Cincinnati Bengals: From Stripes to Super Bowl Dreams

Cincinnati Bengals: From Stripes to Super Bowl Dreams

The Cincinnati Bengals’ story is one of perseverance, reinvention, and a loyal fan base that has stuck with the team through peaks and valleys. Founded in 1968 by legendary coach Paul Brown, the Bengals entered the NFL with a strong football pedigree right from the start. Brown, already an icon after building the Cleveland Browns into a powerhouse, brought his visionary approach to Cincinnati, creating a franchise that emphasized discipline, innovation, and player development. The team’s signature striped helmet—one of the most recognizable in all of sports—was introduced in 1981 and quickly became symbolic of a team that wanted to carve its own identity.

The Bengals saw early flashes of success, reaching the playoffs in just their third season in 1970, when the AFL-NFL merger made them part of the expanded league. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Bengals alternated between struggles and surges, but when they surged, they did so in spectacular fashion. Under head coach Forrest Gregg, the 1981 Bengals stormed to a 12–4 record and their first Super Bowl appearance, led by MVP quarterback Ken Anderson. They ultimately fell to Joe Montana’s San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XVI, but that season remains a defining moment in the franchise’s rise.

The team returned to the Super Bowl again in 1988 with quarterback Boomer Esiason and head coach Sam Wyche. That season produced one of the most memorable moments in NFL history—the “Ickey Shuffle,” a touchdown dance made famous by running back Ickey Woods. Once again, however, destiny was unkind, as the Bengals lost another close game to the 49ers in Super Bowl XXIII, with Montana orchestrating a legendary game-winning drive in the final minutes.

The 1990s were less kind to Cincinnati, often referred to as the “Lost Decade” as the Bengals struggled with instability and poor records. Yet the loyalty of the fan base—often called “Who Dey Nation”—never wavered. In fact, the “Who Dey” chant, which first emerged during the 1981 season, became a rallying cry for resilience and optimism, embodying the spirit of a city that always believed better days were ahead.

Better days began to arrive in the 2000s when quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receiver Chad Johnson (later Chad Ochocinco) brought excitement back to Paul Brown Stadium. With flashy touchdown celebrations, a high-octane offense, and a return to the playoffs, the Bengals were once again relevant. But true transformation came with the arrival of quarterback Joe Burrow, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. In just his second season, Burrow led the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI, ending decades of playoff frustration and signaling the dawn of a new era. Though they lost narrowly to the Los Angeles Rams, Burrow, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and head coach Zac Taylor gave Cincinnati fans something they had long dreamed of: a team built to win now, and for years to come.

The Bengals’ legacy today is one of resilience, a team that has weathered disappointments but continually comes back with new energy. From the 1980s legends to today’s young stars, the Bengals symbolize a city’s determination to prove itself on football’s biggest stage.

Rivalries

Rivalries are at the heart of the Bengals’ identity, and few are as heated as their battles within the AFC North. The Bengals’ rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers is arguably the most intense, fueled by decades of physical games, playoff clashes, and controversial hits. These matchups often feel like more than football—they’re grudge matches that test toughness and pride.

The Baltimore Ravens are another fierce rival, and in recent years, Burrow’s Bengals and Lamar Jackson’s Ravens have been at the center of the division’s power struggles. These games often decide playoff seeding, and the quarterbacks’ contrasting styles—Burrow’s precision passing versus Jackson’s electrifying athleticism—add to the drama.

The Bengals also have a unique rivalry with the Cleveland Browns, rooted in shared history. Because Bengals founder Paul Brown had previously created and coached the Browns, matchups between the two teams carry the “Battle of Ohio” label, making them deeply personal for fans across the state. Winning bragging rights in Ohio has always been about more than records; it’s about identity, tradition, and pride.

Trivia to know: The Bengals are the only AFC North team with a winning record against the Browns all-time, a fact “Who Dey” fans often celebrate.

Cincinnati Bengals: Ownership

The Bengals have been a family-run franchise since their founding. Paul Brown was the team’s original owner, and today his son, Mike Brown, remains at the helm. Mike Brown has often been a polarizing figure among fans, criticized for being conservative in spending and resistant to modernization in areas like scouting and free agency. For years, this contributed to the perception that Cincinnati was a small-market team unwilling to do what it took to win.

