Back in 2020, the Cincinnati Bengals went 4-11-1.
It was Joe Burrow‘s first year in the league, and he showed plenty of promise, but his terrible offensive line collapsed, and he suffered a season-ending injury after just ten games.
A year later, the Bengals made it to the Super Bowl.
That’s a major turnaround for an ever-struggling franchise that has yet to win its first-ever Super Bowl, and they’re also the only team in its division that has never won a championship.
But more than that, for the first time since the franchise’s foundation in 1968, this is the first time that they’ve won a playoff game in consecutive seasons.
The Bengals have won a playoff game in consecutive seasons for the first time ever.
Prior to this, they were the only active NFL team that had not done that.
And many more playoff appearances are likely ahead with this core.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 16, 2023
Prior to their win over the Baltimore Ravens, they were the only active NFL team that had never accomplished that feat.
You have to give this organization and the front office some credit for making the most of their draft capital and putting together this promising team.
The Bengals’ offense is quite young and has plenty of room for growth, not to mention they have a potential Hall of Famer throwing dimes left and right every week.
Head coach Zac Taylor has drawn some criticism, and rightfully so, as it sometimes feels like his holding his explosive and promising offense back.
Nonetheless, you also have to give him credit for improving the team’s record every season he’s been in charge, as well as for making timely adjustments when the team has been in need of a spark.
It took them way more than they would’ve wanted, but the Bengals have finally become a perennial contender.
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