2008 Cincinnati Bengals season
Encyclopedia
The 2008
Cincinnati Bengals
season was the 39th season for the team in the National Football League
and their 41st overall season. The team finished the season with 4 wins, 11 losses, and 1 tie, and did not qualify for the playoffs for the 3rd consecutive year.
's sixth year with the Bengals. His offensive coordinator, Bob Bratkowski
, remained with the team, but his defensive coordinator from 2007–08, Chuck Bresnahan
, was not retained. He was replaced by Mike Zimmer
and Jeff FitzGerald
replaced Ricky Hunley
as linebacker coach.
2008 NFL Draft
The Bengals gained an additional 4 picks for compensation of losing certain players. The Bengals are expected to draft a defensive tackle high in the draft, specifically
The Bengals began their 2008 campaign on the road against their AFC North foe, the Baltimore Ravens
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early as Ravens WR Mark Clayton turned a double reverse play into a 42-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Bengals continued to struggle as kicker Matt Stover
gave Baltimore a 21-yard field goal. Cincinnati would reply as kicker Shayne Graham
nailed a 43-yard field goal. However, in the third quarter, the Bengals continued to show their dismal defense as Ravens QB Joe Flacco
got a 38-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Bengals tried to rally as CB Johnathan Joseph
returned a fumble 65 yards for a touchdown. However, Baltimore's defense stiffened and held on for the win.
With the loss, Cincinnati began their season at 0–1.
Hoping to rebound from their divisional road loss to the Ravens, the Bengals played their Week 2 home opener against the Tennessee Titans
. At the beginning of the game the winds were marked at 20 mph and picked up intensity as the game continued, with gusts to hurricane force at times due to the passage of the remnants of Hurricane Ike
. After a scoreless first quarter, Cincinnati trailed as Titans RB LenDale White
got a 1-yard TD run. The Bengals would respond with RB Chris Perry getting his first career TD on a 13-yard run. However, Tennessee would begin its domination with QB Kerry Collins
completing an 11-yard TD pass to WR Justin Gage
. In the third quarter, Cincinnati continued to struggle as kicker Rob Bironas
nailed a 34-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Titans sealed the win with LB Keith Bulluck
blocking and recovering a punt within Cincy's endzone for a touchdown.
During the game, the wind was such a factor that it aided the Titan's punter who, with a quick 1-step drop, kicked a punt travelling 70 yards past scrimmage before hitting the ground. It appeared to contribute to difficulties with short passes and long snaps.
With the loss, the Bengals fell to 0–2.
Trying to snap their two-game losing skid, the Bengals flew to Giants Stadium
for a Week 3 interconference duel with the defending Super Bowl champions, the New York Giants
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati scratched first with kicker Shayne Graham
getting a 22-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Giants responded with RB Brandon Jacobs
getting a 1-yard TD run. The Bengals would strike back with RB Chris Perry getting a 25-yard TD run. New York tied the game with kicker John Carney getting a 24-yard field goal, yet Cincinnati would close out the half with Graham's 30-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Giants would tie the game with Carney kicking a 46-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New York would take the lead with Carney's 26-yard field goal. The Bengals would reclaim its lead with QB Carson Palmer
completing a 17-yard TD pass to WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh
. The Giants responded with QB Eli Manning
completing a 4-yard TD pass to TE Kevin Boss
, yet Cincinnati tied the game with Graham's 21-yard field goal. However, in overtime, New York came out on top as Carney nailing the game-winning 22-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Bengals fell to 0–3 as they prepared to face the Cleveland Browns the next game who were also 0–3.
in Round 1 of 2008's Battle of Ohio
. With QB Carson Palmer
out with a sore right elbow, back-up QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
was named the starter.
In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early as Browns kicker Phil Dawson
got a 25-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Bengals took the lead with kicker Shayne Graham
getting a 42-yard and a 45-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, Cleveland regained the lead in the fourth quarter with QB Derek Anderson
completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards
, along with RB Jamal Lewis
getting a 1-yard TD run. Cincinnati would respond with Fitzpatrick completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Chad Ocho Cinco, yet the Browns pulled away with Dawson nailing a 29-yard field goal.
With yet another loss, the Bengals fell to 0–4 while the Browns improved to 1–3.
for a Week 5 interconference duel with the Dallas Cowboys
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early as Cowboys kicker Nick Folk
got a 30-yard field goal, along with RB Felix Jones
getting a 33-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Dallas increased its lead as QB Tony Romo
completed a 4-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten
. The Bengals would end the half with kicker Shayne Graham
getting a 41-yard and a 31-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Cincinnati tried to rally as QB Carson Palmer
completed an 18-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh
. In the fourth quarter, the Bengals got closer as Graham got a 40-yard field goal, yet the Cowboys answered with Romo completing a 57-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens
. Cincinnati tried to come back as Palmer completed a 10-yard TD pass to Houshmandzadeh (with a failed 2-point conversion), but Dallas pulled away with Romo completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton
.
With the loss, the Bengals fell to 0–5.
for a Week 6 duel with the throwback-clad New York Jets
. With QB Carson Palmer
out again nursing an injured elbow, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
was again named the starter.
In the first quarter, Cincinnati pounced first as strong safety Chinedum Ndukwe
returned a fumble 15 yards for a touchdown. The Jets responded with QB Brett Favre
completing a 2-yard TD pass to RB Thomas Jones. In the second quarter, New York took the lead as kicker Jay Feely
got a 38-yard field goal, while Jones got a 7-yard TD run. The Bengals closed out the half with Fitzpatrick getting a 1-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, the Jets began to pull away as Feely got a 43-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New York sealed the win as Jones got a 1-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion).