But in recent years, that perception has begun to change. Under Zac Taylor’s leadership and with Joe Burrow as the franchise quarterback, the Bengals have invested more aggressively in free agents and facilities. Brown’s family-first approach to ownership has also ensured continuity, and while fans may debate his methods, they can’t question the family’s commitment to keeping the team rooted in Cincinnati.

Trivia to know: The Bengals are one of the few remaining NFL franchises that are still run as a family business, a fact that many fans see as both a challenge and a badge of authenticity.

Watch: Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals enter their 58th NFL season in 2025, aiming to rebound from a 9-8 record in 2024 that narrowly missed the playoffs. Under sixth-year head coach Zac Taylor and general manager Duke Tobin, the Bengals are banking on a healthy Joe Burrow and a revamped defense to reclaim the AFC North. With a challenging schedule and a competitive division, Cincinnati targets their first playoff appearance since 2022 and a deep postseason run.

Quarterback Joe Burrow, a 2021 Pro Bowler, anchors the offense, coming off a 2024 season with 3,977 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions despite missing three games due to a wrist injury. His 68.8% completion rate and 8.5 yards per attempt thrive in Taylor’s pass-heavy, vertical scheme. Backup Jake Browning, re-signed for depth, threw for 1,936 yards in 2024 relief, while rookie Jalon Walker is a developmental prospect.

The running game is led by Chase Brown, who rushed for 779 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2024, stepping into the RB1 role after Joe Mixon’s trade to Houston. Rookie Jase McClellan, a sixth-round pick, adds power, while Trayveon Williams provides speed. The offensive line, a 2024 weak point (42 sacks allowed, 24th in PFF pass-blocking grade), is anchored by left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and rookie right tackle Amarius Mims, a 2024 first-rounder. Free-agent signee Trent Brown and center Ted Karras bolster the interior, though depth remains a concern.

The receiving corps is elite, led by Ja’Marr Chase, who earned First-Team All-Pro honors with 1,816 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024, ranking second in the NFL. Tee Higgins (1,029 yards) and rookie Andrei Iosivas provide depth, while free-agent signee Tyler Boyd (667 yards in 2024 with Tennessee) returns for veteran reliability. Tight end Mike Gesicki, re-signed for $10M annually, had 52 catches. The offense, which ranked 6th in points per game (26.2) in 2024, aims to maintain top-5 status with improved red-zone efficiency (57.1% touchdown rate, 12th).

The defense, coordinated by Lou Anarumo, ranked 26th in yards allowed (356.8 per game) in 2024 but is poised for a leap with key additions. Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, a 2024 Pro Bowler, led with 14 sacks, while rookie Kris Jenkins Jr. and veteran Sheldon Rankins (acquired from Houston) bolster the interior. Sam Hubbard’s 6 sacks add depth, though Myles Murphy’s injury recovery is critical.

Linebackers Logan Wilson (135 tackles) and Germaine Pratt anchor the second level, with Wilson’s 2 interceptions showcasing playmaking. The secondary, a 2024 weakness (25th in passing yards allowed), is revamped with cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt and rookie D.J. Turner II. Safety Geno Stone, signed from Baltimore, led with 7 interceptions in 2024, pairing with Vonn Bell. Rookie Daijahn Anthony competes at nickel. The defense’s 44 sacks and 18 takeaways in 2024 position it for a top-15 finish with Anarumo’s zone-heavy adjustments.

The Bengals face the NFL’s 5th-toughest schedule (.553 opponent win percentage). They open at the New England Patriots (Week 1, September 7) and face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Divisional games against the Baltimore Ravens (Weeks 6 and 15), Pittsburgh Steelers (Weeks 8 and 14), and Cleveland Browns (Weeks 7 and 18) are pivotal, as Cincinnati went 3-3 in the AFC North in 2024. A Week 10 primetime clash with the Kansas City Chiefs and a Week 16 game at Houston carry playoff implications.

