The Bengals were a pleasant surprise last year.
If they can repeat that success, it will be a major shock, if only because of the historical implications.
Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer broke down the historical context of the Bengals struggles, and shows how amazing it will be if they can get back to the playoffs or win a postseason game.
If they make the playoffs again, it will be the first time they’ve gone back-to-back in 30 years (and the first ever in full seasons, which would discount the strike-shortened 1982 season).
When Atlanta repeated as a postseason team last year, it made 28 teams that have repeated since the Bengals have. Jacksonville did it 1998 and 1999, but fellow expansion teams Carolina and Houston haven’t, and the Browns haven’t since coming back to the league in 1999.
Speaking of the Texans, their win over the Bengals last year meant every team in the league has won a playoff game since Cincinnati last did on Jan. 6, 1991 over the Houston Oilers.
The Bengals playoff win drought is the longest in the league, edging out the Lions for that honor.
We’re posting this one now, because if you’re a Bengals fan, you’ll want to give yourself a little time before lunch after you read it.