohio refers to games played between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. This rivalry has produced 2 of the 8 highest scoring games in NFL history...
was born, fueled initially by Paul Brown's rivalry with Art Modell.
The first three seasons
Nippert Stadium
Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio is the University of Cincinnati's football stadium, home to their Bearcats football team in rudimentary form since 1901, and as a complete stadium since 1924, making it the fourth oldest playing site and fifth oldest stadium in college football.In 1895, the...
which is the current home of the University of Cincinnati Bearcats
Cincinnati Bearcats football
The Cincinnati Bearcats football program represents the University of Cincinnati in a college football. They compete at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level as members of the Big East Conference. The Bearcat football program is one of the nation's oldest, having fielded a team as...
. The team finished its first season with a 3-11 record, although one bright spot was running back Paul Robinson
Paul Robinson (American football player)
Paul Harvey Robinson is a former professional American football running back for two seasons in the American Football League and five seasons in the National Football League. Paul Robinson played only one year at the University of Arizona, but in his first year as a professional, he gained 1,023...
. Robinson rushed for 1,023 yards and was named the AFL Rookie of the Year.
First three seasons coach
Founder Paul BrownPaul Brown
Paul Eugene Brown was a coach in American football and a major figure in the development of the National Football League...
coached the team for its first three seasons, accumulating 15 wins and 27 losses and one tie. One of Brown’s college draft stategies was to draft players with above average intelligence. Punter/wide receiver Pat McInally
Pat McInally
John Patrick "Pat" McInally , is a former punter and wide receiver for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals from 1976 to 1985.-Early career:...
attended Harvard, and linebacker
Linebacker
A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
Reggie Williams attended Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College is a private, Ivy League university in Hanover, New Hampshire, United States. The institution comprises a liberal arts college, Dartmouth Medical School, Thayer School of Engineering, and the Tuck School of Business, as well as 19 graduate programs in the arts and sciences...
and served on Cincinnati city council while on the Bengals’ roster. Because of this policy, many former players were highly articulate and went on to have successful careers in commentary and broadcasting
Broadcasting
Broadcasting is the distribution of audio and video content to a dispersed audience via any audio visual medium. Receiving parties may include the general public or a relatively large subset of thereof...
as well as the arts. In addition, Brown had a knack for locating and recognizing pro football talent in unusual places.
First three seasons game notes
- September 6, 1968 - The Bengals play their first regular season game in San Diego, falling short to the Chargers1968 San Diego Chargers seasonThe 1968 San Diego Chargers season began with the team trying to improve on their 8–5–1 record in 1967.-Season schedule:-See also:*1968 AFL season...
29–13. - September 15, 1968 - The team wins its first regular season game in week two of the inaugural season, taming the Denver Broncos1968 Denver Broncos seasonThe 1968 Denver Broncos season was the ninth season for the team in the American Football League. The Broncos improved their record from the previous season by posting a record of five wins and nine losses. They finished fourth in the AFL's Western division for the sixth straight season. There were...
24–10. - November 17, 1968 - The first road victory as the Bengals1998 Cincinnati Bengals seasonThe 1998 Cincinnati Bengals season was the team's 31st year in professional football and its 29th with the National Football League.-NFL Draft:-Staff:-Roster:-Schedule:-Awards and records:...
upset the Miami Dolphins1968 Miami Dolphins season-NFL Draft:-Season schedule:-Season standings:-Roster:-Notes and references:**...
38–21. - November 9, 1969 - The Bengals record the first tie in franchise history with a 31–31 stalemate against the Houston Oilers1969 Houston Oilers seasonThe 1969 Houston Oilers season was their tenth and final in the American Football League before moving to the National Football League when the two merged. The team equaled their 1968 record of 7–7 , finishing 6–6–2. They qualified for the playoffs, but lost in the Divisional Round to the Oakland...
. Tight end Bob TrumpyBob TrumpyBob Trumpy is a former professional American Football tight end who played for the American Football League's Cincinnati Bengals from 1968 to 1969, and for the NFL Bengals from 1970 through 1977...
caught 3 touchdown passes in the game, becoming the first tight end in franchise history to do so. - December 20, 1970 - In the final game of its third season as a pro football franchise, the Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Boston Patriots1970 Boston Patriots seasonThe Boston Patriots finished the National Football League's 1970 season with a record of two wins and twelve losses, and finished last in the AFC East division.-Staff:-Schedule:- Standings :-Roster:...
45-7 to clinch the AFC Central division title. This was the first season after the NFLNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
/AFLAmerican Football LeagueThe American Football League was a major American Professional Football league that operated from 1960 until 1969, when the established National Football League merged with it. The upstart AFL operated in direct competition with the more established NFL throughout its existence...
merger (which brought about the NFL as it is structured today), and the Bengals became the first AFC Central division champion. - December 26, 1970 - In their first playoff appearance, the Bengals fall short 17–0 in BaltimoreBaltimoreBaltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
to the eventual Super BowlSuper BowlThe Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League , the highest level of professional American football in the United States, culminating a season that begins in the late summer of the previous calendar year. The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to identify each game, rather...
champion Baltimore Colts1970 Baltimore Colts seasonThe 1970 Baltimore Colts season was the 18th season for the team in the National Football League. The Baltimore Colts finished the National Football League's 1970 season with a record of 11 wins, 2 losses and 1 tie. They won the AFC East...
.
The 1970s
In 19701970 NFL season
The 1970 NFL season was the 51st regular season of the National Football League, and the first one after the AFL-NFL Merger.The merger forced a realignment between the combined league's clubs. Because there were 16 NFL teams and 10 AFL teams, three teams needed to transfer to balance the two new...
, the Bengals moved to play at Riverfront Stadium, a home they shared with the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
until the team moved to Paul Brown Stadium
Paul Brown Stadium
Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and...
in 2000
2000 NFL season
The 2000 NFL season was the 81st regular season of the National Football League. The season ended with Super Bowl XXXV when the Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants.Week 1 of the season reverted to Labor Day weekend in 2000...
.
1970s coaches
Four men coached the team to a 72–76 record during this period:- Paul BrownPaul BrownPaul Eugene Brown was a coach in American football and a major figure in the development of the National Football League...
led the team to a 40–32 record. He later moved to General ManagerGeneral Manager (American football)In the National Football League, the general manager or GM of a team typically controls player transactions and bears the primary responsibility on behalf of the team during contract discussions with players....
and eventually majority ownership of the Bengals. - Bill "Tiger" Johnson took over the team in 19761976 NFL seasonThe 1976 NFL season was the 57th regular season of the National Football League. The league expanded to 28 teams with the addition of the Seattle Seahawks and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers...
. Johnson won 18 and lost 15, but resigned five games into the 1978 season1978 NFL seasonThe 1978 NFL season was the 59th regular season of the National Football League. The league expanded the regular season from a 14-game schedule to 16. Furthermore, the playoff format was expanded from 8 teams to 10 teams by adding another wild card from each conference...
after starting 0–5. - Homer RiceHomer RiceHomer Rice was a college athletic director and football coach. From 1967 to 1968, he served as the head football coach at Cincinnati, where he compiled an 8-10-1 record. From 1976 to 1977, he coached at Rice, where he compiled a 4-18 record...
took over at head coach in 1978 and led the team through 19791979 NFL seasonThe 1979 NFL season was the 60th regular season of the National Football League. The season ended with Super Bowl XIV when the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Los Angeles Rams...
, winning 8 and losing 19. - Forrest GreggForrest GreggAlvis Forrest Gregg is a former American football player and coach in the National Football League. During a Pro Football Hall of Fame playing career, he was a part of six championships, five of them with the Green Bay Packers before closing out his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys with a win in...
went 6–10 as head coach in 19801980 NFL seasonThe 1980 NFL season was the 61st regular season of the National Football League.After the league declined to approve the proposed move by the Raiders from Oakland, California to Los Angeles, the team along with the Los Angeles Coliseum sued the NFL for violating antitrust laws...
. Gregg played in Green BayGreen Bay PackersThe Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
for the legendary coach, Vince LombardiVince LombardiVincent Thomas "Vince" Lombardi was an American football coach. He is best known as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers during the 1960s, where he led the team to three straight league championships and five in seven years, including winning the first two Super Bowls following the 1966 and...
. Lombardi called Gregg the greatest football player he had ever coached.
Memorable players from the 1970s
- Greg CookGreg CookGregory Lynn Cook , is a former American collegiate and Professional Football quarterback.-Early career:...
(1969–1974) - Record-setting rookie quarterback whose career was cut short by a devastating shoulder injury the following spring. He would return three years later for just one game. As a rookie, Cook set a single-season NFL record for average gain per completed pass (17 yards). - Ken Anderson (1971–1986) – A four-time Pro BowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
quarterbackQuarterbackQuarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
, particularly noted for his high efficiency in passing, holding a handful of NFL records. Returned as QB position coach and, later was offensive coordinator. No player logged a longer tenure as a Bengal than Anderson, at 16 seasons. In his 13 seasons as Bengals' starting quarterback, Anderson completed 59.3% of his passes, and threw for 32,838 yards and 197 touchdowns, with only 160 interceptions. He holds the Bengal record for career passing yards and career touchdown passes. Anderson led his team to the NFL playoffs four times, won three AFC Central division titles (1973, 1981, 1982) and one AFC Championship. He still holds the NFL season completion percentage record (70.6%), set in 1982, and he won four season passing titles. At the time of his retirement, he also held the record for consecutive passes completed (20), set against the Houston Oilers1982 Houston Oilers season-NFL Draft:-Schedule:-Standings: -Roster:-References:* *...
in a regular season game in January 1983, and was 6th in passing yards for a career. The NFL awarded him the MVP trophy in 1981, and he went on to lead Cincinnati1981 Cincinnati Bengals seasonThe 1981 Cincinnati Bengals season was the team's 14th year in professional football and its 12th with the National Football League.The Bengals unveiled new uniforms with tiger-striped helmets, jerseys and pants. They had at least a share of the AFC Central lead the entire season and, on Dec...
to Super Bowl XVISuper Bowl XVISuper Bowl XVI was an American football game played on January 24, 1982, at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan to decide the National Football League champion following the 1981 regular season. It marked the first time that a Super Bowl was held at a cold-weather city...
where he set then-Super Bowl records for most completions (25) and highest completion percentage (73.5). He completed 25 of 34 passes for 300 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, while rushing for another touchdown. He was also one of the innovators of the West Coast offenseWest Coast offenseIn American football, "West Coast Offense" refers to two similar but distinct offensive-strategic-systems of play: the "Air Coryell" system; or more commonly the pass play system popularized by Bill Walsh...
. Despite these credentials, Ken Anderson has not been voted into the Pro Football Hall of FamePro Football Hall of FameThe Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
. - Paul RobinsonPaul Robinson (American football player)Paul Harvey Robinson is a former professional American football running back for two seasons in the American Football League and five seasons in the National Football League. Paul Robinson played only one year at the University of Arizona, but in his first year as a professional, he gained 1,023...
(1968–1972) – two-time pro bowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
running backRunning backA running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
, rookie of the year, 1968 (expansion year). - Isaac CurtisIsaac CurtisIsaac Fisher Curtis is a former professional American football wide receiver who played his entire National Football League career with the Cincinnati Bengals .-College career:...
(1973–1984) - four-time Pro BowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
wide receiverWide receiverA wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
known for his speed and exceptional pass-catching ability. Isaac played twelve seasons and held the team record for receiving yards (7,101) until 2007. His 17.1 yards per catch average remains a franchise record. - Jim LeClairJim LeClairJames Michael LeClair is a former American football linebacker who played twelve seasons in the National Football League with the Cincinnati Bengals...
(1972–1983) - linebacker who played 12 seasons for the Bengals and made the pro bowl in 1976. Also a member of the United States Army ReserveUnited States Army ReserveThe United States Army Reserve is the federal reserve force of the United States Army. Together, the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard constitute the reserve components of the United States Army....
for six years, LeClair became famous for wrestling a bear in the Cincinnati convention center as a promotional stunt for the army. - Bob TrumpyBob TrumpyBob Trumpy is a former professional American Football tight end who played for the American Football League's Cincinnati Bengals from 1968 to 1969, and for the NFL Bengals from 1970 through 1977...
(1968–1977) - Outspoken three-time pro bowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
tight endTight endThe tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be...
who now does radio and television commentary. Bob holds the team record for touchdown catches and average yards per catch by a tight endTight endThe tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be...
. - Pete JohnsonPete Johnson (American football)Pete Johnson is a former college and professional American football running back. He spent 8 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Cincinnati Bengals. Before his NFL career, Johnson played for the Ohio State Buckeyes.-College career:Johnson played fullback for Ohio State from 1973 through 1976...
(1977–1983) - Large pro bowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
fullbackFullback (American football)A fullback is a position in the offensive backfield in American and Canadian football, and is one of the two running back positions along with the halfback...
who holds the team record for career touchdowns (70). - Dave LaphamDave LaphamDave Lapham , is a former professional football offensive lineman for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals from 1974 to 1983 and the United States Football League's New Jersey Generals...
(1974–1983) - A multi-position offensive lineman who now does commentary for the team's radio broadcasts. - Pat McInallyPat McInallyJohn Patrick "Pat" McInally , is a former punter and wide receiver for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals from 1976 to 1985.-Early career:...
(1976–1985) – wide receiverWide receiverA wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
and pro bowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
punterPunter (football position)A punter in American or Canadian football is a special teams player who receives the snapped ball directly from the line of scrimmage and then punts the football to the opposing team so as to limit any field position advantage. This generally happens on a fourth down in American football and a...
. A Harvard graduate, McInally became the only player to attain a perfect score (50 points) on an NFL intelligence testWonderlic TestThe Wonderlic Cognitive Ability Test is a twelve-minute, fifty-question test used to assess the aptitude of prospective employees for learning and problem-solving in a range of occupations. The test was developed by industrial psychologist Eldon F. Wonderlic...
. He was also the first Harvard graduate to ever play in a Pro BowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
and a Super Bowl. - Bruce CosletBruce CosletBruce Coslet is a former American college and professional football player and professional football coach. A tight end, he played for the University of the Pacific and in 1969 debuted with the American Football League's Cincinnati Bengals...
