The Cincinnati Bengals' victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round of the 2022 playoffs marked a significant milestone for the franchise, ending a decades-long playoff drought. The win was the Bengals' first playoff victory since 1990, snapping a streak of five consecutive first-round exits and providing a glimmer of hope for a team that has long been starved of postseason success.
The Bengals' playoff struggles had become a running joke among NFL fans, with the team's last playoff victory coming against the Houston Oilers in the 1990 Wild Card game. Since then, the Bengals had endured a series of heartbreaking playoff losses, including a devastating defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2005 Wild Card game and a heart-wrenching loss to the San Diego Chargers in the 2013 Wild Card game. The Bengals' playoff futility had become such a source of frustration for fans that it had even spawned a tongue-in-cheek website called "The Bungles Rule," which chronicled the team's playoff woes.
But all of that changed with the Bengals' victory over the Ravens in the 2022 playoffs. The win was a testament to the resilience of the team and the hard work of head coach Zac Taylor, who has turned the Bengals into a legitimate contender in the AFC in just a few short years.
## Last Time the Bengals Won a Playoff GameThe Cincinnati Bengals' victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round of the 2022 playoffs was a historic moment for the franchise, ending a 32-year playoff drought. Here are nine important points about the Bengals' long-awaited playoff victory:
- **32 years:** The Bengals had not won a playoff game since January 6, 1991, when they defeated the Houston Oilers 41-14 in the Wild Card round.
- **Five consecutive first-round exits:** The Bengals had lost in the first round of the playoffs in each of their previous five postseason appearances, including a heartbreaking loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2005 Wild Card game and a devastating defeat to the San Diego Chargers in the 2013 Wild Card game.
- **Resilience:** The Bengals' victory over the Ravens was a testament to the resilience of the team, which had overcome a 2-7 start to the season to finish 10-7 and earn a Wild Card berth.
- **Zac Taylor:** The Bengals' turnaround has been largely due to the leadership of head coach Zac Taylor, who has turned the team into a legitimate contender in the AFC in just a few short years.
- **Joe Burrow:** Quarterback Joe Burrow has been a key part of the Bengals' success, leading the team to back-to-back playoff appearances in his first two seasons.
- **Ja'Marr Chase:** Wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has emerged as one of the most exciting young players in the NFL, and his record-breaking rookie season helped the Bengals reach the playoffs in 2021.
- **Home-field advantage:** The Bengals played their Wild Card game at home in front of their passionate fans, which gave them a significant advantage over the Ravens.
- **Playoff drought:** The Bengals' playoff victory snapped a 32-year playoff drought, which was the longest active playoff drought in the NFL.
- **Hope:** The Bengals' victory over the Ravens has given fans hope that the team can make a deep playoff run this year and challenge for the Super Bowl.
The Bengals' victory over the Ravens was a historic moment for the franchise, and it has given fans hope that the team can finally break through and win its first Super Bowl.
### **32 years:** The Bengals had not won a playoff game since January 6, 1991, when they defeated the Houston Oilers 41-14 in the Wild Card round. #### The Playoff Drought The Bengals' 32-year playoff drought was the longest active playoff drought in the NFL. The team had not won a playoff game since January 6, 1991, when they defeated the Houston Oilers 41-14 in the Wild Card round. Since then, the Bengals had endured a series of heartbreaking playoff losses, including a devastating defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2005 Wild Card game and a heart-wrenching loss to the San Diego Chargers in the 2013 Wild Card game. #### The 2022 Season The Bengals' 2022 season was a tale of two halves. The team started the season 2-7, but they rallied to win their final seven games and earn a Wild Card berth. The Bengals' turnaround was due in large part to the leadership of head coach Zac Taylor and the emergence of quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. #### The Wild Card Game The Bengals' Wild Card game against the Ravens was a hard-fought battle, but the Bengals ultimately prevailed 24-17. Burrow threw for 244 yards and two touchdowns, while Chase caught five passes for 109 yards and a touchdown. The Bengals' defense also played a key role in the victory, holding the Ravens to just 17 points. #### The Future The Bengals' victory over the Ravens has given fans hope that the team can finally break through and win its first Super Bowl. The Bengals have a talented young team led by Burrow and Chase, and they have a proven head coach in Taylor. If the Bengals can continue to improve, they have the potential to be a major contender in the AFC for years to come.The Bengals' 32-year playoff drought is finally over, and the team is poised to make a deep playoff run this year. The Bengals have a talented young team led by Burrow and Chase, and they have a proven head coach in Taylor. If the Bengals can continue to improve, they have the potential to be a major contender in the AFC for years to come.
