So I thought I’d compile a list of the worst ones I can recall and make a list. Call it the Disappointing Dozen.
One thing that struck me was how disastrous 2006 was for bad losses.
These are listed in no particular order, but head over to our Cincinnati Bengals News Now Facebook page and let me know what you think are the three worst Bengals losses you can remember in addition to letting me know if you think I've missed any on my list.
Chargers 49, Bengals 41 — Nov. 12, 2006
Facing a San Diego team would finish the year 14-2, the Bengals jump out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and are still up by 10 after three. But the Chargers score two touchdowns in the first 20 seconds of the fourth to outscore Cincinnati 21-3 down the stretch.
49ers 20, Bengals 16 — Super Bowl XXIII, Jan. 22, 1989
Tim Krumrie’s broken leg. Lewis Billups’ dropped interception. Joe Montana to John Taylor with 34 seconds left.
Broncos 12, Bengals 7 — Sept. 13, 2009
The Bengals take their first lead on a Cedric Benson touchdown run with 41 seconds to go. But two plays later, Denver quarterback Kyle Orton throws a pass intended for Brandon Marshall that Cincinnati cornerback Leon Hall deflects into the hands of Brandon Stokley, who runs 87 yards for the game-winning score.
49ers 27, Bengals 26 — Sept. 20, 1987
Leading 26-20 with six seconds left, coach Sam Wyche elects to have James Brooks try to run out the clock on fourth and 25 instead of punting from the Bengals 30-yard line. Brooks loses 5 yards and leaves 2 seconds on the clock. Joe Montana hits Jerry Rice for a 25-yard game-winner.
Buccaneers 14, Bengals 13 — Oct. 15, 2006
Justin Smith gets called for roughing the pass while making a sack. The penalty moves the Bucs from the Cincinnati 40 to the 25, and a few plays later Bruce Gradkowski hits Michael Clayton for the game-winning touchdown with 43 seconds to go.
Steelers 18, Bengals 16 — Wild-card playoff game, Jan. 9, 2016
No need to rehash this one. It was just four days ago and the sting is probably still fresh for most Bengals fans.
Vikings 29, Bengals 21 — Dec. 25, 1989
A win in the final NFL game of that season would have sent the Bengals to the playoffs, but instead they come out flat, fall in 19-0 hole and see their year end in disappointment.
Dolphins 22, Bengals 20 — Oct. 31, 2013
Geno Atkins tears his ACL. Games ends with an overtime safety.
49ers 26, Bengals 21 — Super Bowl XVI, Jan. 24, 1982
Ken Anderson’s interception inside the San Francisco 10-yard line on the opening drive. Cris Collinsworth’s fumble. Ray Wersching’s squib kicks. The goal-line stand
Steelers 31, Bengals 17 — Wild-card playoff game, Jan. 8, 2006
Three words: Kimo von Oelhoffen.
Broncos 24, Bengals 23 — Dec. 24, 2006
With a chance to clinch a playoff berth, the Bengals get what appears to be a game-tying touchdown pass from Carson Palmer to T.J. Houshmandzadeh with 41 seconds remaining. But Brad St. Louis delivers a bad snap in the snow, and the Bengals don’t get off the kick of the PAT, costing them the game.
Steelers 23, Bengals 17, OT — Dec. 31, 2006
One week after the crushing loss in Denver, the Bengals still have a shot at the playoffs with a win and some help (and all the help came through). But Shayne Graham misses a 39-yard field goal with eight seconds left to force overtime, where Ben Roethlisberger wins it on the third play with a 67-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes.
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