(1969–1976) - Played tight endTight endThe tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be...
for the Bengals. Returned as offensive coordinator under Sam Wyche, left the team for a head coaching position with the New York JetsNew York JetsThe New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, to returned to Cincinnati as head coach from 1996 to 2000, winning 21 and losing 39. - Mike Reid (1970–1974) – two-time pro bowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
defensive endDefensive endDefensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
who retired early from football to pursue a career in pianoPianoThe piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
and song writing. Reid has written several Grammy-winning songSongIn music, a song is a composition for voice or voices, performed by singing.A song may be accompanied by musical instruments, or it may be unaccompanied, as in the case of a cappella songs...
s. - Coy BaconCoy BaconLander McCoy Bacon was a former professional American football defensive lineman in the National Football League. He was selected to three Pro Bowls during his 14-year career...
(1976–1977) - Coy was an expert pass rusher. He earned a pro bowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
spot by setting the single season team record for quarterback sackQuarterback sackIn American football and Canadian football, a sack occurs when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage before he can throw a forward pass, or when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage in the "pocket" and the intent of what he was going to do is unclear...
s in 1976 with 22. - Ken RileyKen RileyKenneth Jerome Riley is a former professional American Football defensive back who played his entire career for the Cincinnati Bengals, in the American Football League in 1969 and in the NFL from 1970 through 1983...
(1969–1983) - Ken was one of the best cornerbackCornerbackA cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
s of all time. He set the team single-season record for interceptions (9) and the career record (65). In his last season of play, Riley led the AFCAmerican Football ConferenceThe American Football Conference is one of the two conferences of the National Football League . This conference and its counterpart, the National Football Conference , currently contain 16 teams each, making up the 32 teams of the NFL....
with eight interceptions. At the time of his retirement, Ken Riley was number three in the NFL record book for all-time career interceptions with 65. Despite his accomplishments, Riley has not been voted into the Pro Football Hall of FamePro Football Hall of FameThe Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
. - Lemar ParrishLemar ParrishLemar R. Parrish is a former professional American football player who played defensive back in the National Football League for the Cincinnati Bengals , Washington Redskins , and the Buffalo Bills ....
(1970–1977) - An 8-time pro bowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
er (six times with the Bengals) at cornerbackCornerbackA cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
, Lemar had 25 interceptions with the Bengals and 47 total in his career. In addition to being a great defensive back, he excelled at kick and punt returning on special teams. Parrish is the Bengals' all time leader in touchdowns scored by "return or recovery" with 13 (4 on punt returns, 4 on interception returns, 3 on fumble returns, 1 on a kickoff return, and 1 on a blocked field goal return). He was is the only player in franchise history ever to score 2 "return or recovery" touchdowns in a single game, a feat he accomplished 3 times. - Tommy CasanovaTommy CasanovaThomas Henry "Tommy" Casanova, III is an ophthalmologist in Crowley, Louisiana, and a former American football player and politician. He played football for the LSU Tigers and the Cincinnati Bengals...
(1972–1977) - A three-time pro bowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
selection, hard-hitting free safety, Tommy collected 17 career interceptions.
1970s games of note
- November 28, 1971 - The Bengals defense earned its first shutout as Cincinnati shorted the San Diego Chargers1971 San Diego Chargers seasonThe 1971 San Diego Chargers season began with the team trying to improve on their 5–6–3 record in 1970. It was Harland Svare first season as the teams head coach.-Schedule:-Standings:-References:...
31–0. - December 17, 1972 - The Bengals set a team scoring record as they massacred the Houston Oilers1972 Houston Oilers seasonThe 1972 Houston Oilers season was the 13th season the team was with the league. The team failed to improve on their previous season's output of 4–9–1, winning only one game. They missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season....
61–17. In the game, Bengals' defensive back Lemar Parrish set a single-game team record by intercepting three passes, returning two of them for touchdowns. - December 2, 1973 - The Bengals defense earns another shutout as Cincinnati defeats the Minnesota Vikings1973 Minnesota Vikings seasonThe 1973 Minnesota Vikings season was their 13th year of play in the National Football League. The Vikings regained the NFC Central title after a disappointing 7-7 record the previous season, as they finished with a record of 12 wins and two losses...
27–0. - December 16, 1973 - Traveling to Houston, the Bengals defeat the Oilers1973 Houston Oilers seasonThe 1973 Houston Oilers season was the 4th season in league and the 14th overall. The team matched their previous season's output of 1–13. They missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.-Schedule:-Standings:-References:...
27–24 to clinch its second AFC Central division crown. Cincinnati won its final six games (the last two of which were on the road) to finish 10–4 in the '73 season, edging out the Pittsburgh Steelers1973 Pittsburgh Steelers season- Week 1 : Detroit Lions :at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania* Game time:* Game weather:* Game attendance: 48,913* Referee: Fred Wyant* TV announcers:- Game summary :...
for the division championship. - December 22, 1973 - In their second playoff game, the Bengals were once again on the road and fall again to the eventual Super BowlSuper BowlThe Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League , the highest level of professional American football in the United States, culminating a season that begins in the late summer of the previous calendar year. The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to identify each game, rather...
champions. In the Miami Orange BowlMiami Orange BowlThe Orange Bowl, formerly Burdine Stadium, was an outdoor athletic stadium in Miami, Florida, west of downtown in Little Havana. Considered a landmark, it was the home stadium for the Miami Hurricanes college football team...
, the Miami Dolphins1973 Miami Dolphins season-Awards and honors:* Larry Csonka, Super Bowl Most Valuable Player* Larry Csonka, Pro Bowl Selection* Bob Griese, Pro Bowl Selection-Notes and references:**...
defeat the Bengals 34–16. - November 10, 1974 - Precision quarterback Ken Anderson completes 20 of 22 passes (a single game team completion percentage record) as Cincinnati defeats the Pittsburgh Steelers1974 Pittsburgh Steelers season-NFL Draft:In the 1974 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Steelers are the only team in NFL history to select four Pro Football Hall of Fame players in the same draft .* Round 1: Lynn Swann, USC...
17–10. - December 14, 1974 - Though his team lost the season finale 27–3 to the Steelers in Pittsburgh, Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson finished the season winning the NFL passing title (the highest quarterback rating).
- September 28, 1975 - The Bengals defense earned its third shutout, drumming the New Orleans Saints1975 New Orleans Saints seasonThe 1975 New Orleans Saints season was the Saints ninth season and their first in the newly opened Louisiana Superdome.-NFL Draft:-Schedule:-Standings:-References:**...
21–0. - November 17, 1975 - In one of the more memorable games in the history of Monday Night FootballMonday Night FootballMonday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...
, Buffalo BillsBuffalo BillsThe Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
' running backRunning backA running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
O.J. Simpson ran for 197 yards, but Bengals' quarterback Ken Anderson passed for 447 yards as the Bengals defeated the Bills1975 Buffalo Bills seasonThe 1975 Buffalo Bills season was the 16th season for the club in the National Football League.-NFL Draft:-Schedule:- Standings :-References:* * *...
33–24 in front of a sellout crowd in Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium. - December 7, 1975 - The 1975 season is the only one that sees the Bengals shut out two opponents. The Bengals would shut out the Philadelphia Eagles1975 Philadelphia Eagles season-Player Selections:The table shows the Eagles selections and what picks they had that were traded away and the team that ended up with that pick. It is possible the Eagles' pick ended up with this team via another team that the Eagles made a trade with....
31–0. - December 21, 1975 - In the regular season's final game, the Bengals blew up the San Diego Chargers1975 San Diego Chargers seasonThe 1975 San Diego Chargers season began with the team trying to improve on their 5–9 record in 1974. At the time it was their worst season in the Chargers history.-NFL Draft:-Schedule:-Standings:-See also:*1975 NFL season...
47–17. Despite their 11–3 season record, the Bengals finished second in the AFC Central division to the defending and eventual Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers1975 Pittsburgh Steelers seasonThe Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 1975 season defending their AFC Central and Super Bowl IX titles from the 1974 season. Throughout the 1975 season they not only improved on their 10–3–1 record from the previous year, but once again won the AFC Central Division Title and their second franchise...
, who finished 12–2. The 11–3 record enabled the Bengals to capture the AFC Wild Card gave the team their highest winning percentage in franchise history. Ken Anderson won his second consecutive NFL passing title. - December 28, 1975 - In the organization's third playoff game, the Bengals once again had to travel. Despite a 14–10 victory over the Oakland Raiders1975 Oakland Raiders season-Pittsburgh Steelers 16, Oakland Raiders 10:-Awards and honors:*George Blanda, most seasons in American professional football *George Blanda, most games played, -References:**...
in week five of the regular season, the Raiders top the Bengals in Oakland, 31–28. - October 10, 1976 - Cincinnati1976 Cincinnati Bengals seasonThe 1976 Cincinnati Bengals season was the team's ninth year in professional football and its seventh with the National Football League.Paul Brown had announced his retirement after 41 seasons of coaching and named Bill Johnson, one his longtime assistant, as the successor over future San Francisco...
shut out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers seasonThe NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers played their debut season in 1976, making league history as the first team to play an entire 14-game season without winning or tying a single game. They did not score until their third game and did not score a touchdown until their fourth. They lost by a touchdown or...
21–0. - December 12, 1976 - During the final game of the season1976 NFL seasonThe 1976 NFL season was the 57th regular season of the National Football League. The league expanded to 28 teams with the addition of the Seattle Seahawks and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers...
in New YorkNew York CityNew York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
's Shea StadiumShea StadiumWilliam A. Shea Municipal Stadium, usually shortened to Shea Stadium or just Shea , was a stadium in the New York City borough of Queens, in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. It was the home baseball park of Major League Baseball's New York Mets from 1964 to 2008...
, Bengals' defensive end Coy Bacon sacked New York JetsNew York JetsThe New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
' quarterback Joe NamathJoe NamathJoseph William "Joe" Namath , nicknamed "Broadway Joe" or "Joe Willie", is a former American football quarterback. He played college football for the University of Alabama under coach Paul "Bear" Bryant and his assistant, Howard Schnellenberger, from 1962–1964, and professional football in the...
four times in a 42–3 Bengals' rout. Coy got to the opposing passer 22 times in 1976, but the NFL did not record quarterback sack statistics until 1982. Defensive back Ken RileyKen RileyKenneth Jerome Riley is a former professional American Football defensive back who played his entire career for the Cincinnati Bengals, in the American Football League in 1969 and in the NFL from 1970 through 1983...
also recorded a franchise record 3 interceptions in the game, 2 from Namath and 1 from Richard Todd. It was a bitter ending in Namath's final game as a New York Jet. - November 20, 1977 - In a game against the Miami Dolphins1977 Miami Dolphins seasonThe 1977 Miami Dolphins season was the team's 12th as a member of the National Football League. The Dolphins improved upon their previous season's output of 6–8, winning ten games. Despite the improvement, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs for the third straight...
, during a driving rainstorm, quarterback Ken Anderson threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to tight end Bob TrumpyBob TrumpyBob Trumpy is a former professional American Football tight end who played for the American Football League's Cincinnati Bengals from 1968 to 1969, and for the NFL Bengals from 1970 through 1977...
, on a flea flickerFlea flicker (American football)A flea flicker is an unorthodox play in American football designed to fool the defensive team into thinking that a play is a run instead of a pass...
play, to give the team a 23–17 win, knocking Miami out of playoff contention. The play involved 3 different players handling the ball before Trumpy caught it, first a handoff to Archie GriffinArchie GriffinArchie Mason Griffin is a former American football running back. Griffin played seven seasons in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals. He is college football's only two-time Heisman Trophy winner...
, then a pitch to receiver John McDanielJohn McDanielJohn McDaniel is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Redskins. He played college football at Lincoln University of Missouri and was drafted in the eighth round of the 1974 NFL Draft....
, and finally a handoff back to Anderson, setting up the game-winning touchsdown pass. Trumpy's touchdown catch in the game was his only touchdown of the season and the last one of his stellar career. Trumpy retired after the season1977 NFL seasonThe 1977 NFL season was the 58th regular season of the National Football League. The Seattle Seahawks were placed in the AFC West while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were slotted in the NFC Central....
ended. - October 22, 1978 - In the lowest scoring game in Cincinnati Bengals' history, the Buffalo Bills1978 Buffalo Bills seasonThe 1978 Buffalo Bills season was the 19th season for the club and its ninth in the National Football League.-NFL Draft:-Schedule:- Standings :-Passing:Note: Comp = Completions; ATT = Attempts; TD = Touchdowns; INT = Interceptions...
pitched a 5–0 shutout. - October 19, 1980 - The Bengals1980 Cincinnati Bengals seasonThe 1980 Cincinnati Bengals season was the team's 13th year in professional football and its 11th with the National Football League.-NFL Draft:-Schedule:-Standings:-Roster:-References:* * *...
shut out the Vikings1980 Minnesota Vikings season1980 was the 20th year of season play for the Minnesota Vikings and the 61st regular season of the National Football League. The Vikings finished with a record of nine wins and seven losses.-Hail Mary:...
again, 14–0. - December 21, 1980 - Bengals defensive end Eddie Edwards set a single game team record by sacking Cleveland BrownsCleveland BrownsThe Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
' quarterback Brian SipeBrian SipeBrian Winfield Sipe is a former professional American football quarterback who played in the National Football League from 1974 to 1983 and the United States Football League from 1984 to 1985....
five times. The Browns1980 Cleveland Browns seasonThe 1980 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 31st season with the National Football League.For more details on the season, see Kardiac Kids and Red Right 88.-NFL Draft:The following were selected in the 1980 NFL Draft.-Memorable moments:...
, needing a win to qualify for the playoffsNFL playoffs, 1980-81The NFL playoffs following the 1980 NFL season led up to Super Bowl XV.Note: As per the rules of the NFL playoffs prior to the 1990 season , the San Diego Chargers did not play the Oakland Raiders in the Divisional playoff round because both teams were in the same division.-AFC: Oakland Raiders 27,...
, came out ahead 27–24.
The 1980s
The Bengals were an entertaining and successful team reaching the Super Bowl twice, but overall, the 1980s was a decade of missed opportunities for the team.1980s coaches
- Forrest GreggForrest GreggAlvis Forrest Gregg is a former American football player and coach in the National Football League. During a Pro Football Hall of Fame playing career, he was a part of six championships, five of them with the Green Bay Packers before closing out his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys with a win in...
continued to coach the Bengals through the 1983 season1983 NFL seasonThe 1983 NFL season was the 64th regular season of the National Football League. The season ended with Super Bowl XVIII when the Los Angeles Raiders defeated the Washington Redskins.-Major rule changes:...