With the loss, Cincinnati fell to 0–6.
. With Carson Palmer
still out with a sore elbow, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
was given the start.
In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early as Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger
completed a 2-yard TD pass to RB Mewelde Moore
, along with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 21-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Bengals answered with Fitzpatrick completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR Chad Ocho Cinco. In the third quarter, Pittsburgh responded with Moore getting a 13-yard TD run. Cincinnati would respond with kicker Dave Rayner
nailing a 26-yard field goal. However, in the fourth quarter, the Steelers pulled away with Roethlisberger completing a 50-yard TD pass to WR Nate Washington
, Moore getting a 2-yard TD run, and QB Byron Leftwich
completing a 16-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
. Earlier in the game, Ward destroyed Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers
with a vicious legal hit, breaking Rivers' jaw.
With the loss, Cincinnati dropped to 0–7.
for a Week 8 duel with the Houston Texans
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati's struggles continued as Texans WR Jacoby Jones
returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown. The Bengals responded with kicker Shayne Graham
getting a 43-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Houston increased its lead as QB Matt Schaub
completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR David Anderson. Cincinnati closed out the half with Graham nailing a 32-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Texans began to pull away as Schaub completed a 7-yard and a 39-yard TD pass to WR Kevin Walter
. In the fourth quarter, Houston sealed the win with RB Steve Slaton
getting a 20-yard TD run.
With yet another loss, the Bengals fell to 0–8.
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati clawed first as QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Chad Ocho Cinco. In the second quarter, the Bengals increased their lead as Fitzpatrick hooked up with Ocho Cinco again on a 10-yard TD pass. The Jaguars would end the half on kicker Josh Scobee
's 52-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Cincinnati continued its hot streak as RB Cedric Benson
got a 7-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Jacksonville began to rally as Scobee nailed a 26-yard field goal, FB Montell Owens
returned the fumbled kickoff 18 yards for a touchdown, and RB Maurice Jones-Drew
got a 1-yard TD pass. Fortunately, the Bengals' defense prevented the Jaguars from getting the 2-point conversion, allowing Cincinnati to finally get its first win of the season.
With the win, not only did the Bengals go into their bye week at 1–8, the win also made the Lions the only winless NFL team.
. After a scoreless first quarter, Cincinnati pounced as kicker Shayne Graham
got a 20-yard field goal. The Eagles responded as kicker David Akers
got a 42-yard field goal. The Bengals would close out the half as QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
completed a 26-yard TD pass to WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh
.
In the third quarter, Cincinnati increased their lead as Graham got a 41-yard field goal. Philadelphia answered with QB Donovan McNabb
completing a 4-yard TD pass to TE L.J. Smith. In the fourth quarter, the Eagles tied the game with Aker nailing a 27-yard field goal. In overtime, both teams had opportunities for game-winning scores, yet both defenses kept them down.
With the tie, the Bengals improved to 1–8–1.
This was the first game to end in a tie in the NFL since 2002, when the Atlanta Falcons
played the Pittsburgh Steelers
to a 34–34 tie.
for a Week 12 AFC North rematch with the Pittsburgh Steelers
on Thursday Night Football. Prior to the game, it was announced that due to arriving at a team meeting 45 minutes late and arguing with head coach Marvin Lewis
, WR Chad Ocho Cinco was deactivated for the game.
In the first quarter, Cincinnati struck first as QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
completed a 10-yard TD pass to WR Glenn Holt
. In the second quarter, the Steelers took the lead as QB Ben Roethlisberger
completed a 3-yard TD pass to TE Heath Miller
, along with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 37-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Pittsburgh increased its lead as Reed made a 38-yard field goal, along with RB Gary Russell
getting a 2-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Bengals tried to rally as kicker Shayne Graham
nailed a 26-yard field goal. However, the Steelers pulled away with Roethlisberger's 8-yard TD run.
With the loss, Cincinnati fell to 1–9–1. It was also the Bengals' 332nd loss since the originating of the AFC-NFC format in 1970, temporarily tying them with the New York Jets
for the most all-time losses among AFC teams.
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early as Ravens kicker Matt Stover
made a 27-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Baltimore increased its lead as Stover got a 21-yard field goal, along with QB Joe Flacco
completing a 4-yard TD pass to TE Todd Heap
. The Bengals would close out the half as kicker Shayne Graham
nailed a 21-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Ravens pulled away as WR Mark Clayton completed a 32-yard TD pass to WR Derrick Mason
and caught a 70-yard TD pass from Flacco. In the fourth quarter, Baltimore pulled away as safety Jim Leonhard
returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown.
With the loss, not only did Cincinnati fall to 1–10–1. They surpassed their 2007 loss total and were swept by the Ravens for the first time since 2002.
for a Week 14 duel with the Indianapolis Colts
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed as Colts RB Dominic Rhodes
got a 17-yard TD run. The Bengals would answer in the second quarter as kicker Shayne Graham
nailed a 19-yard field goal, but Indianapolis answered right back with QB Peyton Manning
completing a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marvin Harrison
. Manning would help the Colts pull away in the third quarter with a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez
and a 4-yard touchdown pass to TE Dallas Clark
. Indianapolis would seal the game in the fourth quarter as CB Kelvin Hayden
returned an interception 85 yards for a touchdown.
