The Greatest Teams: 1988 Cincinnati Bengals

This was another tough choice. The 1981 and 1988 Cincinnati Bengals were both up for consideration here. Both featured notable coaches in Forrest Gregg and Sam Wyche. Both also featured franchise signal callers in Ken Anderson and Boomer Esiason. Coincidentally, both teams also made it to the Super Bowl, losing to the dynasty that was the San Francisco 49ers. However, the 1988 Bengals not only featured many perennial all pros, but it was also one of the most unstoppable teams that undoubtedly would have, had it not been for several unfortunate circumstances, won Super Bowl XXIII.

The Bengals offense was led by quarterback Boomer Esiason, a fourth year Pro Bowl lefty out of Maryland. Esiason led the league in passer rating, supported by a ferocious running attack. A trio of backs in James Brooks, Ickey Woods, and Stanley Wilson led the league in rushing yards with nearly 2700 yards, and also combined for a league high 27 touchdowns. Receivers Eddie Brown, Tim McGee, and Rodney Holman combined for 18 touchdowns, with Brown recording his first 1,000 yard season. All Pro Hall of Fame left tackle Anthony Munoz anchored the offensive line unit.

On defense, nasty nose tackle Tim Krumrie (pictured) constantly demanded attention, while fellow lineman Jim Skow recorded 9.5 sacks. Beyond the play of the defensive line, the defense wasn't particularly stellar, although the secondary did manage to get 22 interceptions on the season.

Under Wyche, the Bengals went 12-4, going 6-0 before losing to the Patriots in Week 7. Cincinnati then went on to beat Seattle and Buffalo in the playoffs, setting up a rematch of Super Bowl XVI nearly 7 years ago. The Bengals secured a narrow lead, 16-13, with less than four minutes left in the game. However, 2 minutes later 49er quarterback Joe Montana completed a touchdown pass to John Taylor that permanently secured a 49er win. Some believe that two key incidents might have affected the Bengals' chances of winning the game. Before the game, runningback Stanley Wilson disappeared after being discovered before the game in a cocaine high. Also, during the game, nose tackle Tim Krumrie suffered a severe leg fracture, crippling the Bengals' defense and title game hopes. Alas, we still believe that the 1988 Bengals was the best team in Cincinnati football history.