, winning 28 and losing 17. He led them to their first AFC Championship in team history for the 1981 season1981 NFL seasonThe 1981 NFL season was the 62nd regular season of the National Football League. The season ended with Super Bowl XVI when the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals.-Major rule changes:...
, losing to the San Francisco 49ersSan Francisco 49ersThe San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
in Super Bowl XVISuper Bowl XVISuper Bowl XVI was an American football game played on January 24, 1982, at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan to decide the National Football League champion following the 1981 regular season. It marked the first time that a Super Bowl was held at a cold-weather city...
at the Pontiac SilverdomePontiac SilverdomeThe Silverdome is a domed stadium located in the city of Pontiac, Michigan, USA, which sits on . It was the largest stadium in the National Football League until FedEx Field in suburban Washington, D.C...
near Detroit, MichiganMichiganMichigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
. - Former Bengals' backup quarterback Sam WycheSam WycheSamuel David "Sam" Wyche is a former American football player and head coach, who is best known as the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL...
began coaching the Bengals in 19841984 NFL seasonThe 1984 NFL season was the 65th regular season of the National Football League. The Colts relocated from Baltimore, Maryland to Indianapolis, Indiana....
. Sam would stay on as head coach through the rest of the decade, winning 61 and losing 57. Famous quote: “The next person that throws anything onto this field, point ‘em out and get ‘em outta here! You don’t live in Cleveland, you live in Cincinnati!”
Memorable players from the 1980s
- Eddie EdwardsEddie Edwards (American football)Eddie Edwards is a former American football defensive end in the National Football League.Edwards was born in Sumter, South Carolina and raised in Fort Pierce, Florida. He played high school football at Fort Pierce Central High School. He attended the University of Miami, where he was a consensus...
(1977–1988) - Defensive endDefensive endDefensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
who holds the team single game record for quarterback sackQuarterback sackIn American football and Canadian football, a sack occurs when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage before he can throw a forward pass, or when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage in the "pocket" and the intent of what he was going to do is unclear...
s (5) and career record (83.5). - Eddie Brown (1985–1991) - Superb deep threat Wide ReceiverWide receiverA wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
who finished his career with 363 receptions for 6,134 yards (an impressive 16.9 yards per catch average) and 41 touchdowns. Brown was selected as the NFL's offensive rookie of the year in 1985. In 1988, he recorded 53 receptions for 1,273 yards and 9 touchdowns, helping the Bengals to Super Bowl XXIIISuper Bowl XXIIISuper Bowl XXIII was an American football game played on January 22, 1989 at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida to decide the National Football League champion following the 1988 regular season. This was the first Super Bowl hosted in the Miami area in 10 years, and the first in Miami not held...
and setting franchise single-season records for receiving yards and yards per catch. Chad Johnson surpassed Brown's receiving record with 1,355 yards in 2003, but it took him 37 more receptions than Brown (90) to do so. Brown also set a franchise record with 216 receiving yards in a single game in the 1988 season. - Ross BrownerRoss BrownerRoss Browner is a former American football defensive end who played ten seasons in the NFL, mainly for the Cincinnati Bengals. He is the father of current Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Max Starks, and brother of Joey Browner and Keith Browner...
(1978–1986) - Defensive endDefensive endDefensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
who collected 59 quarterback sackQuarterback sackIn American football and Canadian football, a sack occurs when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage before he can throw a forward pass, or when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage in the "pocket" and the intent of what he was going to do is unclear...
s. The father of current Pittsburgh SteelersPittsburgh SteelersThe Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
offensive tackle Max StarksMax StarksMaximillian Weisner "Max" Starks, IV is an American football offensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He played college football for the University of Florida...
. - Reggie WilliamsReggie Williams (linebacker)Reginald Williams is a former professional American football player.The recipient of an academic scholarship, Williams was a three-time All-Ivy League linebacker in football and an Ivy League heavyweight wrestling champion at Dartmouth College, graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts in...
(1976–1989) – played effectively at outside linebackerLinebackerA linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
and served on the Cincinnati city council. Williams intercepted 14 passes in his career. - Louis BreedenLouis BreedenLouis Breeden is a former professional American Football player who played defensive back for the Cincinnati Bengals in the National Football League.-Career:...
(1978–1987) – Breeden is second on the list for all-time career interceptions with 33. - Jim BreechJim BreechJames Thomas Breech is a former American football kicker in the National Football League, who played for Oakland Raiders in 1979 and Cincinnati Bengals from 1980-1992. Before his NFL career, Breech played for the University of California and Sacramento High School...
(1980–1992) – Breech was the Bengals' placekickerPlacekickerPlacekicker, or simply kicker , is the title of the player in American and Canadian football who is responsible for the kicking duties of field goals, extra points...
for 13 seasons. He is the team's all-time leading scorer with 1,151 points, and was a perfect 9 for 9 in overtime field goals during his career, an NFL record. Breech was also automatic in both of the Bengals' Super Bowl appearances in the 1980s, not missing a field goal or extra point in either one. - Tim KrumrieTim KrumrieTimothy A. Krumrie is a former American football nose tackle who played his entire NFL career for the Cincinnati Bengals, from 1983 through 1994...
(1983–1994) – All-Pro nose tackle who led the team in tackles in five seasons. He returned as DL position coach until 2002. He suffered a gruesome broken leg in one of the most replayed moments of Super Bowl XXIIISuper Bowl XXIIISuper Bowl XXIII was an American football game played on January 22, 1989 at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida to decide the National Football League champion following the 1988 regular season. This was the first Super Bowl hosted in the Miami area in 10 years, and the first in Miami not held...
. - David FulcherDavid FulcherDavid Dwayne Fulcher is a former American Football safety who played for the Cincinnati Bengals , and the Los Angeles Raiders in the National Football League...
(1986–1992) - hard-hitting, All-Pro linebacker-sized strong safety. The "vulture" had 31 career interceptions and made the Pro Bowl three times. He also led the team in tacklesTackle (football move)Most forms of football have a move known as a tackle. The primary purposes of tackling is to disposses an opponent of the ball, to stop the player from gaining ground towards goal or to stop them from carrying out what they intend....
and caused a fumbleFumbleA fumble in American and Canadian football occurs when a player, who has possession and control of the ball loses it before being downed or scoring. By rule, it is any act other than passing, kicking or successful handing that results in loss of player possession...
in Super Bowl XXIIISuper Bowl XXIIISuper Bowl XXIII was an American football game played on January 22, 1989 at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida to decide the National Football League champion following the 1988 regular season. This was the first Super Bowl hosted in the Miami area in 10 years, and the first in Miami not held...
. - Rodney HolmanRodney HolmanRodney Holman is a former professional American football player who played tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals , and the Detroit Lions . Holman graduated from Ypsilanti High School in 1978 where he starred on the football team and was an all-state wrestler...
(1982–1992) - A three-time pro bowl (1988–1990) tight end, Holman's superb blocking and pass catching was a key reason for the Bengals' success in the 1980s and assisted them to Super Bowl XXIIISuper Bowl XXIIISuper Bowl XXIII was an American football game played on January 22, 1989 at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida to decide the National Football League champion following the 1988 regular season. This was the first Super Bowl hosted in the Miami area in 10 years, and the first in Miami not held...
. Career stats are 365 receptions for 4,771 yards and 36 touchdowns. As of 2005, Holman's 318 receptions with the Bengals ranks him as their 6th all-time leading receiver. - Dan RossDan Ross (American football)Daniel R. Ross was a professional American football tight end who played for the Cincinnati Bengals , the Seattle Seahawks , and the Green Bay Packers . He also played for the New Orleans/Portland Breakers of the USFL in 1984-1985.-College football:Before his NFL career, Ross played football at...
(1979–1985) - Pro Bowl tight end who assisted the Bengals to Super Bowl XVISuper Bowl XVISuper Bowl XVI was an American football game played on January 24, 1982, at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan to decide the National Football League champion following the 1981 regular season. It marked the first time that a Super Bowl was held at a cold-weather city...
. Ross recorded a Super Bowl record 11 receptions for 104 yards and 2 touchdowns in the game, which would have likely earned him the Super Bowl MVPSuper Bowl MVPThe Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award, or Super Bowl MVP, is an award presented annually to the most valuable player of the Super Bowl, the National Football League's championship game. The winner is chosen by a fan vote during the game and by a panel of 16 American football writers and...
award if his team had won. Career stats are 290 receptions for 3,419 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns. - Eric ThomasEric Thomas (football player)Eric Thomas is a former professional American football player who played cornerback for nine seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets and Denver Broncos. He went to the Pro Bowl after the 1988 season....
(1987–1992) – Pro BowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
cornerbackCornerbackA cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
. Thomas was a vital part of the defenseDefense (sport)In many team sports, defense or defence is the action of preventing an opponent from scoring. The term may also refer to the tactics involved in defense, or a sub-team whose primary responsibility is defense...
on the Bengals' 1988 Super Bowl team1988 Cincinnati Bengals seasonThe 1988 Cincinnati Bengals season was the team's 21st year in professional football and its 19th with the National Football League.The Bengals were a team on the rebound. During the 1987 strike-shortened season, quarterback Boomer Esiason and head coach Sam Wyche had openly feuded, and the team...
. In his career, Thomas collected 15 interceptions. - Anthony MuñozAnthony MuñozMichael Anthony Muñoz , is a Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive tackle who played most of his career for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals...
(1980–1992) - Considered by many peers and fans alike to be one of the finest offensive tackles ever and even as far as the greatest player to ever grace the face of the NFL, Anthony Muñoz was a perennial Pro BowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
selection, a three-time Offensive Lineman of the Year (1981, 1987, and 1988), and was named to the Pro Bowl squad 11 consecutive times. In 1994, Muñoz, a USC alumni, was named to the National Football League's 75th anniversary all-time teamNFL 75th Anniversary All-Time TeamThe National Football League 75th Anniversary All-Time Team was chosen by a selection committee of media and league personnel in 1994. Years served were in the NFL, unless otherwise stated.-Offense:Source:-Defense:Source:-Special teams:Source:...
. In 1998, Anthony Muñoz was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, becoming the first Hall of Fame player ever to play his entire career for the Bengals. - Cris CollinsworthCris CollinsworthAnthony Cris Collinsworth is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League for eight seasons in the 1980s. He played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he played his entire professional career for...
(1981–88) - Tall, lanky, affable wide receiver and three-time Pro Bowler. His initial foray into broadcasting was substituting for former Bengals tight end Bob Trumpy on Trumpy's WLW radio show. He has done commentary for HBO, NBCNBC SportsNBC Sports is the sports division of the NBC television network. Formerly "a service of NBC News," it broadcasts a diverse array of programs, including the Olympic Games, the NFL, the NHL, MLS, Notre Dame football, the PGA Tour, the Triple Crown, and the French Open, among others...
, and Fox SportsFox Sports (USA)Fox Sports is a division of the Fox Broadcasting Company . It was formed in 1994 with Fox's acquisition of broadcast rights to National Football League games...
. - James BrooksJames Brooks (American football player)James Brooks is a retired NFL football running back.-High school and college career:His young career started with success in elementary school. He led the Warner Robins High School Demons to a State championship and a National Championship ranking in 1976...
(1984–1991) – In his eight years as a Bengal running backRunning backA running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
, Brooks rushed for 6,447 yards averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Brooks earned spots on four pro bowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
s. He left the Bengals as the team’s all-time leading rusher, a record now held by Corey DillonCorey DillonCorey James Dillon is a former American football running back. He played his ten-season career for the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots, wearing jersey number 28 for both teams. Dillon played college football the University of Washington where he wore the number 4.-High school...
with 8,061 yards. - Boomer EsiasonBoomer EsiasonNorman Julius "Boomer" Esiason is a former American football quarterback and current network color commentator. He played for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals before working as an analyst for ABC and HBO...
(1984–1992, 1997) - Bengals' quarterback who became renowned early on in his career for his ability to execute the play action passPlay action passA play-action pass is a type of American football play. The play action, or "PA" for short, appears to be a running play, but is actually a pass play; in this way, it can be considered the opposite of a draw play. Play-action passes are often used against defenses that are presently focused on...
. His 14 year NFL career ended after completing 57% of his passes for 247 touchdowns and 37,920 passing yards. He holds the Bengals single game records for passing yards (490) and touchdown passes (5). Esiason led the Bengals to two AFC Central division titles (1988, 1990) and one AFC Championship, 1988. The season before his last, as quarterback for the Arizona CardinalsArizona CardinalsThe Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, Boomer threw for over 1500 yards in just a three-week span, leading the Cardinals to victories over the Washington RedskinsWashington RedskinsThe Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
, Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia EaglesThe Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, and New York GiantsNew York GiantsThe New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. He was the NFL MVP in 1988. Boomer currently does national broadcasting for Monday Night FootballMonday Night FootballMonday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...
on Westwood OneWestwood OneWestwood One was an American radio network and was based in New York City. At one time, it was managed by CBS Radio, the radio arm of CBS Corporation, and Viacom and was later purchased by the private equity firm The Gores Group...
radio, and the NFL on CBSNFL on CBSThe NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:...
. He also heads fund-raising for cystic-fibrosis charities. - Tim McGeeTim McGeeTimothy Dwanye Hatchett McGee is a retired professional American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Redskins from 1986 to 1994...
(1986–1992, 1994) - McGee recorded 282 receptions for 4,703 yards in his 8 seasons with the Bengals, a 16.7 yards per catch average, the third highest in franchise history. He also led the NFL in kickoff return yards in his rookie season. - Ickey WoodsIckey WoodsElbert L. "Ickey" Woods is a former American football fullback who played his entire NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football at UNLV...
(1988–1991) - Fullback who balanced well with his halfback counterpart, James BrooksJames Brooks (American football player)James Brooks is a retired NFL football running back.-High school and college career:His young career started with success in elementary school. He led the Warner Robins High School Demons to a State championship and a National Championship ranking in 1976...
, to provide balance in the highly-potent offense during the Super Bowl season of 1988. Ickey was famous for his “Ickey ShuffleIckey ShuffleThe Ickey Shuffle was a touchdown celebration done by former National Football League fullback Elbert "Ickey" Woods of the Cincinnati Bengals after he would score a touchdown...
” dance after he would score a touchdownTouchdownA touchdown is a means of scoring in American and Canadian football. Whether running, passing, returning a kickoff or punt, or recovering a turnover, a team scores a touchdown by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone.-Description:...