With the loss, Cincinnati fell to 1–11–1.
for Round 2 of 2008's Battle of Ohio
with the Cleveland Browns
. Cincinnati would get the lead in the first quarter as cornerback Leon Hall
returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown which was his first interception of the year. Hall also intercepted two other passes giving him 3 total in the game. RB Cedric Benson
carried the ball for a career high 38 times for a career high 171 yards. The Bengals would then add onto their lead in the second quarter as quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick
completed a 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chris Henry. From there on out, the defense prevented Cleveland from getting any kind of momentum.
With the win, the Bengals improved to 3–11–1.
. Cincinnati would get the first punch in the first quarter as kicker Shayne Graham
got a 38-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Bengals would increase their lead as running back Cedric Benson
got a 2-yard touchdown run, followed by Graham's 30-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, Cincinnati wrapped up its dominating day with Graham's 43-yard field goal. The Chiefs would respond with quarterback Tyler Thigpen
completing a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez (with a failed 2-point conversion).
With the win, the Bengals finished their season at 4–11–1.
2008 NFL season
The 2008 NFL season was the 89th regular season of the National Football League, themed with the slogan "Believe in Now."Super Bowl XLIII, the league's championship game, was at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 2009, with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming out victorious over the...
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
season was the 39th season for the team in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
and their 41st overall season. The team finished the season with 4 wins, 11 losses, and 1 tie, and did not qualify for the playoffs for the 3rd consecutive year.
Coaching changes
This season marked head coach Marvin LewisMarvin Lewis
Marvin Ronald Lewis is the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League, a position he has held since January 14, 2003...
's sixth year with the Bengals. His offensive coordinator, Bob Bratkowski
Bob Bratkowski
Robert "Bob" Bratkowski is the quarterbacks coach for the NFL's Atlanta Falcons. Bratkowski was formerly the Cincinnati Bengals Offensive CoordinatorFrom 1975-77, Bratkowski played wide receiver at Washington State...
, remained with the team, but his defensive coordinator from 2007–08, Chuck Bresnahan
Chuck Bresnahan
Charles "Chuck" Bresnahan is an American football coach. He is the current defensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League....
, was not retained. He was replaced by Mike Zimmer
Mike Zimmer
Mike Zimmer is the Defensive Coordinator for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals. He is the son of former NFL player Bill Zimmer and the father of Adam Zimmer, the Defensive Assistant/Linebackers for the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.-Playing career:In high school, Zimmer was a successful...
and Jeff FitzGerald
Jeff FitzGerald
Jeff 'Fitz' FitzGerald is an American football coach. FitzGerald previously served as the linebackers coach for San Diego State, the Washington Redskins, the Arizona Cardinals,and the Baltimore Ravens....
replaced Ricky Hunley
Ricky Hunley
Ricky Hunley is an American football coach and former linebacker. He is currently the assistant linebackers coach for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League.-College career:...
as linebacker coach.
Season theme
Typically Lewis has had a theme for the upcoming season for the team to rally around. For the 2008 season it was "Now"Departures
- Madieu WilliamsMadieu WilliamsMadieu Mohammed Williams is an American football safety for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
, Safety signed with the Minnesota VikingsMinnesota VikingsThe Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
.
- Justin SmithJustin Smith (American football)Justin Smith is an American football defensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals fourth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Missouri.-College Years:While majoring in General Studies at...
, Defensive endDefensive endDefensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
signed with the San Francisco 49ersSan Francisco 49ersThe San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
.
- Landon JohnsonLandon JohnsonLandon Tremone Johnson is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
, LinebackerLinebackerA linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
signed with the Carolina PanthersCarolina PanthersThe Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
.
- Willie Anderson, the long time Offensive Lineman was released and signed by the division rival Baltimore RavensBaltimore RavensThe Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
.
- Rudi JohnsonRudi JohnsonBurudi Ali "Rudi" Johnson is a former American football running back who played professionally from 2001 - 2008. Rudi was born in Petersburg, Virginia approximately 30 miles south of Richmond. His first name "Burudi" is Swahili and means "cool'" and his middle name "Ali" represented his family's...
was released and signed by the Detroit LionsDetroit LionsThe Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
.
- Ahmad Brooks, LinebackerLinebackerA linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
, who was allegedly involved in an assault for punching a woman in the face late April, was released before the season began.
- David PollackDavid Pollack-Injury:In the Bengals' September 17, 2006 game against in-state rival Cleveland Browns, Pollack suffered what was later determined to be a broken sixth cervical vertebrae on a first quarter tackle on running back Reuben Droughns. He reportedly suffered no paralysis, but was taken off the field on...
, who was injured during his second season in the NFL with the Bengals and suffered paralysis, declined to return to football and officially retired.
- Chris Henry was released from the team on the same day a press release in the local paper announced his alleged involvement in an assault occurring within Cincinnati. A few weeks after Marvin Lewis made the public declaration that Henry would never play for the Bengals again he was re-signed. He is ineligible to play the first 4 regular season games as punishment for his involvement with criminal charges against him which were dropped before his reinstatement.
- Odell ThurmanOdell ThurmanOdell Lamar Thurman is an American football linebacker for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia....
, a linebacker suspended for two consecutive years, was declared eligible to return to the NFL. He was then waived in May when Lewis cited that they had not seen enough of Odell to evaluate him properly. Less than a month later Odell was indefinitely suspended from the NFL for violating their substance abuse policy.
Signings
- Ben UtechtBen UtechtBenjamin Jeffrey Utecht is a former American football tight end who played for the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Minnesota...
, a tight end previously with the Indianapolis ColtsIndianapolis ColtsThe Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League .... - Antwan OdomAntwan OdomAntwan Deon Odom is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alabama...
