The Rise of the Bengals
In 1967, the American Football League (AFL) welcomed a new team: the Cincinnati Bengals. Founded with fervor and ambition, this expansion team aimed high from the get-go. Its first major step? Appointing Paul Brown as head coach.
Brown, already a legend in football circles, had led the Cleveland Browns to an impressive eight NFL championships. With Brown at the helm, the Bengals embarked on a journey filled with ups, downs, and moments that would forever be etched in the annals of football history.
Transitioning to the NFL
Three short years after their inception, 1970 marked a significant year for the Bengals. The AFL-NFL merger transpired, propelling them into the National Football League (NFL). With this transition came heightened competition, bigger challenges, and more notable adversaries.
Playoff Pursuits and Super Bowl Hopes
Over the decades, the Bengals have showcased moments of sheer brilliance. They’ve made the playoffs an admirable 18 times. These efforts saw them reaching the pinnacle of football thrice: the Super Bowl in 1982, 1989, and most recently in 2022. Despite these commendable feats, the team has yet to secure a Super Bowl win. A victory that has eluded them, but a dream they relentlessly chase.
Riveting the Cincinnati Bengals Rivalries
No sports team’s story is complete without rivals. For the Bengals, three teams stand out: the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Cleveland Browns.
Steelers vs. Bengals
The rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers commenced the moment the Bengals joined the NFL. Over 154 encounters, the scoreboard favors the Steelers at 87-62-5. Each game sees skill, strategy, and passion in abundance.
The Ravens-Bengals Dynamic
Since 1996, when the Ravens emerged, a new rivalry blossomed. In 31 confrontations, the Ravens lead 18-13. Their encounters are always awaited with bated breath.
The Ohio Duel: Browns vs. Bengals
Ohio’s sports history deems the Browns-Bengals face-offs legendary. With 160 games down, the Browns hold a 94-62-4 advantage. But records aside, their matches resonate with emotion, history, and the spirit of competition.
Cincinnati Bengals By The Numbers
Bengals fans have seen a gamut of emotions. Their overall record stands at 385-463-5, as of the 2023 season. In the playoffs, they’ve secured 10 wins and faced 16 losses. While they’ve shown promise in three Super Bowl appearances, a win remains elusive.
Achievements
Here are the Cincinnati Bengals’ Achievements since its creation in 1967
| CINCINNATI BENGALS | |||
| APPEARANCES | TOTALS | WINS | LOSSES |
| SUPER BOWL | 3 | 1981, 1988, 2021 | |
| CONFERENCE | 4 | 1981, 1988, 2021 | 2022 |
| DIVISION | 11 | 1970, 1973, 1981, 1988, 1990, 2005, 2009, 2013, 2015, 2021, 2022 | |
The Cincinnati Bengals, with their storied past and unwavering ambition, continue to captivate fans worldwide. From their foundation days in the AFL to their current status in the NFL, the journey has been nothing short of thrilling. Rivalries, playoff pursuits, and Super Bowl dreams – the Bengals’ legacy is rich and their future promising. As they head forward, one can only wait with excitement for what the next chapter holds.