. He rushed for 1,066 yards, caught 21 passes for 199 yards, and scored an NFL rookie record 15 touchdowns in his first season, but two kneeKneeThe knee joint joins the thigh with the leg and consists of two articulations: one between the fibula and tibia, and one between the femur and patella. It is the largest joint in the human body and is very complicated. The knee is a mobile trocho-ginglymus , which permits flexion and extension as...
surgeries cut his promising career short.
1980s games of note
- September 6, 1981 - In the season-opening game of the 1981 season1981 NFL seasonThe 1981 NFL season was the 62nd regular season of the National Football League. The season ended with Super Bowl XVI when the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals.-Major rule changes:...
, against the Seattle Seahawks1981 Seattle Seahawks seasonThe 1981 Seattle Seahawks season was the team's sixth season with the National Football League.-NFL Draft:-Staff:-Schedule:-External links:* *...
, quarterback Ken Anderson was intercepted 3 times in the first half as the Seahawks built up a 21–0 halftime lead. Coach Forrest GreggForrest GreggAlvis Forrest Gregg is a former American football player and coach in the National Football League. During a Pro Football Hall of Fame playing career, he was a part of six championships, five of them with the Green Bay Packers before closing out his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys with a win in...
decided to bench Anderson in the second half and brought in third-string quarterback Turk SchonertTurk SchonertTurk Leroy Schonert is a former quarterback, quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator in the National Football League.-Early years:...
(second string quarterback Jack Thompson was injured at the time). With Schonert in command of the offense, the Bengals stormed back and won the game 27–21. Despite his poor performance in the game, Anderson went on to have the best season of his career and win the NFL's MVP award while leading the Bengals to Super Bowl XVISuper Bowl XVISuper Bowl XVI was an American football game played on January 24, 1982, at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan to decide the National Football League champion following the 1981 regular season. It marked the first time that a Super Bowl was held at a cold-weather city...
. He threw only 7 interceptions in the remaining 15 games of the season. - December 20, 1981 - The Bengals defeated the Atlanta Falcons1981 Atlanta Falcons season-NFL Draft:-Schedule:-Awards and records:*Steve Bartkowski, Falcons Game Record, Most Passing Yards in One Game, 416 yards...
30–28 in the final regular season game. With their 12–4 record, the Bengals won the AFC Central division title. Quarterback Ken Anderson won his third NFL passing title. - January 3, 1982 - Cincinnati hosted its first NFL playoff game as the Bengals defeated the Buffalo Bills1982 Buffalo Bills seasonThe 1982 Buffalo Bills season was the 23rd season for the club and its 13th in the National Football League.-NFL Draft:-Schedule:-Standings: -References:* * *...
28–21 in Riverfront Stadium. It was the first postseason win in franchise history. - January 10, 1982 - "The Freezer Bowl," The Bengals defeated the San Diego Chargers1982 San Diego Chargers seasonThe 1982 San Diego Chargers season began with the team trying to improve on their 10–6 record in 1981. It was a strike-shorten season so the league was divided up into two conferences instead of its normal divisional alignment. It ended with a second round loss to the...
in the AFC Championship GameAFC Championship GameThe American Football Conference Championship Game is one of the two final playoff matches of the National Football League, the largest professional American football league in the United States. The game is played on the penultimate Sunday in January and determines the champion of the American...
, 27–7, the coldest game ever played in NFL history. The wind chillWind chillWind chill is the felt air temperature on exposed skin due to wind. The wind chill temperature is always lower than the air temperature, and the windchill is undefined at the higher temps...
factor brought the game-time temperature down to −56 degrees Fahrenheit (−45 °C). The Bengals' offensive linemen were on the field with their standard sleeveless jerseys in an effort to intimidate a Charger team more accustomed to the warmer California weather. The game has entered NFL lore as the Freezer BowlFreezer BowlIn NFL lore, the Freezer Bowl was the 1981 AFC Championship Game between the San Diego Chargers and the Cincinnati Bengals. The game was played in the coldest temperature in NFL history in terms of wind chill...
. - Super Bowl XVISuper Bowl XVISuper Bowl XVI was an American football game played on January 24, 1982, at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan to decide the National Football League champion following the 1981 regular season. It marked the first time that a Super Bowl was held at a cold-weather city...
, January 24, 1982 - Cincinnati appeared in Super Bowl XVISuper Bowl XVISuper Bowl XVI was an American football game played on January 24, 1982, at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan to decide the National Football League champion following the 1981 regular season. It marked the first time that a Super Bowl was held at a cold-weather city...
facing the San Francisco 49ers1981 San Francisco 49ers seasonThe San Francisco 49ers 1981 season was their 32nd season in the National Football League. The season was highlighted by their first Super Bowl victory. A big turning point for the franchise was the drafting of Ronnie Lott from the University of Southern California. Quarterback Joe Montana began...
. Played in Detroit's SilverdomePontiac SilverdomeThe Silverdome is a domed stadium located in the city of Pontiac, Michigan, USA, which sits on . It was the largest stadium in the National Football League until FedEx Field in suburban Washington, D.C...
, it was the first Super BowlSuper BowlThe Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League , the highest level of professional American football in the United States, culminating a season that begins in the late summer of the previous calendar year. The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to identify each game, rather...
north of the Mason Dixon line. It was also the first Super Bowl since Super Bowl IIISuper Bowl IIISuper Bowl III was the third AFL-NFL Championship Game in professional American football, but the first to officially bear the name "Super Bowl". This game is regarded as one of the greatest upsets in sports history...
to feature two teams who had never appeared in a Super Bowl before. (Super Bowl XXSuper Bowl XXSuper Bowl XX was an American football championship game played on January 26, 1986 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana to decide the National Football League champion following the 1985 regular season...
is the only game since with this feature.) The Bengals hurt themselves early and often in the game. After recovering a fumble from the 49ers on the opening kickoff, the Bengals gave the ball right back to San Francisco by throwing an interception, which led to a 49ers touchdown on their next possession. Later, a fumbleFumbleA fumble in American and Canadian football occurs when a player, who has possession and control of the ball loses it before being downed or scoring. By rule, it is any act other than passing, kicking or successful handing that results in loss of player possession...
cost the Bengals a sure score and another gave the 49ers a field goalField goal (football)A field goal in American football and Canadian football is a goal that may be scored during general play . Field goals may be scored by a placekick or the now practically extinct drop kick.The drop kick fell out of favor in 1934 when the shape of the ball was changed...
. By halftime, the 49ers had built a 20–0 lead, the largest halftime margin in Super Bowl history, at the time. The Bengals made a valiant comeback attempt in the second half, and managed to outscore San Francisco by 15 points, but committed even more costly turnovers; another interception and a turnover on downs when the 49ers stuffed an attempted fourth down conversion attempt on the San Francisco one-yard line. Cincinnati ended up losing the game 26–21 despite outgaining the 49ers in total yards 356 to 274 and setting 3 Super Bowl records: most receptions by one player (11 by Dan Ross), most completions (25 by Ken Anderson), and highest completion percentage (73.5). - December 20, 1982 - On a Monday Night FootballMonday Night FootballMonday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...
stage, Bengals' quarterback Ken Anderson set a single-game team record by completing 40 passes in a 50–34 shootout loss to the San Diego Chargers1982 San Diego Chargers seasonThe 1982 San Diego Chargers season began with the team trying to improve on their 10–6 record in 1981. It was a strike-shorten season so the league was divided up into two conferences instead of its normal divisional alignment. It ended with a second round loss to the...
. - November 28, 1982 - Defensive back Ken RileyKen RileyKenneth Jerome Riley is a former professional American Football defensive back who played his entire career for the Cincinnati Bengals, in the American Football League in 1969 and in the NFL from 1970 through 1983...
tied his own franchise record by intercepting 3 passes from Los Angeles RaidersOakland RaidersThe Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
quarterback Jim PlunkettJim PlunkettJames William "Jim" Plunkett is a former American football quarterback who played college football for Stanford University, where he won the Heisman Trophy, and professionally for three National Football League teams: the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers and Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders. ...
, leading the Benglas to a 31–17 win. - January 2, 1983 - In the regular season's final game, the Bengals beat the Houston Oilers1983 Houston Oilers seasonThe 1983 Houston Oilers season was the 24th season the team was with the league. The team improved upon their previous season's output of 1–8, winning two games, but failed to qualify for the playoffs for the third consecutive season.-Schedule:-Standings:...
35–27. Cincinnati once again won the AFC Central division crown. Ken Anderson set an NFL record by completing 20 consecutive passes in the game and finished the season winning his second consecutive passing title. It was the second time in his career he had won the title in back-to-back seasons. Anderson finished the season completing 70.55% of his passes, an NFL single season record. - January 9, 1983 - The New York Jets1983 New York Jets seasonThe 1983 New York Jets season was the 24th season for the team and the 14th in the National Football League. It began with the team trying to improve upon its 6–3 record from 1982 and return to the playoffs under first-year head coach Joe Walton...
traveled to Cincinnati and beat the Bengals 44–17 in the first round of the NFL playoffsNFL playoffs, 1982-83The NFL playoffs following the 1982 NFL season led up to Super Bowl XVII.A players' strike reduced the regular season to nine games. Thus, the league used a special 16-team playoff format , just for this year. Division standings were ignored...
. - December 17, 1983 - Bengals cornerbackCornerbackA cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
Ken Riley played his last game in a 20–14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings1983 Minnesota Vikings season1983 was the 23nd year of season play for the Minnesota Vikings and the 64th regular season of the National Football League. The Vikings finished with a record of eight wins and eight losses.-NFL Draft:-Schedule:-Standings:-Awards, records, and honors:...
. - October 28, 1984 - Bengals' bruising fullbackFullback (American football)A fullback is a position in the offensive backfield in American and Canadian football, and is one of the two running back positions along with the halfback...
Larry KinnebrewLarry KinnebrewLarry D. Kinnebrew is a former professional American football player who was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 1983 NFL Draft...
scored four touchdowns setting a team single game scoring record as the Bengals drilled the Houston Oilers1984 Houston Oilers seasonThe 1984 Houston Oilers season was the 25th season the team was with the league. The team improved upon their previous season's output of 2–14, winning three games, but failed to qualify for the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.-NFL Draft:...
31–13. - September 28, 1986 - In one of the worst losses in franchise history, the defending Super Bowl Champion Chicago Bears1986 Chicago Bears seasonThe 1986 Chicago Bears season was their 67th regular season and 17th post-season completed in the National Football League. The club posted a 14-2 record and won the NFC Central for the third consecutive season....
went into Cincinnati and housed the Bengals 44–7. - December 21, 1986 - In the final game of the 1986 season1986 NFL seasonThe 1986 NFL season was the 67th regular season of the National Football League. The season ended with Super Bowl XXI when the New York Giants defeated the Denver Broncos to win their first league title in 30 years.-Major rule changes:...
, Bengals' quarterback Boomer EsiasonBoomer EsiasonNorman Julius "Boomer" Esiason is a former American football quarterback and current network color commentator. He played for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals before working as an analyst for ABC and HBO...
set a team record by throwing five touchdown passes as Cincinnati shot down the New York Jets1986 New York Jets season-Regular season:-Postseason:-Standings:-External links:*...
52–21. It was also the last game for Bengals' quarterback Ken Anderson. - September 4, 1988 - The Bengals opened the season against the newly relocated Phoenix Cardinals1988 Phoenix Cardinals season-NFL Draft:-Schedule:-Standings:-References:**...
. A goal line stand on both the first and the last drive of the game preserved a 21–14 victory and showed the Bengals could win the close games in a new season after losing so many heartbreakers the year before. - October 16, 1988 - After leading Cincinnati to six straight wins to begin the season, Boomer EsiasonBoomer EsiasonNorman Julius "Boomer" Esiason is a former American football quarterback and current network color commentator. He played for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals before working as an analyst for ABC and HBO...
set a single game team record throwing 5 interceptions in a 27–21 loss to the New England Patriots1988 New England Patriots seasonThe New England Patriots finished the National Football League's 1988 season with a record of nine wins and seven losses, and finished tied for second in the AFC East division.-Staff:-Schedule:-Roster:...
. - November 6, 1988 - Bengals' wide receiverWide receiverA wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
Eddie Brown set a single-game team record by amassing 216 receiving yards as the Bengals abused the Pittsburgh Steelers1988 Pittsburgh Steelers seasonThe 1988 Pittsburgh Steelers began the season with the death of Hall of Fame team founder & owner Art Rooney at age 87 less than two weeks before the start of the season...
42–7 in Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium. - December 17, 1988 - In the regular season finale, Bengal place kicker Jim BreechJim BreechJames Thomas Breech is a former American football kicker in the National Football League, who played for Oakland Raiders in 1979 and Cincinnati Bengals from 1980-1992. Before his NFL career, Breech played for the University of California and Sacramento High School...
kicked a short field goalField goal (football)A field goal in American football and Canadian football is a goal that may be scored during general play . Field goals may be scored by a placekick or the now practically extinct drop kick.The drop kick fell out of favor in 1934 when the shape of the ball was changed...
in overtime to edge the Washington Redskins1988 Washington Redskins seasonThe 1988 Washington Redskins began with the team trying to improve on their 11-4 record from 1987, when they won Super Bowl XXII. The Redskins failed to qualify for the playoffs. They were the seventh team in NFL history to enter a season as the defending Super Bowl champion and miss the...
20–17. The win brought the team to 12–4 and locked up the organization's fifth AFC Central division title. Quarterback Boomer EsiasonBoomer EsiasonNorman Julius "Boomer" Esiason is a former American football quarterback and current network color commentator. He played for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals before working as an analyst for ABC and HBO...
finished the season as the NFL's top rated passer. - December 31, 1988 - Cincinnati hosted its fourth NFL playoff game. A sellout crowd at Riverfront Stadium watched the Bengals beat the Seattle Seahawks1988 Seattle Seahawks seasonThe 1988 Seattle Seahawks season was the team's 13th season with the National Football League.-1988 NFL Draft:-Staff:-Schedule:-Standings:-Playoffs:-External links:* *...
21–13. - January 8, 1989 - The Cincinnati Bengals shut down the Buffalo Bills1988 Buffalo Bills seasonThe 1988 Buffalo Bills season was the 29th season for the team and the 19th season in the National Football League. The Buffalo Bills finished in first place in the AFC East and finished the National Football League's 1988 season with a record of 12 wins and 4 losses. The Bills were 8–0 at home for...
21–10 to win the organization's second AFC Championship - Super Bowl XXIIISuper Bowl XXIIISuper Bowl XXIII was an American football game played on January 22, 1989 at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida to decide the National Football League champion following the 1988 regular season. This was the first Super Bowl hosted in the Miami area in 10 years, and the first in Miami not held...