, a defensive end previously with the Tennessee TitansTennessee TitansThe Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter... - There is speculation that the team could sign former Seattle SeahawksSeattle SeahawksThe Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
running back Shaun AlexanderShaun AlexanderShaun Edward Alexander is a former American football running back who played for the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington Redskins. He was drafted by the Seahawks 19th overall in the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Alabama.- Early career :Alexander was born and...
before the May 13 deadline. Alexander grew up across the river from Cincinnati and wants to finish his career in his "hometown" (He is from Florence, KentuckyFlorence, KentuckyFlorence is a city in Boone County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 29,951 at the 2010 census.-History:The Florence area was originally known as Crossroads, because of the convergence of several roads from Burlington and Union at Ridge Road...
, a city in northern KentuckyKentuckyThe Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
that is close to Cincinnati) - Doug GabrielDoug GabrielDouglas Gabriel is an American football wide receiver currently playing for the Orlando Predators an Arena Football League team in Orlando Florida. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
, a wide receiver previously with the Oakland RaidersOakland RaidersThe Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. He was released from the Bengals on May 29, 2008.
2008 NFL Draft2008 NFL DraftThe 2008 NFL Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 26 and April 27, 2008. For the 29th consecutive year, ESPN televised the draft; the NFL Network also broadcast the event, its third year doing so...
The Bengals gained an additional 4 picks for compensation of losing certain players. The Bengals are expected to draft a defensive tackle high in the draft, specifically| Round | Overall | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9 | Keith Rivers Keith Rivers Keith Rivers is an American football linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bengals ninth overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Southern California.-Early life:Rivers was a highly decorated letterman in football at Lake... |
Linebacker Linebacker A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... |
Southern Cal. |
| 2 | 46 | Jerome Simpson Jerome Simpson Jerome Louis Simpson is an American football wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Wide Receiver Wide receiver A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible... |
Coastal Carolina |
| 3 | 77 | Pat Sims Pat Sims Patrick Sims is an American football defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bengals in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Auburn University.... |
Defensive Tackle | Auburn |
| 3 | 97 | Andre Caldwell Andre Caldwell Andre Jerome "Bubba" Caldwell is an American professional football player who is a wide receiver in the National Football League . Caldwell played college football for the University of Florida, and currently plays for the Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL.-Early years:Caldwell was born in Tampa,... |
Wide Receiver Wide receiver A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible... |
Florida |
| 4 | 112 | Anthony Collins | Offensive Tackle | Kansas |
| 5 | 145 | Jason Shirley Jason Shirley Jason Shirley is an American football defensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Defensive Tackle | Fresno State |
| 6 | 177 | Corey Lynch Corey Lynch Corey Lynch is an American football safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Appalachian State.-High school:Corey graduated from Evangelical Christian School... |
Safety | Appalachian State |
| 6 | 207 | Matt Sherry Matt Sherry Matt Sherry is a Free Agent American football tight end who has played for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bengals in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Villanova.-External links:**... |
Tight end Tight end The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be... |
Villanova |
| 7 | 244 | Angelo Craig Angelo Craig Angelo Craig is an American football linebacker who is currently a member of the Green Bay Blizzard. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Defensive End Defensive end Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years... |
Cincinnati |
| 7 | 246 | Mario Urrutia Mario Urrutia Mario Urrutia, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Wide Receiver Wide receiver A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible... |
Louisville |
| compensatory selection |
Preseason
| Game | Date | Opponent | Result | Game site | TV | NFL Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 11, 2008 | Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... |
W 20–17 | Lambeau Field Lambeau Field Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field... |
ESPN | Recap |
| 2 | August 17, 2008 | Detroit Lions Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and... |
L 27–10 | Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and... |
ESPN | Recap |
| 3 | August 23, 2008 | New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League .... |
L 13–0 | Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and... |
ESPN | Recap |
| 4 | August 23, 2008 | Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League .... |
W 27–7 | Lucas Oil Stadium Lucas Oil Stadium Lucas Oil Stadium is a multi-purpose sports stadium in Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. The stadium celebrated its grand opening on August 24, 2008, and its ribbon-cutting ceremony August 16, 2008. It replaced the RCA Dome as the home field of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. The stadium was built to... |
ESPN | Recap |
Regular season
| Week | Date | Time (ET Eastern Time Zone The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time... ) |
Opponent | Result | Record | Game site | TV | NFL Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 7, 2008 | 1:00 P.M. | at Baltimore Ravens Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his... |
L 17–10 | 0–1–0 | M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Served by the Hamburg Street station of... |
CBS | Recap |
| 2 | September 14, 2008 | 1:00 P.M. | Tennessee Titans Tennessee Titans The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter... |
L 24–7 | 0–2–0 | Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and... |
CBS | Recap |
| 3 | September 21, 2008 | 1:00 P.M. | at New York Giants New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 26–23 | 0–3–0 | Giants Stadium Giants Stadium Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to... |
CBS | Recap |
| 4 | September 28, 2008 | 1:00 P.M. | Cleveland Browns Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 20–12 | 0–4–0 | Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and... |
CBS | Recap |
| 5 | October 5, 2008 | 4:15 P.M. | at Dallas Cowboys Dallas Cowboys The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas... |
L 31–22 | 0–5–0 | Texas Stadium Texas Stadium Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675... |
CBS | Recap |
