In the weeks leading up to training camp, we will take a look back at a few of the most pivotal seasons in Bengals history. Cincinnati made its second Super Bowl appearance behind an MVP season from QB Boom Esiason in 1988.
Season Summary
After a 4-11 season in 1987, head coach Sam Wyche and the Bengals entered the 1988 season clouded with uncertainty. Wyche even joked that he was on a seven-day renewable contract early in the season, unsure if he would last the year at the helm.
Cincinnati started off the 1988 campaign hot, rattling off six straight victories, the first four of which were all by one score. A defensive stand for the win in Week 1 against the Phoenix Cardinals was then followed by a game-winning touchdown drive by the offense in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
“There were a lot of people that said coach (Wyche) was going to be fired, that I would be traded and this team would fall apart,” Esiason said during the winning streak. “I thank all those people who didn’t really give us a chance this year because that is what’s really gotten us going.”
Esiason led the top-ranked offense in the league, tossing 28 touchdowns on his way to winning Associated Press Most Valuable Player. WR Eddie Brown was his favorite target, hauling in 53 receptions for 1,273 yards and nine touchdowns and was a finalist for Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year.
However, the Cincinnati rushing attack stole the show, finishing as the league leader in rushing yards per game (169.4). Veteran RB James Brooks tallied over 900 yards on 5.1 yards per carry, while rookie FB Ickey Woods rumbled for 5.3 yards per carry, 1,066 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.
Defensively, the Bengals were anchored by nose tackle and 2024 Ring of Honor inductee Tim Krumrie. Krumrie, who finished seventh in Defensive Player of the Year voting, led a unit that forced 46 turnovers (22 interceptions and 24 fumble recoveries) and tallied 41 sacks on the season. CB Eric Thomas led the way with seven interceptions, while S David Fulcher grabbed five.
The Bengals clinched the AFC Central with a 12-4 record, an eight-win increase from 1987. Unbeaten during the regular season at home, Cincinnati hosted the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round of the 1988 playoffs at Riverfront Stadium.