, January 22, 1989 - The Bengals earned a rematch with the 49ers in Super Bowl XXIIISuper Bowl XXIIISuper Bowl XXIII was an American football game played on January 22, 1989 at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida to decide the National Football League champion following the 1988 regular season. This was the first Super Bowl hosted in the Miami area in 10 years, and the first in Miami not held...
, but lost 20–16 in Miami's Joe Robbie StadiumDolphin StadiumSun Life Stadium is an American football stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, a suburb of Miami. It is the home stadium of the Miami Dolphins National Football League team, and the University of Miami Hurricanes football team. It also hosts the Orange Bowl, an annual college football bowl game. It...
. The Bengals boasted the highest-scoring offense in 1988, and rebounded from a 4–12 record in 1987. But a few unfortunate events prevented the team from capturing the world championshipWorld championshipA world championship is the top achievement for any sport or contest. The title is usually awarded by contests, ranking systems, stature, ability, etc. This determines the best nation, team, individual in the world in a particular field. Certain sports do not have a world championship, instead...
. The night before the game, Bengals fullbackFullback (American football)A fullback is a position in the offensive backfield in American and Canadian football, and is one of the two running back positions along with the halfback...
Stanley Wilson suffered a "cocaine relapse," and did not participate in the game. Head coach Sam WycheSam WycheSamuel David "Sam" Wyche is a former American football player and head coach, who is best known as the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL...
was forced to alter the game plan only hours before the opening kickoff. Bengals All-ProAll-ProAll-Pro is a term mostly used in the NFL for the best players of each position during that season. It began as polls of sportswriters in the early 1920s...
nose tackle Tim KrumrieTim KrumrieTimothy A. Krumrie is a former American football nose tackle who played his entire NFL career for the Cincinnati Bengals, from 1983 through 1994...
broke his leg in three places while tackling Roger Craig early in the first quarter. At the start of the fourth quarter, Bengals cornerbackCornerbackA cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
Lewis Billups dropped a sure interception in the end zoneEnd zoneIn gridiron-based codes of football, the end zone refers to the scoring area on the field. It is the area between the end line and goal line bounded by the sidelines. There are two end zones, each being on an opposite side of the field...
which would have sealed a Cincinnati win. The 49ers Jerry RiceJerry RiceJerry Lee Rice is a retired American football wide receiver. He is generally regarded as the greatest wide receiver of all time and one of the greatest players in National Football League history...
scored on the next play. Despite all the adversity, the game remained close and the Bengals led the 49ers in the waning minutes of the game until the memorable drive late in the game, capped by a touchdown pass from Joe MontanaJoe MontanaJoseph Clifford "Joe" Montana, Jr. , nicknamed Joe Cool, Golden Joe, The Golden Great and Comeback Joe, is a retired American football player. Montana started his NFL career in 1979 with the San Francisco 49ers, where he played quarterback for the next 14 seasons...
to John TaylorJohn Taylor (American football player)John Gregory Taylor is a former American football wide receiver with the San Francisco 49ers. Taylor attended Pennsauken High School and was one of six NFL players to come from PHS during the 1980s. Taylor attended Delaware State College and was a member of their football team, the Hornets...
with only 34 seconds left in the contest, which erased a Bengal lead and put the 49ers ahead for good. - September 25, 1989 - the Battle of OhioBattle of Ohio (NFL)In the National Football League, the Battle of Ohio refers to games played between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. This rivalry has produced 2 of the 8 highest scoring games in NFL history...
takes center stage on Monday Night FootballMonday Night FootballMonday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...
for the first time ever at Riverfront Stadium, with the Bengals winning 21-14. - October 29, 1989 - Boomer EsiasonBoomer EsiasonNorman Julius "Boomer" Esiason is a former American football quarterback and current network color commentator. He played for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals before working as an analyst for ABC and HBO...
tied his own record for touchdownTouchdownA touchdown is a means of scoring in American and Canadian football. Whether running, passing, returning a kickoff or punt, or recovering a turnover, a team scores a touchdown by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone.-Description:...
passes in a game as the Bengals demolished the Tampa Bay Buccaneers1989 Tampa Bay Buccaneers seasonThe 1989 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season began with the team trying to improve on an 5-11 season which finished winning 2 of the last 3 games including an upset of AFC East Champions....
56–23. The Bengals tied a team record with eight touchdowns in the game. - December 3, 1989 - The Bengals were on the winning end of the first shutout in the Battle of OhioBattle of Ohio (NFL)In the National Football League, the Battle of Ohio refers to games played between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. This rivalry has produced 2 of the 8 highest scoring games in NFL history...
, flushing the Cleveland Browns1989 Cleveland Browns seasonThe 1989 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 40th season with the National Football League.-Staff:-Schedule:-Playoffs:-Standings:-References:...
21–0. It was the last shutout for the Bengals until 2006 when they once again shut the Browns out. - December 17, 1989 - Head coach Sam WycheSam WycheSamuel David "Sam" Wyche is a former American football player and head coach, who is best known as the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL...
was known as an emotional, quotable and outspoken leader. A rivalry developed with the head coach of the Houston Oilers, Jerry Glanville. In an extremely unusual move for an NFL coach, Wyche grossly inflated the final score on Glanville's Oilers. Up 45–0 in the final period, Wyche called for a fourth down conversion attempt (which was successful), and an onside kickOnside kickIn American and Canadian football, an onside kick is a type of kick used at a kickoff or other free kick, or scrimmage kick or other kick during play, in which the ball is kicked favorably for the kicking team to avoid giving away the ball...
(also successful). The final score was 61-7. After the game, Wyche said his only regret was that Bengal kicker Lee Johnson missed an extra pointExtra PointExtra Point is a twice-daily, two-minute segment on ESPN Radio that covers generic sports-related topical news and opinion. The AM edition airs Monday through Saturday at various times between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. ET, and the PM edition airs Monday through Friday between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. ET...
. Sam also observed that Glanville's Oilers were the dumbest, most undisciplined team he had ever seen. - October 7, 1990 - Bengals' quarterback Boomer EsiasonBoomer EsiasonNorman Julius "Boomer" Esiason is a former American football quarterback and current network color commentator. He played for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals before working as an analyst for ABC and HBO...
threw for 490 yards (a single game team passing record) in a 34-31 victory over the Los Angeles Rams1990 Los Angeles Rams seasonThe 1990 Los Angeles Rams season was the team's 53rd year with the National Football League and the 45th season in Los Angeles. On November 11, 1990, Marcus Dupree made his NFL debut against the New York Giants.-NFL Draft:-Staff:-Schedule:-See also:...
. - December 30, 1990 - The Bengals won the Battle of OhioBattle of Ohio (NFL)In the National Football League, the Battle of Ohio refers to games played between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. This rivalry has produced 2 of the 8 highest scoring games in NFL history...
, beating the Cleveland Browns1990 Cleveland Browns seasonThe 1990 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 41st season with the National Football League.-Staff:-Schedule:-References:...
21–14. The victory made the team once again AFC Central division champs. - January 6, 1991 - In the organization's sixth home playoff game, Sam WycheSam WycheSamuel David "Sam" Wyche is a former American football player and head coach, who is best known as the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL...
and the Bengals again drilled the Houston Oilers1991 Houston Oilers season-Regular season:* October 13, 1991 – Warren Moon threw for 423 yards against the New York Jets.* November 10, 1991 – Warren Moon threw for 432 yards against the Dallas Cowboys...
41–14. - January 13, 1991 - A week after the victory over the Oilers, the Los Angeles Raiders1991 Los Angeles Raiders seasonThe 1991 Los Angeles Raiders season was their 32nd in the league. They were unable to improve upon their previous season's output of 12–4, winning only nine games. The team qualified for the playoffs for the second straight season.-Roster:-Schedule:...
knock the Bengals out of the playoffs by a 20–10 score. During the game, All-ProAll-ProAll-Pro is a term mostly used in the NFL for the best players of each position during that season. It began as polls of sportswriters in the early 1920s...
running backRunning backA running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
Bo JacksonBo JacksonVincent Edward "Bo" Jackson is a former American baseball and football player. He was the first athlete to be named an All-Star in two major American sports, and also won the Heisman Trophy in 1985....
suffered a career ending hip injury on a routine tackle by linebacker Kevin Walker.
The 1990s
Paul Brown, legendary NFL personality and innovator, died in 1991. He had already transferred control to his son, Mike BrownMike Brown (football team owner)
Michael "Mike" Brown is the owner of the Cincinnati Bengals, an American football team in the National Football League. He is the son of former Cleveland Browns, Ohio State University and Cincinnati Bengals coach/co-founder, Paul Brown....
, but was reported to still influence the daily operations of the team. Shortly after his passing, the Bengals' fortunes changed for the worse for a long time.
1990s coaches
- Sam Wyche's last year as head coach came was in 19911991 NFL seasonThe 1991 NFL season was the 72nd regular season of the National Football League. The season ended with Super Bowl XXVI when the Washington Redskins defeated the Buffalo Bills....
. After a 3–13 season, Bengals' president and CEO Mike Brown insisted that Wyche resign; but Sam insists that Brown fired him. - David Shula (son of legendary Miami DolphinsMiami DolphinsThe Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
' coach Don ShulaDon ShulaDonald Francis "Don" Shula is a former American football cornerback and coach.He is best known as coach of the Miami Dolphins, the team he led to two Super Bowl victories, and to the National Football League's only perfect season. Shula was named 1993 Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated....
) was promoted from WR position coach to head coach in 19921992 NFL seasonThe 1992 NFL season was the 73rd regular season of the National Football League.Due to the damage caused by Hurricane Andrew, the New England Patriots–Miami Dolphins game that was scheduled for September 6 at Joe Robbie Stadium was rescheduled to October 18. Both teams originally had that...
as the youngest NFL head coach. His last full season was 19951995 NFL seasonThe 1995 NFL season was the 76th regular season of the National Football League. The league expanded to 30 teams with the addition of the Carolina Panthers and the Jacksonville Jaguars...
. Shula lost his job after starting the 1996 season1996 NFL seasonThe 1996 NFL season was the 77th regular season of the National Football League and the season was marked by notable controversies from beginning to end...
1–6. Shula's accumulated win/loss record was 19–52. - Former Bengals' tight endTight endThe tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be...
, and long-time offensive coordinator, Bruce CosletBruce CosletBruce Coslet is a former American college and professional football player and professional football coach. A tight end, he played for the University of the Pacific and in 1969 debuted with the American Football League's Cincinnati Bengals...
took over the coaching duties midway through the 1996 season and coached the Bengals through the first three games of the 2000 season2000 NFL seasonThe 2000 NFL season was the 81st regular season of the National Football League. The season ended with Super Bowl XXXV when the Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants.Week 1 of the season reverted to Labor Day weekend in 2000...
, losing his last game to the Baltimore Ravens2000 Baltimore Ravens seasonThe Baltimore Ravens concluded the 2000 NFL season with a 12–4 record, good for second place in the AFC central, and earning them a spot in the playoffs as a wild card entrant...
37–0. Coslet won 21 and lost 39 as Bengals' head coach. - Dick LeBeauDick LeBeauCharles Richard “Dick” LeBeau is a National Football League Hall of Fame defensive back. He is currently the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator and is considered to be one of the greatest defensive coordinators of all time. He spent 14 years in the NFL as a player with the Detroit Lions and...
, former DB for Detroit, filled the coaching vacancy left by Coslet. He was the defensive coordinator for the Bengals under Coslet after being coordinator for the division rival Pittsburgh SteelersPittsburgh SteelersThe Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
. LeBeau led the Bengals to a season record of 4–12 in 2000.
Memorable players from the 1990s
- Lee JohnsonLee Johnson (American football player)Leland Eric Johnson Leland Eric Johnson Leland Eric Johnson (born November 27, 1961 in Dallas, Texas, is a former professional American football punter who played 18 seasons in the National Football League...
(1988–1998) - Was the Bengals punter for 11 seasons. Set a Super Bowl record for longest punt with a 63 yard punt in Super Bowl XXIIISuper Bowl XXIIISuper Bowl XXIII was an American football game played on January 22, 1989 at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida to decide the National Football League champion following the 1988 regular season. This was the first Super Bowl hosted in the Miami area in 10 years, and the first in Miami not held...
. Overall, Johnson played 18 seasons in the NFL and recorded a career total of 51,979 punting yards, the third most in NFL history when he was cut from the team. During the dismal decade Johnson made a bitter comment about team management (referring to individuals higher than the coaches) and was suspended, fined and then cut from the team before the Pickens' incident. Johnson was one of the more recognizable and veteran players. - Carl PickensCarl PickensCarl McNally Pickens is a former American football wide receiver in the NFL who played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans....
(1992–99) and Darnay ScottDarnay ScottDarnay Scott is a former professional American football player who was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft.-High school career:...
(1994–2001), both wide receivers along with quarterback Jeff BlakeJeff BlakeJeff Bertrand Coleman Blake is a retired American football quarterback who played in the National Football League. Although he finished his career with the Chicago Bears, he was formerly a quarterback for the New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Arizona...
(1994–99). The trio rekindled the Bengals' identity as a high-powered offense. Pickens was a fast and elusive receiver; he was well disciplined in running routes displaying excellent hands. Darnay complimented him with his own amazing speed. Pickens was the more favored target of Blake and when Pickens left, Darnay was unable to fill the vacancy. Pickens, with other teams, was nowhere near as successful without Blake as his quarterback. The three worked excellently together and when one wasn't there the chemistry was gone for them as a team or individual.
- Pickens made the Pro Bowl twice with the Bengals and held the team record for most receptions in the regular season until 2007. He left the team due to personality conflicts (which led to some fines as well as a new player contract clause for later players nicknamed the "Pickens Clause" which penalizes players for disparagring remarks about the club or management).
- Scott recorded over 800 receiving yards in all of his 7 seasons with the Bengals, with the sole exception of 1997, when he recorded 797 yards.
- Blake was the only other quarterback, other than Esiason in '97, to lead the team to a non-losing record (8-8) during the string of bad seasons. He was famous for his short stature and his "moon ball" (nicknamed such for its high arc) which was a very successful play to Carl PickensCarl PickensCarl McNally Pickens is a former American football wide receiver in the NFL who played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans....
and Darnay ScottDarnay ScottDarnay Scott is a former professional American football player who was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft.-High school career:...