| 6 | October 12, 2008 | 1:00 P.M. | at New York Jets New York Jets The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 26–14 | 0–6–0 | Giants Stadium Giants Stadium Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to... |
CBS | Recap |
| 7 | October 19, 2008 | 1:00 P.M. | Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... |
L 38–10 | 0–7–0 | Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and... |
CBS | Recap |
| October 26, 2008 | 4:05 P.M. | at Houston Texans Houston Texans The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 35–6 | 0–8–0 | Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface.... |
CBS | Recap | |
| 9 | November 2, 2008 | 1:00 P.M. | Jacksonville Jaguars Jacksonville Jaguars The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 21–19 | 1–8–0 | Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and... |
CBS | Recap |
| Bye week | ||||||||
| 11 | November 16, 2008 | 1:00 P.M. | Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
T 13–13 (OT) | 1–8–1 | Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and... |
FOX | Recap |
| 12 | November 20, 2008 | 8:15 P.M. | at Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... |
L 27–10 | 1–9–1 | Heinz Field Heinz Field Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively... |
NFLN | Recap |
| 13 | November 30, 2008 | 1:00 P.M. | Baltimore Ravens Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his... |
L 34–3 | 1–10–1 | Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and... |
CBS | Recap |
| 14 | December 7, 2008 | 1:00 P.M. | at Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League .... |
L 35–3 | 1–11–1 | Lucas Oil Stadium Lucas Oil Stadium Lucas Oil Stadium is a multi-purpose sports stadium in Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. The stadium celebrated its grand opening on August 24, 2008, and its ribbon-cutting ceremony August 16, 2008. It replaced the RCA Dome as the home field of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. The stadium was built to... |
CBS | Recap |
| 15 | December 14, 2008 | 1:00 P.M. | Washington Redskins Washington Redskins The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... |
W 20–13 | 2–11–1 | Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and... |
FOX | Recap |
| 16 | December 21, 2008 | 1:00 P.M. | at Cleveland Browns Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 14–0 | 3–11–1 | Cleveland Browns Stadium Cleveland Browns Stadium -See also:* List of current National Football League stadiums* Chronology of home stadiums for current National Football League teams* List of American football stadiums by capacity* List of U.S. stadiums by capacity* List of North American stadiums by capacity... |
CBS | Recap |
| 17 | December 28, 2008 | 1:00 P.M. | Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a... |
W 16–6 | 4–11–1 | Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and... |
CBS | Recap |
- The Bengals-Texans game was moved from Week 10 to Week 8 to accommmodate schedule changes needed as a result of damage to Reliant StadiumReliant StadiumReliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface....
as a result of Hurricane IkeHurricane IkeHurricane Ike was the second-costliest hurricane ever to make landfall in the United States, the costliest hurricane ever to impact Cuba and the second most active hurricane to reach the Canadian mainland in the Great Lakes Region after Hurricane Hazel in 1954...
.
Week 1: at Baltimore Ravens
Starter, Dexter Jackson, was inactive due to injury.The Bengals began their 2008 campaign on the road against their AFC North foe, the Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early as Ravens WR Mark Clayton turned a double reverse play into a 42-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Bengals continued to struggle as kicker Matt Stover
Matt Stover
John Matthew "Matt" Stover is a former American Football placekicker. As of the start of the 2009 NFL season, he was the third most accurate kicker in the history of the National Football League. He is of Greek origin. He has played for the New York Giants, the Cleveland Browns, and the Baltimore...
gave Baltimore a 21-yard field goal. Cincinnati would reply as kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
nailed a 43-yard field goal. However, in the third quarter, the Bengals continued to show their dismal defense as Ravens QB Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco
Flacco was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens 18th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, becoming the highest drafted player ever from the University of Delaware...
got a 38-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Bengals tried to rally as CB Johnathan Joseph
Johnathan Joseph
Johnathan Joseph is an American football cornerback with the Houston Texans, drafted 24th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals out of South Carolina.-College career:...
returned a fumble 65 yards for a touchdown. However, Baltimore's defense stiffened and held on for the win.
With the loss, Cincinnati began their season at 0–1.
Week 2: vs. Tennessee Titans
Starter Dexter Jackson was inactive for the game due to injury.Hoping to rebound from their divisional road loss to the Ravens, the Bengals played their Week 2 home opener against the Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
. At the beginning of the game the winds were marked at 20 mph and picked up intensity as the game continued, with gusts to hurricane force at times due to the passage of the remnants of Hurricane Ike
Hurricane Ike
Hurricane Ike was the second-costliest hurricane ever to make landfall in the United States, the costliest hurricane ever to impact Cuba and the second most active hurricane to reach the Canadian mainland in the Great Lakes Region after Hurricane Hazel in 1954...
. After a scoreless first quarter, Cincinnati trailed as Titans RB LenDale White
LenDale White
LenDale Anthony White is an American football running back. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Southern California....
got a 1-yard TD run. The Bengals would respond with RB Chris Perry getting his first career TD on a 13-yard run. However, Tennessee would begin its domination with QB Kerry Collins
Kerry Collins
Kerry Michael Collins is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers with the fifth overall pick of the 1995 NFL Draft, the first choice in the franchise's history...
completing an 11-yard TD pass to WR Justin Gage
Justin Gage
Justin Gage is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. In the third quarter, Cincinnati continued to struggle as kicker Rob Bironas
Rob Bironas
James Robert Douglas "Rob" Bironas is an American football placekicker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at Auburn University and Georgia Southern.Bironas was an All-Pro...
nailed a 34-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Titans sealed the win with LB Keith Bulluck
Keith Bulluck
Keith J. Bulluck is an American Football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted 30th overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Syracuse....
blocking and recovering a punt within Cincy's endzone for a touchdown.
During the game, the wind was such a factor that it aided the Titan's punter who, with a quick 1-step drop, kicked a punt travelling 70 yards past scrimmage before hitting the ground. It appeared to contribute to difficulties with short passes and long snaps.