Challenges include Burrow’s health, as he hasn’t played a full season since 2020, and protecting him against elite pass rushes like Baltimore’s (49 sacks). The running game’s reliance on Brown, a first-year starter, and the offensive line’s cohesion are concerns. Defensively, stopping mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson (6.4 yards per carry allowed to QBs) and improving third-down defense (42.3% conversion rate allowed, 25th) are priorities. Taylor’s ability to balance the offense and leverage Chase’s dominance will be key.

Oddsmakers project the Bengals to win 9-10 games, with +1600 Super Bowl LX odds, trailing Baltimore in the AFC North. The division is stacked, but Cincinnati’s 6-3 home record at Paycor Stadium in 2024 and Taylor’s 2-2 playoff record provide confidence. Fans on X predict 10-11 wins, citing Burrow’s elite play and Chase’s dominance, though some worry about defensive depth. A bold prediction from ESPN has Chase breaking Calvin Johnson’s single-season receiving record (1,964 yards) with 2,000+ yards.

A playoff berth is likely if Cincinnati splits divisional games and capitalizes on matchups against the Patriots, Titans, and Giants. A division title is possible with a 4-2 AFC North record, leveraging wins over Cleveland and Pittsburgh. A deep playoff run, potentially to the AFC Championship, is achievable if Burrow stays healthy and the defense forces 20+ turnovers. The Bengals’ talent and coaching make them a serious AFC contender.

Cincinnati Bengals: Key Players to Watch

• Joe Burrow (QB): His elite arm and poise drive the offense’s ceiling.

• Ja’Marr Chase (WR): The All-Pro’s record-breaking potential fuels the passing attack.

• Chase Brown (RB): His emergence is key to the run game’s success.

• Trey Hendrickson (DE): His Pro Bowl pass-rushing anchors the defense.

• Cam Taylor-Britt (CB): His coverage strengthens the secondary.

• Geno Stone (S): His interception prowess sparks turnovers.

• Logan Wilson (LB): His tackling and playmaking bolster the linebacker corps.

Trivia to know: The Bengals’ striped end zones at Paycor Stadium are among the most distinctive in the NFL, matching their iconic helmets.

Cincinnati Bengals: This Season

The 2025 season has the Bengals once again in the thick of the AFC playoff race. Joe Burrow, healthy after dealing with injuries earlier in his career, continues to demonstrate why he’s considered one of the league’s best quarterbacks. His chemistry with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd makes Cincinnati’s receiving corps one of the most dangerous in football. The offensive line, long a weakness for the team, has been shored up with new additions, giving Burrow more protection and more time to work his magic.

On defense, the Bengals remain a unit defined by opportunism and toughness. Under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, the defense has built a reputation for confusing opposing quarterbacks with creative schemes. Young stars in the secondary, combined with a strong pass rush, make the Bengals a balanced team capable of winning shootouts or grinding out defensive battles.

The AFC North is arguably the league’s toughest division, but Cincinnati has positioned itself as a consistent contender. After a near-miss in the Super Bowl and back-to-back playoff runs, the Bengals are determined to finish the job.

Cincinnati Bengals: What to Follow

Looking ahead, the Bengals’ future rests on their ability to build around Joe Burrow and keep their young stars in place. With key contracts for players like Chase and Higgins looming, the front office will need to balance financial discipline with the desire to keep their offensive core intact.

Fans should also watch how the Bengals continue to adapt their defense to counter the pass-heavy offenses dominating today’s NFL. Lou Anarumo’s unit has been praised for halftime adjustments, a trend that will need to continue if the Bengals are to make another deep postseason run.

Off the field, the franchise’s relationship with the city continues to deepen. Community engagement programs and the visibility of stars like Burrow—who has embraced his role as both quarterback and civic leader—have made the Bengals more than just a football team. They’re a symbol of Cincinnati’s grit and ambition.

The ultimate question for Bengals fans remains: Can this team finally win its first Super Bowl? With Burrow at the helm and a young, talented roster, the dream feels closer than ever. “Who Dey” Nation has waited more than 50 years for a Lombardi Trophy. For the first time, it doesn’t feel like a matter of “if,” but “when.”