. He was drafted by the Jets under their head coach of the time, Coslet, and came over as a backup to Klingler when Coslet arrived. He got the start due to injuries and was never challenged for the quarterback position by Klingler again. He was benched after the drafting of Akili SmithAkili SmithKabisa Akili Maradufu Smith is a former professional American and Canadian football quarterback. He was selected in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, the third quarterback in the first three choices, behind Tim Couch , and Donovan McNabb...
. Blake remained in the league as a starter and backup beyond 2005 whereas neither of his favorite receivers remained in the league for another 2 years after they left the Bengals. - Corey DillonCorey DillonCorey James Dillon is a former American football running back. He played his ten-season career for the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots, wearing jersey number 28 for both teams. Dillon played college football the University of Washington where he wore the number 4.-High school...
(1997–2003) - Controversial but highly talented running back. He broke many league rookie records (which were subsequently broken in the next year) and Bengal franchise records (which were broken by his replacement Rudi JohnsonRudi JohnsonBurudi Ali "Rudi" Johnson is a former American football running back who played professionally from 2001 - 2008. Rudi was born in Petersburg, Virginia approximately 30 miles south of Richmond. His first name "Burudi" is Swahili and means "cool'" and his middle name "Ali" represented his family's...
). He left the Bengals prior to the 2004 campaign and won Super Bowl XXXIXSuper Bowl XXXIXSuper Bowl XXXIX was an American football game played on February 6, 2005, at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, to decide the National Football League champion following the 2004 regular season...
with the New England PatriotsNew England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
. Left the Bengals with insulting statements which many Bengals' fans reacted to with anger. He holds Bengals records for most career rushing yards(8,061) and rushing yards in one game (274) - Takeo SpikesTakeo SpikesTakeo Gerard Spikes is an American football linebacker for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals 13th overall in the 1998 NFL Draft...
(1998–2002) - Fast, strong (tackled hulking and lumbering RB Jerome BettisJerome BettisJerome Abram "The Bus" Bettis is a retired American football halfback who played for the NFL's Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers. Bettis is considered one of the best big backs ever because his footwork and power, and is currently fifth on the National Football League's all-time...
with one hand by the neck collar from behind), emotional and talented inside linebacker. Coupled with Brian SimmonsBrian SimmonsBrian Eugene Simmons is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals 17th overall in the 1998 NFL Draft...
, he was a powerful force and emotional leader for the maligned defense. He left Cincinnati for the Buffalo Bills after the 2–14 season under LeBeau, believing Cincinnati would not turn itself around under rookie head coach Marvin Lewis. The Bengals went 27–21 over the next three seasons, including an 11–5 Division Championship season in 2005. The Bills went 20–28 over the same period with no postseason appearances. - Ki-Jana CarterKi-Jana CarterKenneth Leonard "Ki-Jana" Carter is a former American football running back in the National Football League who played for the Cincinnati Bengals and later the Washington Redskins and the New Orleans Saints. His nickname, "Ki-Jana", is from a character in the movie Shaft in Africa and Carter has...
, Dan WilkinsonDan WilkinsonDan "Big Daddy" Wilkinson is a former defensive tackle who played 13 seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, and Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted 1st overall in the 1994 NFL Draft...
, Akili SmithAkili SmithKabisa Akili Maradufu Smith is a former professional American and Canadian football quarterback. He was selected in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, the third quarterback in the first three choices, behind Tim Couch , and Donovan McNabb...
, and David KlinglerDavid KlinglerDavid Ryan Klingler , is a former American football player. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals after a record setting quarterback career at the University of Houston...
, were four players drafted during this period touted as "franchise saving" individuals. Whether it was a lack of talent, poor coaching, bad luck with injuries, each one of these drafts proved to be an astoundingly horrible selection. Dan Wilkinson is the only one who remained in the league with other teams but never had the "breakout season" to justify his 1st-round draft status and high paying initial contract.
1990s games of note
- September 1, 1991 - The Denver Broncos1991 Denver Broncos season-Schedule:-AFC Championship Game:Buffalo relied on missed field goals by Denver and some key plays from their defense to narrowly defeat the Broncos in a tough defensive struggle. Although the first half was scoreless, the Broncos advanced into Buffalo territory on all five of their possessions in...
stomped the Bengals 45–14 to open the season. This game would prove to be the beginning of what would come to be known as "the lost decade." Including 1991, the Bengals would go on to post a losing record in eleven of the next twelve seasons. There would be few games of note during this period. - December 27, 1992 - Left tackle Anthony MuñozAnthony MuñozMichael Anthony Muñoz , is a Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive tackle who played most of his career for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals...
, the man who almost all agree was the greatest NFL player to ever wear a Bengal uniform, played his last professional regular season game. Muñoz was voted to eleven consecutive Pro BowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
s, played in two Super BowlSuper BowlThe Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League , the highest level of professional American football in the United States, culminating a season that begins in the late summer of the previous calendar year. The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to identify each game, rather...
s and, after his retirement, was named to the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time TeamNFL 75th Anniversary All-Time TeamThe National Football League 75th Anniversary All-Time Team was chosen by a selection committee of media and league personnel in 1994. Years served were in the NFL, unless otherwise stated.-Offense:Source:-Defense:Source:-Special teams:Source:...
. The Bengals lost the game, 20–17 to the Indianapolis Colts1992 Indianapolis Colts seasonThe 1992 Indianapolis Colts season was the 40th season for the team in the National Football League and 9th in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Colts finished the National Football League's 1992 season with a record of 9 wins and 7 losses, and finished third in the AFC East division.Football...
. - December 12, 1993 - Against the New England Patriots1993 New England Patriots seasonThe New England Patriots finished the National Football League's 1993 season with a record of five wins and eleven losses, and finished fourth in the AFC East division.-Season summary:Amid year-long rumors that the team would move to St...
, the Bengals became the last team as of 2011 to score only a safety in a complete game, finishing with a 2-7 loss. - December 17, 1995 - The Bengals lose to intrastate rival Cleveland Browns1995 Cleveland Browns seasonThe 1995 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 46th season with the National Football League. On November 6, then-owner Art Modell announced his intentions to move the team to Baltimore...
26–10, in the last NFL game ever played at Cleveland Municipal Stadium. It would also be the last game played in the "Battle of Ohio" series for the next four years, as the Browns relocated to Baltimore following the '95 season and became the Baltimore RavensBaltimore RavensThe Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his... - December 4, 1997 - Running back Corey DillonCorey DillonCorey James Dillon is a former American football running back. He played his ten-season career for the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots, wearing jersey number 28 for both teams. Dillon played college football the University of Washington where he wore the number 4.-High school...
rushed for 246 yards on 39 carries, breaking the NFL rookie record of 237 yards set by Jim BrownJim BrownJames Nathaniel "Jim" Brown is an American former professional football player who has also made his mark as an actor. He is best known for his exceptional and record-setting nine-year career as a running back for the NFL Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965. In 2002, he was named by Sporting News...
in 1957. This mark would later be eclipsed by Mike Anderson of the Denver BroncosDenver BroncosThe Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. - December 21, 1997 - Bengals' quarterback Boomer EsiasonBoomer EsiasonNorman Julius "Boomer" Esiason is a former American football quarterback and current network color commentator. He played for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals before working as an analyst for ABC and HBO...
played his last NFL game. His last play was a 79 yard touchdown play-action pass to wide receiverWide receiverA wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
Darnay ScottDarnay ScottDarnay Scott is a former professional American football player who was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft.-High school career:...
. Cincinnati won the game 16–14 against the Baltimore Ravens1997 Baltimore Ravens seasonThe 1997 Baltimore Ravens season was the team's second year in the National Football League. While the Ravens failed to finished above 5th in AFC Central they improved from 4–12–0 in 1996 to 6–9–1.-NFL Draft:-Schedule:-Roster:-Staff:-References:...
. Boomer finished the season with a 107 quarterback rating.
Intensification of rivalry with Pittsburgh Steelers
The Bengals have played the Steelers more than any other team in the NFL (the Browns missed keeping pace by being out of the league for three yearsCleveland Browns relocation controversy
The Cleveland Browns relocation controversy was the decision by then Browns owner Art Modell to move the National Football League team from its longtime home of Cleveland, Ohio to Baltimore, Maryland for the 1996 NFL season...
, the Oilers/Titans team was moved from the division, and the Baltimore Ravens are considered a "new" franchise as Cleveland retained its rights to the name and history). While the Bengals were in the midst of a terrible decade the intensity of the rivalries tapered off.
- Ben RoethlisbergerBen RoethlisbergerBenjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
, an OhioFindlay, OhioAs of the census of 2000, there were 38,967 people, 15,905 households, and 10,004 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,266.3 people per square mile . There were 17,152 housing units at an average density of 997.6 per square mile...
native who attended college at nearby Miami UniversityMiami UniversityMiami University is a coeducational public research university located in Oxford, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1809, it is the 10th oldest public university in the United States and the second oldest university in Ohio, founded four years after Ohio University. In its 2012 edition, U.S...
, was brought onto the Steelers' team in 2004 and his impressive early achievements, along with those of Carson Palmer, have been heralded as the beginning of a dynamic rivalry for some time to come. - Dick LeBeauDick LeBeauCharles Richard “Dick” LeBeau is a National Football League Hall of Fame defensive back. He is currently the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator and is considered to be one of the greatest defensive coordinators of all time. He spent 14 years in the NFL as a player with the Detroit Lions and...
was fired from the head coach position from Cincinnati and returned to Pittsburgh as defensive coordinator. He either coached for Pittsburgh or Cincinnati for most of his NFL coaching career often going from one directly to the other. - Kimo Von OelhoffenKimo von OelhoffenKimo K. von Oelhoffen is a retired American football defensive tackle. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at Boise State....
was drafted by the Bengals and when LeBeau returned to Pittsburgh (the first time after being defensive coordinator for the Bengals) he took Kimo with him. Kimo, the former Bengal, was responsible for the hit that took Carson Palmer out of the '05-'06 AFC Wild Card game with a knee injury. Von Oelhoffen left the Steelers (and the rivalry) that offseason when he signed with the New York JetsNew York JetsThe New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. - Troy PolamaluTroy PolamaluTroy Aumua Polamalu is an American football strong safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Steelers. He played college football at the University of Southern California.-High school:Troy Polamalu graduated...
, the high profile safety for the Steelers, and Palmer were USCUniversity of Southern CaliforniaThe University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university...
roommates. In one particular play Polamalu intercepted Palmer and, on the runback, Palmer was the last remaining Bengal in position to tackle him but missed as Polamalu surged passed him and scored. - Head coaches, Lewis and former Steelers coach Bill CowherBill CowherWilliam Laird "Bill" Cowher is a former American football coach and player. Cowher resigned after 15 seasons as the Steelers' coach on January 5, 2007, 11 months to the day after winning 2005–06's Super Bowl XL...
, grew up in the same area of Pittsburgh and actually played against each other in little-league football. Later, Cowher would hire Lewis as an assistant coach for defense, giving him his first NFL job. - The Steelers began taunting the Bengals by using Cincinnati cheers and chants in a mocking fashion. On December 4, 2005 Hines Ward celebrated a touchdown against the Bengals at Heinz Field by doing the "Ickey ShuffleIckey ShuffleThe Ickey Shuffle was a touchdown celebration done by former National Football League fullback Elbert "Ickey" Woods of the Cincinnati Bengals after he would score a touchdown...
." However, Cincinnati went on to win the game 38-31. After the Steelers beat the Bengals in the 1st round of playoffs the Steelers were noted chanting "Who-Dey!" followed by a "We dey!" Steelers head coach Bill CowherBill CowherWilliam Laird "Bill" Cowher is a former American football coach and player. Cowher resigned after 15 seasons as the Steelers' coach on January 5, 2007, 11 months to the day after winning 2005–06's Super Bowl XL...
was again quoted chanting "We dey!" weeks later, at a Pittsburgh parade celebrating the Steelers' Super Bowl victory. - Longtime Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson, who also served as an assistant coach with the team over the years, was hired by the Steelers as their quarterbacks coach under new head coach Mike TomlinMike TomlinMichael Tomlin is the current head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. Tomlin is the third youngest head coach in any of the four major North American professional sports. He is the tenth African-American head coach in NFL history, and first in Steelers history...
for the 2007 season. - Another incident occurred on December 4, 2005, after a 38-31 Bengals victory over the Steelers in Pittsburgh. As Bengals wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh walked off Heinz Field, he asked a member of the Bengals support staff to hand him a Terrible Towel. When one was provided, he sat down in the visitors tunnel and shined his football cleats with the yellow cloth. Then, he twirled the towel over his head as he walked down the runway toward the Bengals locker room.
- On March 19, 2007 former Steelers linebacker Joey PorterJoey PorterJoseph "Joey" Eugene Porter is an American football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Colorado State.A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Porter earned a...
and several of his friends initiated a fight with Bengals offensive tackle Levi JonesLevi JonesLevi J. Jones is an American football offensive tackle for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals 10th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State.-College career:Jones attended Arizona State University...
at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas. Porter was cited for misdemeanor battery by the Las Vegas police, fined $1,000 and 3 game checks.
2000–present coaches
Dick LeBeauDick LeBeau
Charles Richard “Dick” LeBeau is a National Football League Hall of Fame defensive back. He is currently the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator and is considered to be one of the greatest defensive coordinators of all time. He spent 14 years in the NFL as a player with the Detroit Lions and...
lost his job as head coach after winning just two games throughout the 2002 season. LeBeau went 12-33 as head coach. His last season was a franchise worst 2-14 and had the worst winning percentage of all non-interim Bengal coaches of 26.67%. He returned to Pittsburgh as the defensive coordinator.
Current head coach Marvin Lewis
Marvin Lewis
Marvin Ronald Lewis is the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League, a position he has held since January 14, 2003...
won 8 and lost 8 in both the 2003 and 2004 seasons. He secured the 1st winning season (11–5) for the Bengal's franchise since 1991–92 playoff. He has introduced season "themes", from "Do Your Job" in 2004–05 to "Keep on Digging" 2003–04.
- Defensive coordinators under Lewis were Leslie Frazier, followed by Chuck Bresnahan. Frazier, who was hired by Lewis in his first year, left the club citing personality differences and left to become a successful defensive coordinator for Chicago Bears. Bresnahan was brought in and the Bengals' turnover differential in his 1st year was a huge turnaround, amounting to a +24 differential after the 12th game.
- Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski was held over from Dick LeBeau's coaching staff. In the years following Cincinnati has regained its franchise-characteristic high-potency offense.