With the loss, the Bengals fell to 0–2.
Week 3: at New York Giants
Starters Ben Utecht, Johnathan Joseph, & Dexter Jackson, were inactive for the game due to injuries.Trying to snap their two-game losing skid, the Bengals flew to Giants Stadium
Giants Stadium
Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to...
for a Week 3 interconference duel with the defending Super Bowl champions, the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati scratched first with kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
getting a 22-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Giants responded with RB Brandon Jacobs
Brandon Jacobs
-New York Giants:Going into the 2006 season Jacobs stated that he studied film of famed power running back Eddie George in an effort to refine his running style. George, like Jacobs, was a large, power running back. In the 2006 season, Jacobs carried the ball 96 times for 423 yards and nine...
getting a 1-yard TD run. The Bengals would strike back with RB Chris Perry getting a 25-yard TD run. New York tied the game with kicker John Carney getting a 24-yard field goal, yet Cincinnati would close out the half with Graham's 30-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Giants would tie the game with Carney kicking a 46-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New York would take the lead with Carney's 26-yard field goal. The Bengals would reclaim its lead with QB Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
completing a 17-yard TD pass to WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...
. The Giants responded with QB Eli Manning
Eli Manning
Eli Nelson Manning is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He is the younger brother of NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning...
completing a 4-yard TD pass to TE Kevin Boss
Kevin Boss
Kevin Boss is an American football tight end for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League...
, yet Cincinnati tied the game with Graham's 21-yard field goal. However, in overtime, New York came out on top as Carney nailing the game-winning 22-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Bengals fell to 0–3 as they prepared to face the Cleveland Browns the next game who were also 0–3.
Week 4: vs. Cleveland Browns
Still searching for their first win, the Bengals went home for a Week 4 AFC North duel with the Cleveland BrownsCleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
in Round 1 of 2008's Battle of Ohio
Battle of Ohio (NFL)
In the National Football League, the Battle of Ohio refers to games played between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. This rivalry has produced 2 of the 8 highest scoring games in NFL history...
. With QB Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
out with a sore right elbow, back-up QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Ryan Joseph Fitzpatrick is an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Harvard....
was named the starter.
In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early as Browns kicker Phil Dawson
Phil Dawson
Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
got a 25-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Bengals took the lead with kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
getting a 42-yard and a 45-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, Cleveland regained the lead in the fourth quarter with QB Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson (American football)
Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards
Braylon Edwards
-Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....
, along with RB Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run. Cincinnati would respond with Fitzpatrick completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Chad Ocho Cinco, yet the Browns pulled away with Dawson nailing a 29-yard field goal.
With yet another loss, the Bengals fell to 0–4 while the Browns improved to 1–3.
Week 5: at Dallas Cowboys
Still searching for their first win, the Bengals flew to Texas StadiumTexas Stadium
Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675...
for a Week 5 interconference duel with the Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early as Cowboys kicker Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
got a 30-yard field goal, along with RB Felix Jones
Felix Jones
Felix Jones is an American football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. After playing college football and majoring in kinesiology at the University of Arkansas, he was drafted by the Cowboys 22nd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft...
getting a 33-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Dallas increased its lead as QB Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
completed a 4-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten
Jason Witten
Christopher Jason Witten is an American football tight end who plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Tennessee....
. The Bengals would end the half with kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
getting a 41-yard and a 31-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Cincinnati tried to rally as QB Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
completed an 18-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...
. In the fourth quarter, the Bengals got closer as Graham got a 40-yard field goal, yet the Cowboys answered with Romo completing a 57-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
. Cincinnati tried to come back as Palmer completed a 10-yard TD pass to Houshmandzadeh (with a failed 2-point conversion), but Dallas pulled away with Romo completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton
Patrick Crayton
Patrick Jamel Crayton is an American football wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was a originally drafted in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys...
.
With the loss, the Bengals fell to 0–5.
Week 6: at New York Jets
Still looking for their first win, the Bengals flew to The MeadowlandsGiants Stadium
Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to...
for a Week 6 duel with the throwback-clad New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. With QB Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
out again nursing an injured elbow, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Ryan Joseph Fitzpatrick is an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Harvard....
was again named the starter.
In the first quarter, Cincinnati pounced first as strong safety Chinedum Ndukwe
Chinedum Ndukwe
Chinedum "Nedu" Ndukwe is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
returned a fumble 15 yards for a touchdown. The Jets responded with QB Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
completing a 2-yard TD pass to RB Thomas Jones. In the second quarter, New York took the lead as kicker Jay Feely
Jay Feely
Thomas James "Jay" Feely is an American football placekicker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. Jay played for the Temple Terrace Spirit Soccer team that won the National Championships when he was 16....
got a 38-yard field goal, while Jones got a 7-yard TD run. The Bengals closed out the half with Fitzpatrick getting a 1-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, the Jets began to pull away as Feely got a 43-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New York sealed the win as Jones got a 1-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion).
With the loss, Cincinnati fell to 0–6.
Week 7: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Still searching for their first win of the season, the Bengals went home for a Week 7 AFC North duel with the Pittsburgh SteelersPittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
. With Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
still out with a sore elbow, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Ryan Joseph Fitzpatrick is an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Harvard....
was given the start.
