Cincinnati Bengals HISTORY
|
|
Cincinnati Bengals Team History When Paul Brown, the legendary coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns, was released from his contract with the Browns in 1963, he knew he had to find a way to get back into football as soon as possible. In 1967, the city of Cincinnati provided the answer. Brown spearheaded a group that would be awarded an American Football League franchise. The team was named the Bengals after a franchise that played in the city in the late 30s and early 40s, and they adopted a color scheme for their uniforms disturbingly similar to Cleveland’s.
In 1970, the AFL merged with the NFL, placing the Bengals in the same division with their state rivals the Browns. Both teams met with equally little success throughout the ‘70s, although the Bengals were able to make the playoffs twice. In the 1980-81 season, league top-rated passer Ken Anderson led the Bengals to the Super Bowl with a 12-4 regular season record. Unfortunately they would meet up there with a young quarterback from Notre Dame named Joe Montana, who would prove, to the Bengals dismay, to be one of the winningest Super Bowl quarterbacks of all time. The 49ers took an early lead and a late game Bengal surge was not enough to prevent a 26-21 49er victory in Super Bowl XVI. In 1988, this time led by “Boomer” Esaiason, the Bengals returned to the Super Bowl, only to find a much more seasoned Montana waiting for them. This time it was the 49ers turn for a late game effort. Unfortunately for Bengals fans, this one would be successful, as Montana drove 92 yards with about three minutes left in the game for a winning score and a 20-16 49er win in Super Bowl XXIII.
2003 marked the beginning of a new era for the Bengals as new Coach Marvin Lewis and USC standout quarterback Carson Palmer brought a new winning attitude to the franchise. Palmer led the Bengals to the playoffs in the 2005-2006 season, but was injured throwing a long pass, leading to a Steeler victory and tremendous disappointment for Bengals fans. Palmer recovered and made the Pro Bowl the following year, setting up an exciting 2007 season for Bengals fans.
Cincinnati Bengals Memorable Moments
September 6, 1968
The Bengals play their inaugural game, a 29-13 loss to the San Diego Chargers.
January 10, 1982
In a game that would come to be known as “The Freezer Bowl,” The Bengals beat the San Diego Chargers 27-7 to win the AFC championship in -56 F weather.
January 24, 1982
Ken Anderson and the Bengals face Joe Montana’s 49ers in Super Bowl XVI. The Bengals outgain the 49ers and score three touchdowns in the second half, but still lose 26-21.
January 22, 1989
Boomer Esaiason quarterbacks the Bengals to their second Super Bowl, again against Montana’s 49ers. Montana engineers a 92 yard drive in the final minutes and hits John Taylor with a touchdown pass for a 20-16 victory in Super Bowl XXIII.
Cincinnati Bengals Records
All-time regular season franchise record: 265 - 341 - 1
All-time playoff franchise record: 5 - 8
All-time franchise passing leader: Ken Anderson - 32838 yards
All-time franchise rushing leader: Corey Dillon - 8061 yards
All-time franchise receiving leader: Chad Johnson - 7966 yards
Cincinnati Bengals Playoff Results
2006
AFC Divisional Playoff: lost 6 - 15 vs. Indianapolis Colts
2003
AFC Wildcard Game: lost 17 - 20 vs. Tennessee Titans
2001
AFC Wildcard Game: won 20 - 3 at Miami Dolphins
AFC Divisional Playoff: lost 10 - 27 at Pittsburgh Steelers
2000
AFC Wildcard Game: won 21 - 3 vs. Denver Broncos
AFC Divisional Playoff: won 24 - 10 at Tennessee Titans
AFC Championship Game: won 16 - 3 at Oakland Raiders
Super Bowl: won 34 - 7 at New York Giants
All-time playoff record: 5 - 3
SOURCE: Pro Football Reference |
Cincinnati Bengals
|
|