Memorable players 2000–present
- Carson PalmerCarson PalmerCarson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
, 2002 Heisman TrophyHeisman TrophyThe Heisman Memorial Trophy Award , is awarded annually to the player deemed the most outstanding player in collegiate football. It was created in 1935 as the Downtown Athletic Club trophy and renamed in 1936 following the death of the Club's athletic director, John Heisman The Heisman Memorial...
Award winner. First Bengals QB to have a 100+ passer rating for the season, and broke several team passing records in his 2nd year as a starter (attempts, completions, and touchdowns). He also tied the NFL record for consecutive games with a 100+ rating during the same season. He holds the Bengals' Single Season Passing Yards with 4035 yards [2006], as well as the record for touchdown passes in a season (32) and single game (6). - The Johnsons, wide receiver: Chad Johnson, tailback: Rudi JohnsonRudi JohnsonBurudi Ali "Rudi" Johnson is a former American football running back who played professionally from 2001 - 2008. Rudi was born in Petersburg, Virginia approximately 30 miles south of Richmond. His first name "Burudi" is Swahili and means "cool'" and his middle name "Ali" represented his family's...
, and fullback: Jeremi JohnsonJeremi JohnsonJeremi Ray Johnson is currently a free agent American football fullback in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
formed an offensive trio that propelled the Bengals' offense into its high-standing. - Chad Johnson broke the team record for reception yards in consecutive years ('04 & '05 season, 1400+ yards), also first Bengal ever to lead the NFL in receiving yards in 2006. In 2007 he became the team's all time leader in receptions and receiving yards.
- Rudi JohnsonRudi JohnsonBurudi Ali "Rudi" Johnson is a former American football running back who played professionally from 2001 - 2008. Rudi was born in Petersburg, Virginia approximately 30 miles south of Richmond. His first name "Burudi" is Swahili and means "cool'" and his middle name "Ali" represented his family's...
broke the team record for rushing yards in consecutive years ('04 & '05 season) - Jeremi JohnsonJeremi JohnsonJeremi Ray Johnson is currently a free agent American football fullback in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
, while used primarily as a blocking fullback, is a very capable receiver and elusive in the open field. - Willie Anderson and Levi JonesLevi JonesLevi J. Jones is an American football offensive tackle for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals 10th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State.-College career:Jones attended Arizona State University...
are the left and right tackles. Willie Anderson has started a franchise record number of consecutive games. - Deltha O'NealDeltha O'NealDeltha Lee O'Neal, III is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the first round as the 15th pick overall in the 2000 NFL Draft, after playing college football at California.A two-time Pro Bowl selection, O'Neal has also been a member...
and Tory JamesTory JamesTory James is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League.James attended Archbishop Shaw High School before going to college at Louisiana State University, and was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
alternated leading the Bengals in interceptions, where one or both gained yearly recognition by making it into the Pro Bowl. In 2005, O'Neal set a franchise record with 10 interceptions. - Shayne GrahamShayne GrahamMichael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
signed by the Bengals after being cut from 2 other teams, Graham set a Bengals record by making 88% (22 of 25) of his field goals in his first season with them. He made the Pro BowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
in 2005, and has missed but two extra points in his career. - T.J. Houshmandzadeh was a collegiate teammate of Chad Johnson's at Oregon StateOregon State UniversityOregon State University is a coeducational, public research university located in Corvallis, Oregon, United States. The university offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees and a multitude of research opportunities. There are more than 200 academic degree programs offered through the...
and, like Johnson, had a troubled history. Originally a third and fourth receiver, Houshmandzadeh overcame hamstring problems that plagued him in his second year, shed some weight to improve his performance and was promoted to the starting lineup in 2004 with the release of Peter Warrick. While not quite as fast as Johnson, Houshmandzadeh has proven himself a dependable possession receiver who's willing to make the tough short and medium range catches in traffic where he is prone to taking hard hits. In 2007 he set the team record for receptions in a season. - Linebacker Odell ThurmanOdell ThurmanOdell Lamar Thurman is an American football linebacker for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia....
and wide receiver Chris Henry. Both were high draft picks in 2005 and they made immediate positive impacts on the field for the Bengals. Odell was a candidate for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Chris Henry provided a second deep threat alongside of Chad Johnson and bolstered the offense tremendously. Both, however, had off field issues involving league substance violations and legal troubles. During their short careers they had a limited amount of playing time before being released between the 2007-2008 seasons. Their non-football related troubles are often considered to be the most visible incidents giving the Bengals a stigma of being in trouble with the law and the league.
2000–present games of note
- September 24, 2000 - The Baltimore Ravens2000 Baltimore Ravens seasonThe Baltimore Ravens concluded the 2000 NFL season with a 12–4 record, good for second place in the AFC central, and earning them a spot in the playoffs as a wild card entrant...
mauled the Bengals 37–0 in the most lop sided loss in franchise history. - October 22, 2000 - In a 31–21 victory against the Denver Broncos2000 Denver Broncos seasonThe 2000 Denver Broncos season was the team's 41st year in professional football and its 31st with the National Football League. It also was the team's final year at the famous Mile High Stadium.-Staff:-Schedule:-Standings:-Postseason:...
, Bengals Pro BowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
running back Corey DillonCorey DillonCorey James Dillon is a former American football running back. He played his ten-season career for the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots, wearing jersey number 28 for both teams. Dillon played college football the University of Washington where he wore the number 4.-High school...
captured the single game rushing record. DillonCorey DillonCorey James Dillon is a former American football running back. He played his ten-season career for the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots, wearing jersey number 28 for both teams. Dillon played college football the University of Washington where he wore the number 4.-High school...
ran for 278 yards breaking the previous mark set by the Chicago BearsChicago BearsThe Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
' Walter PaytonWalter PaytonWalter Jerry Payton was an American football running back who played for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League for thirteen seasons. Walter Payton was known around the NFL as "Sweetness". He is remembered as one of the most prolific running backs in the history of American football...
. Jamal LewisJamal LewisJamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
of the Baltimore RavensBaltimore RavensThe Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
broke Dillon'sCorey DillonCorey James Dillon is a former American football running back. He played his ten-season career for the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots, wearing jersey number 28 for both teams. Dillon played college football the University of Washington where he wore the number 4.-High school...
record in 2003. - December 8, 2002 - The Carolina Panthers2002 Carolina Panthers season-Schedule:-References:...
drop 52 points on the Bengals, the most ever relinquished by any Bengal team. The final score was 52–31. - November 16, 2003 - By week 11 of the 2003 regular season2003 NFL season-Milestones:The following teams and players set all-time NFL records during the season:-Team:-Individual:-Awards:-External Links:**-References:*NFL Record and Fact Book *...
, the Kansas City Chiefs2003 Kansas City Chiefs seasonThe 2003 Kansas City Chiefs season resulted in a 13–3 record, beginning with a nine-game winning streak—the franchise’s best start in their 40-year history. The Chiefs won the AFC West and clinched the second seed in the playoffs...
were the only remaining undefeated team in the league, at 9–0. The Bengals had the worst record of any NFL team between 1991 and 2002, and at the time had a record of only 4–5 under rookie head coach Marvin LewisMarvin LewisMarvin Ronald Lewis is the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League, a position he has held since January 14, 2003...
. Chad Johnson, Cincinnati's 3rd-year wide receiver, made headlines with a pre-game guarantee that the Bengals would win the game http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/6820988. The Bengals went on to beat the Chiefs, 24–19. After the game, Marvin LewisMarvin LewisMarvin Ronald Lewis is the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League, a position he has held since January 14, 2003...
declared, "The NFLNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
is back in Cincinnati." - October 17, 2004 - Prior to this game in Cleveland, WR Chad Johnson sent his team's in-state rival, the Cleveland BrownsCleveland BrownsThe Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, some Pepto Bismol to his opposing defenders, because he thought that they would get sick of trying to cover him. Unfortunately for him and the Bengals, the Browns2004 Cleveland Browns seasonThe 2004 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 52nd season with the National Football League.- Schedule :-End of Butch Davis era:On November 30, Butch Davis resigned as Head Coach and General Manager of the team. He was succeeded by offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie. Robiskie promoted tight end...
would win Round 1 of 2004's Battle of OhioBattle of Ohio (NFL)In the National Football League, the Battle of Ohio refers to games played between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. This rivalry has produced 2 of the 8 highest scoring games in NFL history...
, holding Chad Johnson to just three receptions for 37 yards and no touchdowns. Also, then-opposing QB Jeff GarciaJeff GarciaJeffrey Jason "Jeff" Garcia is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He played college football at San Jose State University....
completed a 99-yard TD pass to former Browns WR André DavisAndré DavisAndré N. Davis is a American football wide receiver and kick returner who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
, marking the 10th time in NFL history that a 99-yard pass was recorded. The Bengals fell to 1–4, as they lost to the Browns 34–17. - October 25, 2004 - With much fanfare from Cincinnati residents, Monday Night FootballMonday Night FootballMonday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...
returned to Cincinnati after a fifteen-year absence. In their first MNF appearance in twelve years, the Bengals (1–4) were matched against the Denver Broncos2004 Denver Broncos seasonThe 2004 Denver Broncos season was the team's 45th year in professional football and its 35th with the National Football League.-Staff:-Schedule:-Playoffs:-References:* *...
(5-1), whose defense was ranked number one in the NFL. Considered a long shot, the Bengals defeated the Broncos, 23-10. - November 28, 2004 - The Cleveland BrownsCleveland BrownsThe Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
once again find themselves on the losing end of the Battle of OhioBattle of Ohio (NFL)In the National Football League, the Battle of Ohio refers to games played between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. This rivalry has produced 2 of the 8 highest scoring games in NFL history...
, losing 58–48 to the Bengals in the second-highest scoring game in NFL history (106 total points). In this game, the Bengals won the re-match for this season. - December 5, 2004 - In another hopeful sign for fans that the Bengals were truly shedding their losing ways, they beat the Baltimore Ravens2004 Baltimore Ravens seasonThe 2004 Baltimore Ravens season was the team's ninth season in the NFL. They were unable to improve upon their previous output of 10–6 and a playoff appearance, instead going 9–7 and missing the playoffs.-Schedule:-References:...
, 27–26. More importantly than the divisional win was the fact that it marked the first time since 1990 the Bengals had won a game on the road when facing a team with a winning record (an NFL record 42 straight losses). - September 24, 2005 - After forcing five interceptions the previous week against the Vikings, the Bengals intercepted five more this game against the Bears. In doing so, the team accomplished a feat that had not been done in 34 years. The last team to have back-to-back games with 5 or more interceptions was the 1971 Browns. Later in the season, they faced the Green Bay PackersGreen Bay PackersThe Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
, another NFC North team, and also intercepted 5 passes on their way to victory. - December 4, 2005 - With a 38-31 win over the Pittsburgh SteelersPittsburgh SteelersThe Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
, the Bengals assured themselves of the team's first winning season since 1990. Additionally, the team moved ahead of the Steelers by 2 games, taking a major step towards securing a playoff berth, and just as important, gained respect for the Bengals after years of futility. - December 18, 2005 - The Bengals clinch the AFC North title and their first playoff appearance in fifteen years with a 41–17 rout of the Detroit LionsDetroit LionsThe Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
. Carson PalmerCarson PalmerCarson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
(QB) sets a franchise record with 32 touchdown passes in a single season, Deltha O'NealDeltha O'NealDeltha Lee O'Neal, III is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the first round as the 15th pick overall in the 2000 NFL Draft, after playing college football at California.A two-time Pro Bowl selection, O'Neal has also been a member...
(CB) even sets a franchise record for most interceptions in a season with 10.
AFC Wild-Card Round
- January 8, 2006 - The Bengals hosted their first ever playoff game at Paul Brown StadiumPaul Brown StadiumPaul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and...
, against the Pittsburgh Steelers2005 Pittsburgh Steelers seasonThe 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers season began with the team trying to improve on their 15–1 record from 2004 in which they lost to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game at Heinz Field. The Steelers, with the sixth and final seed to the playoffs, became just the second team ever to win...
. Star quarterback Carson PalmerCarson PalmerCarson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
was injured on Cincinnati's second play from scrimmage, his first postseason pass attempt, (which was completed to rookie wide receiver Chris Henry for a Bengals postseason record play of 66 yards; Henry was also injured on that very play) with a torn ACL, and the team failed to rally around Jon KitnaJon KitnaJon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
. Multiple injuries and many fights marred the game demonstrating the intense friction due to familiarity and tension between the teams. The close relationship between management and players (due to trades, mentoring, even players growing up in the same neighborhood) bind the teams closely together and are a great source of bitterness as well. Many have predicted that this game will escalate the rivalry between the Steelers and Bengals. Some Cincinnati fans even go as far as feeling a great deal of hate twords the Steelers and say that Palmer will never be the same.
This year neither team's home field advantage proved advantageous. In the series the home team lost every game. The Steelers defeated the Bengals in the wild-card playoff game, 31–17.
- November 11 and November 19, 2006 - After the Week 4 loss to NE in the 2006–07 NFL season, the Bengals' offense appeared to be out-of-sync and inconsistent. Chad Johnson was relegated to having games of less than 4 catches. There were key injuries to the offensive line. The defenses' propensity for getting turnovers were getting less than one every game. The Bengals faced off against the San Diego Chargers2006 San Diego Chargers seasonThe 2006 San Diego Chargers season began with the team trying to improve on their 9–7 record in 2005. They finished the campaign as the #1 seed in the AFC ending the season at 14–2, best record in the NFL...
in Week 9 followed by the New Orleans Saints2006 New Orleans Saints seasonThe 2006 New Orleans Saints season began with the team trying to improve on their 3-13 record in 2005. All of the team's 2006 regular season home games were played in the Louisiana Superdome, which had been damaged all of the previous season by Hurricane Katrina...
in Week 10 and appeared to have regained the previous year's character. Although the San Diego game ended with the Bengals losing 49–41, the seemingly dormant Cincinnati offense came to life that day. Carson Palmer threw a career high 440 yards and Chad Johnson had a career high and Bengal record 260 yard day. They followed up the next week with another explosive game where Chad caught another 190 yards breaking the record for most yards in two consecutive games for 450 yards total, as Cincinnati won over the Saints 31–16.
- November 26, 2006 - The Bengals get their first shutout since the '89 season when they shut out the Cleveland Browns2006 Cleveland Browns seasonThe 2006 Cleveland Browns season marked the 60th anniversary of the Browns franchise. It began with the team attempting to improve upon their win-loss record from 2005, where the team ended the year at 6–10. They were one of the most active teams during the free agency period, and looked to be one...