In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early as Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completed a 2-yard TD pass to RB Mewelde Moore
Mewelde Moore
Mewelde Jaem Cadere Moore is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
, along with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 21-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Bengals answered with Fitzpatrick completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR Chad Ocho Cinco. In the third quarter, Pittsburgh responded with Moore getting a 13-yard TD run. Cincinnati would respond with kicker Dave Rayner
Dave Rayner
David Michael "Dave" Rayner is an American football placekicker who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
nailing a 26-yard field goal. However, in the fourth quarter, the Steelers pulled away with Roethlisberger completing a 50-yard TD pass to WR Nate Washington
Nate Washington
Nate Washington is an American football wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
, Moore getting a 2-yard TD run, and QB Byron Leftwich
Byron Leftwich
Byron Antron Leftwich is an American football quarterback in the National Football League who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars seventh overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Marshall University.Leftwich has also played...
completing a 16-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
Hines Ward
Hines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
. Earlier in the game, Ward destroyed Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers
Keith Rivers
Keith Rivers is an American football linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bengals ninth overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Southern California.-Early life:Rivers was a highly decorated letterman in football at Lake...
with a vicious legal hit, breaking Rivers' jaw.
With the loss, Cincinnati dropped to 0–7.
Week 8: at Houston Texans
Still trying to acquire their first win of the season, the Bengals flew to Reliant StadiumReliant Stadium
Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface....
for a Week 8 duel with the Houston Texans
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati's struggles continued as Texans WR Jacoby Jones
Jacoby Jones
Jacoby Jones is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Texans in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Lane College....
returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown. The Bengals responded with kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
getting a 43-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Houston increased its lead as QB Matt Schaub
Matt Schaub
Matthew Rutledge Schaub is the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia.-College career:...
completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR David Anderson. Cincinnati closed out the half with Graham nailing a 32-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Texans began to pull away as Schaub completed a 7-yard and a 39-yard TD pass to WR Kevin Walter
Kevin Walter
Kevin Patrick Walter is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. In the fourth quarter, Houston sealed the win with RB Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
getting a 20-yard TD run.
With yet another loss, the Bengals fell to 0–8.
Week 9: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Still looking for their first win of the season, the Bengals went home, donned their alternate uniforms, and played a Week 9 duel with the Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati clawed first as QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Ryan Joseph Fitzpatrick is an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Harvard....
completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Chad Ocho Cinco. In the second quarter, the Bengals increased their lead as Fitzpatrick hooked up with Ocho Cinco again on a 10-yard TD pass. The Jaguars would end the half on kicker Josh Scobee
Josh Scobee
Joshua Taylor Scobee is an American football placekicker, who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He began his college football career as kicker for the Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs, setting several school records...
's 52-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Cincinnati continued its hot streak as RB Cedric Benson
Cedric Benson
Cedric Myron Benson is an American football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears fourth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft...
got a 7-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Jacksonville began to rally as Scobee nailed a 26-yard field goal, FB Montell Owens
Montell Owens
Montell Ernest Owens is an American football fullback for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was signed by the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Maine. He was listed in the Top 200 Players in the NFL Today by NFL Power Rankings 2011...
returned the fumbled kickoff 18 yards for a touchdown, and RB Maurice Jones-Drew
Maurice Jones-Drew
Maurice Christopher Jones-Drew is a professional American football player who currently plays running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
got a 1-yard TD pass. Fortunately, the Bengals' defense prevented the Jaguars from getting the 2-point conversion, allowing Cincinnati to finally get its first win of the season.
With the win, not only did the Bengals go into their bye week at 1–8, the win also made the Lions the only winless NFL team.
Week 11: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Coming off their bye week, the Bengals stayed at home for a Week 11 interconference duel with the Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. After a scoreless first quarter, Cincinnati pounced as kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
got a 20-yard field goal. The Eagles responded as kicker David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
got a 42-yard field goal. The Bengals would close out the half as QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Ryan Joseph Fitzpatrick is an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Harvard....
completed a 26-yard TD pass to WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...
.
In the third quarter, Cincinnati increased their lead as Graham got a 41-yard field goal. Philadelphia answered with QB Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
completing a 4-yard TD pass to TE L.J. Smith. In the fourth quarter, the Eagles tied the game with Aker nailing a 27-yard field goal. In overtime, both teams had opportunities for game-winning scores, yet both defenses kept them down.
With the tie, the Bengals improved to 1–8–1.
This was the first game to end in a tie in the NFL since 2002, when the Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
played the Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
to a 34–34 tie.
Week 12: at Pittsburgh Steelers
Coming off their tie with the Eagles, the Bengals flew to Heinz FieldHeinz Field
Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively...
for a Week 12 AFC North rematch with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
on Thursday Night Football. Prior to the game, it was announced that due to arriving at a team meeting 45 minutes late and arguing with head coach Marvin Lewis
Marvin Lewis
Marvin Ronald Lewis is the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League, a position he has held since January 14, 2003...
, WR Chad Ocho Cinco was deactivated for the game.
In the first quarter, Cincinnati struck first as QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Ryan Joseph Fitzpatrick is an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Harvard....
completed a 10-yard TD pass to WR Glenn Holt
Glenn Holt
Glenn Holt, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
. In the second quarter, the Steelers took the lead as QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completed a 3-yard TD pass to TE Heath Miller
Heath Miller
Earl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...
, along with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 37-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Pittsburgh increased its lead as Reed made a 38-yard field goal, along with RB Gary Russell
Gary Russell (American football)
Gary Russell is an American football running back for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
getting a 2-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Bengals tried to rally as kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
nailed a 26-yard field goal. However, the Steelers pulled away with Roethlisberger's 8-yard TD run.
With the loss, Cincinnati fell to 1–9–1. It was also the Bengals' 332nd loss since the originating of the AFC-NFC format in 1970, temporarily tying them with the New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
for the most all-time losses among AFC teams.
