RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
The Bengals were founded in 1966 as a member of the American Football League (AFL) by former Cleveland Browns head coach Paul Brown, and began play in the 1968 season. Brown was the Bengals' head coach from their inception to 1975. After being dismissed as the Browns' head coach by Art Modell (who had purchased a majority interest in the team in 1961) in January 1963, Brown had shown interest in establishing another NFL franchise in Ohio and looked at both Cincinnati and Columbus. He ultimately chose the former when a deal between the city, Hamilton County, and Major League Baseball's Cincinnati Reds (who were seeking a replacement for the obsolete Crosley Field) was struck that resulted in an agreement to build a multipurpose stadium which could host both baseball and football games.
Due to the impending merger of the AFL and the NFL, which was scheduled to take full effect in the 1970 season, Brown agreed to join the AFL as its tenth and final franchise. The Bengals, like the other former AFL teams, were assigned to the AFC following the merger. Cincinnati was also selected because, like their neighbors the Reds, they could draw from several large neighboring cities (Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky; Columbus, Dayton, and Springfield, Ohio) that are all no more than 110 miles (180 km) away from downtown Cincinnati, along with Indianapolis, until the Baltimore Colts relocated there prior to the 1984 NFL season.
The Bengals won the AFC championship in 1981 and 1988, but lost Super Bowls XVI and XXIII to the San Francisco 49ers. After Paul Brown's death in 1991, controlling interest in the team was inherited by his son, Mike Brown. In 2011, Brown purchased shares of the team owned by the estate of co-founder Austin Knowlton and is now the majority owner of the Bengals franchise.
The 1990s and the 2000s were a period of great struggle. Following the 1990 season, the team went 14 years without posting a winning record, nor qualifying to play in the NFL playoffs. The Bengals had several head coaches and several of their top draft picks did not pan out. Mike Brown, the team's de facto general manager, was rated as among the worst team owners in American professional sports. The team's fortunes improved in the mid-2000s, which saw them become more consistent postseason contenders, but they have continued to struggle past the regular season and have not won a playoff game since 1990, which is the longest active drought in the NFL.
The Bengals are one of 12 NFL teams to not have won a Super Bowl and one of five to have not won a championship, pre or post-Super Bowl era. They are also the only AFL franchise to have not won a championship in the AFL or NFL.
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Super Bowl XVI • San Francisco 49ers vs Cincinnati Bengals Radio Broadcast
Super Bowl XVI showcased a pivotal matchup between the San Francisco 49ers, led by Joe Montana under coach Bill Walsh, and the Cincinnati Bengals, steered by Ken Anderson with coach Forrest Gregg. As the season unfolded, both teams had demonstrated formidable prowess, with the 49ers refining their innovative offensive strategies and the Bengals showcasing resilience and tactical acumen. The anticipation for this clash was heightened by both teams' remarkable journeys to the championship, marking a defining moment in the 1981 NFL season.
The game itself was a display of strategic depth and individual brilliance. Montana's leadership and tactical intelligence were on full display, culminating in a rushing touchdown and a pivotal pass for another. Anderson, despite facing a stalwart 49ers defense, managed significant yardage and connected for two touchdowns, highlighting his resilience and skill. The 49ers' defensive squad, instrumental in curbing the Bengals' momentum, forced crucial turnovers, underscoring their role in the team's strategic victories.
The 49ers' triumph, concluding a 26-21 victory, not only secured their first Super Bowl title but also underscored the emergence of a dynasty under Walsh's guidance. Reflecting on the season, this game was a testament to the 49ers' strategic innovation and team cohesion. The Bengals, despite the loss, showcased their competitive spirit, marking the beginning of a rivalry that would be remembered for years to come. This season, culminating in the 49ers' victory, set the stage for future NFL narratives, including playoff races, awards, and the evolving strategies of American football.
On September 19, 1976, the Cincinnati Bengals faced off against the Baltimore Colts at Memorial...
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Colts - 1976 Radio Broadcast / On September 19, 1976, the Cincinnati Bengals faced off against the Baltimore Colts at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore. The Bengals, led by quarterback Ken Anderson, came into the game with a record of 0-1, aiming to rebound from their season opener loss. On the opposing side, the Colts, under the leadership of quarterback Bert Jones, held a record of 1-0, having started their season on a high note. Both teams had strong offensive capabilities, with the Colts known for their robust passing game, and the Bengals for their dynamic and versatile attack. Coaches Bill Johnson and Ted Marchibroda were set to test their strategic prowess against each other in this early season matchup.
The game was characterized by a series of pivotal plays and shifting momentum between both teams. The Colts struck first with a dramatic 68-yard touchdown pass from Bert Jones to Roger Carr, setting the tone for what would be a high-flying game. The Bengals responded quickly with a defensive score by Tommy Casanova, who returned an interception for a touchdown. Throughout the game, both teams continued to exchange blows. Ken Anderson and John Reaves led the Bengals' aerial assault, while Bert Jones continued to find success downfield for the Colts. Despite the Bengals' efforts to keep pace, including multiple field goals from kicker Chris Bahr, the Colts' offense proved just potent enough to keep the lead into the fourth quarter.
Ultimately, the Colts clinched a narrow 28-27 victory over the Bengals. This game highlighted the strength of Bert Jones' connection with receiver Roger Carr, who caught three touchdown passes, contributing significantly to the Colts' victory. The game's outcome positioned Baltimore favorably early in the season, improving their record to 2-0, while Cincinnati fell to a challenging 0-2 start.