30-0 in Cleveland. This is also only the second shutout in the history of the Battle of OhioBattle of Ohio (NFL)In the National Football League, the Battle of Ohio refers to games played between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. This rivalry has produced 2 of the 8 highest scoring games in NFL history...
. Carson PalmerCarson PalmerCarson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
threw for 275 passing with three touchdown passes. The Bengals' defense, who had been struggling throughout the season, had four sacks, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles. Free safety Kevin Kaesviharn had two of those interceptions and one sack.
2000–05
The Bengals began to emerge from more than a decade of being the worst-performing team of that era (edging out the Cardinals) into a new era of increased consistency under Marvin Lewis. Carson Palmer, the future star quarterback, was drafted in 2003 but did not play a snap that whole season, as Jon Kitna had a comeback year (voted NFL Comeback Player of the Year). Despite Kitna's success, Carson was promoted to starting quarterback the following season and Kitna, apparently happily, took the position of backup quarterback and embraced the role of mentor for the young quarterback.Paul Brown Stadium
Paul Brown Stadium
Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and...
was built for the 2000 season using private and public money. In tribute to his father, Mike Brown refused corporate offers to have the stadium renamed for their company which became a trend in the NFL and other sports team around that time.
During the 2005 season
2005 NFL season
The 2005 NFL season was the 86th regular season of the National Football League.With the New England Patriots as the defending league champions, regular season play was held from September 8, 2005 to January 1, 2006...
, the Bengals
2005 Cincinnati Bengals season
The 2005 Cincinnati Bengals season was the team's 38th year in professional football and its 36th with the National Football League.-NFL Draft:-Staff:-Roster:-Schedule:-Postseason:...
became known for their players' off-field and non-football related violations of league substance policies and legal troubles.
2006 season
Like the previous years, Marvin Lewis and his staff developed a theme to rally around, this time it was The Pyramid (a listing of qualities developed by the successful former UCLA basketball coach John WoodenJohn Wooden
John Robert Wooden was an American basketball player and coach. Nicknamed the "Wizard of Westwood", he won ten NCAA national championships in a 12-year period — seven in a row — as head coach at UCLA, an unprecedented feat. Within this period, his teams won a record 88 consecutive games...
). During the offseason the Bengals made very few free-agent acquisitions and a large number of drafted players (or new ones to the team) were not positioned as starters which is considered a sign of an established team instead of one in the midst of rebuilding (as there was considerable player turnover in the first few years under Lewis). There were concerns about many players' personal legal troubles which kept them in the news but one of the biggest concerns was Carson Palmer's ability to rebound from the serious knee injury he suffered in the playoffs to Pittsburgh.
As the preparations were being made for the season, the Bengals went undefeated at 4-0 for the first time in preseason games and went on to win their first three games, including winning the first two intradivision games versus the Cleveland Browns
2006 Cleveland Browns season
The 2006 Cleveland Browns season marked the 60th anniversary of the Browns franchise. It began with the team attempting to improve upon their win-loss record from 2005, where the team ended the year at 6–10. They were one of the most active teams during the free agency period, and looked to be one...
and Pittsburgh Steelers
2006 Pittsburgh Steelers season
The 2006 Pittsburgh Steelers season began with the team trying to improve on their 11–5 record from 2005 and trying to defend their Super Bowl XL championship.-Offseason:...
. The team lost quite a few players of value during these first weeks, due to injury or suspension causing many of the rookies, originally not intended to start, into starting roles. In the fourth week, Cincinnati lost a one-sided game to the New England Patriots
2006 New England Patriots season
The 2006 New England Patriots season was the 37th season for the team in the National Football League and 47th season overall. They finished with a 12–4 record and a division title before losing to the Indianapolis Colts in the playoffs....
at home.
Coming out of their early bye, the team went to Tampa, Florida to face the winless Buccaneers
2006 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
The 2006 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season began with the team trying to improve on their 11-5 record in 2005.-Summary:After winning the division in 2005, the Buccaneers suffered through an abysmal 2006 season...
and went home with a 13–14 loss. In week seven, the Bengals would face the Carolina Panthers
2006 Carolina Panthers season
-Regular season:-Week 1: vs. Atlanta Falcons:at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North CarolinaThe Panthers opened the regular season at home against the Atlanta Falcons on September 10. They lost, in what many fans and players alike referred to as an embarrassing game, 20-6. Kicker John Kasay...
at home, managing the win. Cincinnati went on to lose their next three games against the Atlanta Falcons
2006 Atlanta Falcons season
-Roster:-Schedule:-Week 1: at Carolina Panthers:at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina The Falcons opened the regular season on the road against the Carolina Panthers on September 10...
, Baltimore Ravens
2006 Baltimore Ravens season
The 2006 Baltimore Ravens season began with the team trying to improve on their 6–10 record in 2005. The Ravens, for the first time in franchise history, started 4–0. The Ravens' ended the regular season with a team-best 13–3 record. The Ravens clinched the AFC North title, 1st-round bye...
, and San Diego Chargers
2006 San Diego Chargers season
The 2006 San Diego Chargers season began with the team trying to improve on their 9–7 record in 2005. They finished the campaign as the #1 seed in the AFC ending the season at 14–2, best record in the NFL...
. During the San Diego game, however, the team had a memorable offensive experience. Carson Palmer threw for a career-high 440 passing yards. Chad Johnson also set a franchise record of 260 receiving yards in a single game.
The team went to New Orleans
2006 New Orleans Saints season
The 2006 New Orleans Saints season began with the team trying to improve on their 3-13 record in 2005. All of the team's 2006 regular season home games were played in the Louisiana Superdome, which had been damaged all of the previous season by Hurricane Katrina...
in week 11 to face the Saints and ended their losing streak. Chad Johnson had 190 receiving yards in that game, along with 3 touchdowns. The Bengals continued to improve their playoff chances when they went to Cleveland to face the Browns. They were on the winning side of the second shutout in the history of the Battle of Ohio
Battle of Ohio (NFL)
In the National Football League, the Battle of Ohio refers to games played between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. This rivalry has produced 2 of the 8 highest scoring games in NFL history...
with the final score 30-0. Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
threw three touchdown passes and 275 passing yards. The previously struggling Bengals' defense recorded four interceptions, four sacks, and two forced fumbles. With this win they got themselves back to a winning record of 6-5.
The Bengals would win two more games against Baltimore and Oakland
2006 Oakland Raiders season
The 2006 Oakland Raiders season, which was supposed to improve on a lackluster 4–12 record from 2005, ended with the Raiders suffering through a 2–14 campaign, the worst record in the 2006 NFL season, the worst season since the club went 1–13 in 1962 and their worst since the National Football...
before the win streak ended with a loss to Indianapolis. The Bengals then lost to Denver
2006 Denver Broncos season
The 2006 Denver Broncos season began with the team trying to improve on their 13–3 record and make a return to the AFC Championship Game as they did in 2005.-Offseason:...
24-23 the following week on a snowy Sunday when Brad St. Louis' long snap on an extra point in the final minute sailed through the hands of holder Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Nebraska.-Early years:...
, preventing Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
from even attempting the conversion.
In week 17, The Bengals lost in overtime to the Pittsburgh Steelers 23–17, thus ending any possibility of post-season play. Chris Henry gained 124 receiving yards and he scored a touchdown. Shayne Graham missed a 38-yard field goal on the last Bengals' play in regulation with 0:08 left on the clock. The Bengals were eliminated by losing to the Steelers by a Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...
touchdown reception on the third play of the extra session. Cincinnati ended the season at 8–8.
2008
The 2008 season2008 NFL season
The 2008 NFL season was the 89th regular season of the National Football League, themed with the slogan "Believe in Now."Super Bowl XLIII, the league's championship game, was at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 2009, with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming out victorious over the...
would see Cincinnati crash to the ground. The team lost its first eight games before finally beating the Jaguars
2008 Jacksonville Jaguars season
The 2008 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the 14th season for the team in the National Football League. The Jaguars failed to improve upon their 11–5 record from 2007 and did not make the playoffs, contrary to many preseason predictions.-2008 NFL Draft picks:...
in Week 9. After that, they hosted the Eagles in a rare tie, the final score being 13-13. There followed three more losses followed by three wins to end the year at 4-11-1 and third in the division.
2009
After such a poor performance, little was expected of the Bengals in 20092009 NFL season
The 2009 NFL season was the 90th regular season of the National Football League.The preseason started with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on August 9, 2009, and the regular season began September 10. The season ended with Super Bowl XLIV, the league's championship game, on February 7, 2010 at...
, but the results surprised everyone. The season opener against Denver
2008 Denver Broncos season
The 2008 Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 49th season for the team . They improved from their 7–9 record from 2007 but failed to make the playoffs with an 8–8 record...
was a 12-7 defeat, but afterwards the Bengals won four in a row against the Packers
2008 Green Bay Packers season
The 2008 Green Bay Packers season was the 88th season in the National Football League for the Packers and their 90th overall. They looked to continue success after posting a 13-3 record in 2007, but finished the season with a losing 6-10 record and missed the playoffs.- 2008 NFL Draft :The Packers...
, Steelers
2009 Pittsburgh Steelers season
The 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 77th season in the National Football League . They were coming off a season in which they compiled a 12–4 regular season record and capped the season by winning the franchise's record sixth Super Bowl...
, Browns
2009 Cleveland Browns season
The 2009 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 63rd season as a professional sports franchise and its 59th season as a member of the National Football League . The team placed fourth in the AFC North with a record of 5–11, improving upon its 2008 record of 4–12...
, and Ravens
2009 Baltimore Ravens season
The 2009 Baltimore Ravens season is the franchise's 14th season as a team in the National Football League . The franchise entered the season off an 11–5 record in their previous season, a playoff berth, but a loss in the American Football Conference Championship game against the eventual Super...
. The team lost at home to the Texans
2009 Houston Texans season
The 2009 Houston Texans season is the 8th season for the team in the National Football League. The Texans improved upon their 8–8 record in 2008, claimed their first winning season in franchise history, and 4 straight heartbreaking division losses came back to haunt them, as they narrowly missed...
, then beat the Bears
2009 Chicago Bears season
The 2009 Chicago Bears season is the franchise's 90th season overall in the National Football League. The Bears had looked to improve upon their 9–7 record from 2008 and return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2006 season, but failed to do so for the third consecutive season. The team...
, Ravens, and Steelers. In Week 11 however, Cincinnati fell into a trap game when it lost to the 3-7 Raiders
2009 Oakland Raiders season
The 2009 Oakland Raiders season is the 50th season for the original American Football League team, and its 40th in the NFL. On September 6, 2009, The Raiders traded a 2011 draft pick to the New England Patriots for 5x Pro Bowl Defensive Lineman Richard Seymour. With their loss to Dallas on November...
. After another defeat of Cleveland, the Bengals had won all six of their divisional matches for the year. Following the next game (an easy win at home over Detroit
2009 Detroit Lions season
The 2009 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 80th season overall in the National Football League. The Lions spent the whole season at the bottom of their division and finished at 2–14. The 2009 season was the first season with the Lions for new head coach Jim Schwartz, and most of his new...
), Chad Ochocino was fined $20,000 by the NFL for donning a poncho and sombrero after scoring a touchdown (he had been fined three weeks earlier for joking about bribing the referees). Week 14 saw the Bengals travel to Minnesota, where the Vikings
2009 Minnesota Vikings season
The 2009 Minnesota Vikings season was the franchise's 49th season in the NFL. The Vikings improved upon their 10–6 record and defended their NFC North title from 2008; it was the first time that they had retained a divisional title since they won six NFC Central titles in a row between 1973 and 1978...
routed them 30-10. During the week after that game, tragedy struck when Chris Henry fell out of a pickup truck during a domestic dispute and died from his injuries. The team's previously lighthearted mood turned to one of mourning, and they lost the next match against San Diego
2009 San Diego Chargers season
The 2009 San Diego Chargers season was the 50th season for the original American Football League team, and its 40th in the NFL. The Chargers improved upon their regular season record of 8–8 in 2008 and won their division for the fourth straight year and fifth time in six seasons...
. After a victory over the Chiefs
2009 Kansas City Chiefs season
The 2009 Kansas City Chiefs season was the franchise's 50th season, and first with head coach Todd Haley at the helm. It was also the first season with Scott Pioli as the team's general manager. The Chiefs attempted to improve on their 2–14 record from 2008 with the third overall selection in the...
, the Bengals secured the AFC North title for only their second playoff berth since 1990. On the season ended, they traveled to the Meadowlands for a match with the New York Jets, but still shaken from Chris Henry's death, they were shut out 37-0. The Bengals and Jets had to face each other again in the wild card round of the playoffs, but now in Cincinnati. Their season, which looked so promising a few weeks earlier, ended with a whimper as the Jets won a second time, the score being 24-14.
The biggest 2010 acquisition for the Bengals was veteran WR Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
, signed in July. This move was controversial, as Owens was quite old at 36 and had caused considerable problems while playing in San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Dallas. Perhaps more controversial was the signing of CB Adam "Pacman" Jones, who had been involved in a shooting at a Las Vegas nightclub in 2007.
Cincinnati started off 2010 by losing on the road to the Patriots, and then returned home to beat Baltimore in a poorly-executed game that saw them win on five field goals. In Week 3, they easily defeated the Panthers in Carolina before losing to Cleveland and Tampa Bay to enter their bye week at 2-3. After losses to Atlanta, Miami, and Pittsburgh, the Bengals entered Week 10 at 2-6 and largely out of playoff contention. Following further losses, the Bengals beat Cleveland and San Diego before losing their final game to Baltimore and ending the 2010 campaign at 4-12. The team also suffered four blackouts, the first since 2003.
With the 4th pick in the 2011 draft, the Bengals took WR A.J. Green from Georgia. Most of the off-season was marred by a league lockout and Carson Palmer's sudden demand to be traded to another team. Mike Brown flatly refused to either release or trade him, and Palmer instead announced his plans to retire from the NFL. Another familiar face departed when Chad Ochocinco was traded to New England in August. With this, the Bengals decided to name unproven rookie QB Andy Dalton as their starter. On October 17, Palmer, who had been holding out since Brown announced he refused to trade him, was traded to the Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
for 2 first round picks in 2012
2012 NFL Draft
The 2012 NFL Draft will be the 77th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players.-Trades:...
and 2013
2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft will be the 78th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players.-Trades:...
.