Week 13: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Steelers, the Bengals went home for a Week 13 AFC North rematch with the Baltimore RavensBaltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early as Ravens kicker Matt Stover
Matt Stover
John Matthew "Matt" Stover is a former American Football placekicker. As of the start of the 2009 NFL season, he was the third most accurate kicker in the history of the National Football League. He is of Greek origin. He has played for the New York Giants, the Cleveland Browns, and the Baltimore...
made a 27-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Baltimore increased its lead as Stover got a 21-yard field goal, along with QB Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco
Flacco was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens 18th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, becoming the highest drafted player ever from the University of Delaware...
completing a 4-yard TD pass to TE Todd Heap
Todd Heap
Todd Benjamin Heap is an American football tight end for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State-Early years:At Mountain View High School, in Mesa, Arizona,...
. The Bengals would close out the half as kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
nailed a 21-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Ravens pulled away as WR Mark Clayton completed a 32-yard TD pass to WR Derrick Mason
Derrick Mason
Derrick James Mason is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tennessee Oilers in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State.Mason has also played for the Baltimore Ravens where he...
and caught a 70-yard TD pass from Flacco. In the fourth quarter, Baltimore pulled away as safety Jim Leonhard
Jim Leonhard
James Andrew "Jim" Leonhard is an American football safety for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2005. Leohnard has also played for the Baltimore Ravens...
returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown.
With the loss, not only did Cincinnati fall to 1–10–1. They surpassed their 2007 loss total and were swept by the Ravens for the first time since 2002.
Week 14: at Indianapolis Colts
Trying to rebound from back-to-back divisional losses, the Bengals flew to Lucas Oil StadiumLucas Oil Stadium
Lucas Oil Stadium is a multi-purpose sports stadium in Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. The stadium celebrated its grand opening on August 24, 2008, and its ribbon-cutting ceremony August 16, 2008. It replaced the RCA Dome as the home field of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. The stadium was built to...
for a Week 14 duel with the Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed as Colts RB Dominic Rhodes
Dominic Rhodes
Dominic Dondrell Rhodes is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He attended Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2001...
got a 17-yard TD run. The Bengals would answer in the second quarter as kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
nailed a 19-yard field goal, but Indianapolis answered right back with QB Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning
Peyton Williams Manning is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League . Manning holds the record for most NFL MVP awards with four. He was drafted by the Colts as the first overall pick in 1998 after a standout college football career with the...
completing a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marvin Harrison
Marvin Harrison
Marvin Daniel Harrison is a former American football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He played college football at Syracuse...
. Manning would help the Colts pull away in the third quarter with a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez
Anthony Gonzalez
Anthony E. Gonzalez is an American football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Colts in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State.-Early years:Gonzalez attended St...
and a 4-yard touchdown pass to TE Dallas Clark
Dallas Clark
Dallas Dean Clark is an American football tight end for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Colts 24th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Iowa...
. Indianapolis would seal the game in the fourth quarter as CB Kelvin Hayden
Kelvin Hayden
Kelvin Darnell Hayden, Jr. is an American football cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Illinois. He returned a Rex Grossman interception 56 yards for a...
returned an interception 85 yards for a touchdown.
With the loss, Cincinnati fell to 1–11–1.
Week 15: vs. Washington Redskins
Week 16: at Cleveland Browns
Coming off their home win over the Redskins, the Bengals flew to Cleveland Browns StadiumCleveland Browns Stadium
-See also:* List of current National Football League stadiums* Chronology of home stadiums for current National Football League teams* List of American football stadiums by capacity* List of U.S. stadiums by capacity* List of North American stadiums by capacity...
for Round 2 of 2008's Battle of Ohio
Battle of Ohio (NFL)
In the National Football League, the Battle of Ohio refers to games played between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. This rivalry has produced 2 of the 8 highest scoring games in NFL history...
with the Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Cincinnati would get the lead in the first quarter as cornerback Leon Hall
Leon Hall
Leon Lastarza Hall is an American football defensive back who plays for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football at the University of Michigan. Hall was drafted by the Bengals with the 18th pick in the 2007 NFL Draft...
returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown which was his first interception of the year. Hall also intercepted two other passes giving him 3 total in the game. RB Cedric Benson
Cedric Benson
Cedric Myron Benson is an American football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears fourth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft...
carried the ball for a career high 38 times for a career high 171 yards. The Bengals would then add onto their lead in the second quarter as quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Ryan Joseph Fitzpatrick is an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Harvard....
completed a 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chris Henry. From there on out, the defense prevented Cleveland from getting any kind of momentum.
With the win, the Bengals improved to 3–11–1.
Week 17: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Coming off their divisional road win over the Browns, the Bengals went home, donned their alternate uniforms again, and closed out their season with a Week 17 duel with the Kansas City ChiefsKansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
. Cincinnati would get the first punch in the first quarter as kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
got a 38-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Bengals would increase their lead as running back Cedric Benson
Cedric Benson
Cedric Myron Benson is an American football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears fourth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft...
got a 2-yard touchdown run, followed by Graham's 30-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, Cincinnati wrapped up its dominating day with Graham's 43-yard field goal. The Chiefs would respond with quarterback Tyler Thigpen
Tyler Thigpen
Tyler "Dirty Pigpen" Thigpen is an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League . Thigpen was drafted out of Coastal Carolina University in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.Tyler Thigpen was the first quarterback to play for...
completing a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez (with a failed 2-point conversion).
With the win, the Bengals finished their season at 4–11–1.