### **Five consecutive first-round exits:** The Bengals had lost in the first round of the playoffs in each of their previous five postseason appearances, including a heartbreaking loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2005 Wild Card game and a devastating defeat to the San Diego Chargers in the 2013 Wild Card game. #### The 2005 Wild Card Game The Bengals' 2005 Wild Card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers was a heartbreaking loss for the Bengals. The Bengals had a 17-10 lead in the fourth quarter, but the Steelers scored two touchdowns to take a 24-17 lead. The Bengals had a chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, but Carson Palmer's pass to T.J. Houshmandzadeh was intercepted by Steelers safety Troy Polamalu. #### The 2013 Wild Card Game The Bengals' 2013 Wild Card game against the San Diego Chargers was another devastating loss for the Bengals. The Bengals had a 10-7 lead in the fourth quarter, but the Chargers scored two touchdowns to take a 24-10 lead. The Bengals had a chance to score a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, but Andy Dalton's pass to A.J. Green was intercepted by Chargers cornerback Brandon Flowers. #### The Playoff Curse The Bengals' five consecutive first-round exits had become a source of frustration for fans and players alike. The Bengals had a talented team, but they could not seem to win in the playoffs. Some fans began to believe that the Bengals were cursed, and that they would never win a playoff game again. #### Breaking the Curse The Bengals finally broke their playoff curse in the 2022 Wild Card game against the Ravens. The Bengals played a near-perfect game, and they defeated the Ravens 24-17. The Bengals' victory was a huge relief for fans and players alike, and it has given the team hope that they can finally make a deep playoff run.The Bengals' five consecutive first-round exits were a source of frustration for fans and players alike, but the team finally broke their playoff curse in the 2022 Wild Card game against the Ravens. The Bengals' victory was a huge relief for fans and players alike, and it has given the team hope that they can finally make a deep playoff run.
### **Resilience:** The Bengals' victory over the Ravens was a testament to the resilience of the team, which had overcome a 2-7 start to the season to finish 10-7 and earn a Wild Card berth. #### The Slow Start The Bengals started the 2022 season with a disappointing 2-7 record. The team's offense was struggling, and the defense was giving up too many big plays. Many fans and pundits began to write off the Bengals' season, but the team refused to give up. #### The Turnaround The Bengals' turnaround began in Week 11, when they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 37-30. The Bengals then won their next four games, including a dramatic overtime victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bengals' defense began to play much better, and the offense started to click. #### The Playoff Push The Bengals won their final three games of the regular season to finish with a 10-7 record and earn a Wild Card berth. The Bengals' victory over the Ravens in the Wild Card round was a testament to the team's resilience and determination. #### The Future The Bengals' resilience and determination are a good sign for the future of the team. The Bengals have a young and talented team, and they have shown that they can overcome adversity. The Bengals are a legitimate contender in the AFC, and they have the potential to make a deep playoff run this year and in the years to come.The Bengals' victory over the Ravens was a testament to the team's resilience and determination. The Bengals have a young and talented team, and they have shown that they can overcome adversity. The Bengals are a legitimate contender in the AFC, and they have the potential to make a deep playoff run this year and in the years to come.
### **Zac Taylor:** The Bengals' turnaround has been largely due to the leadership of head coach Zac Taylor, who has turned the team into a legitimate contender in the AFC in just a few short years.Zac Taylor was hired as the Bengals' head coach in 2019, and he has quickly turned the team around. The Bengals went 2-14 in Taylor's first season, but they improved to 4-11-1 in 2020 and 10-7 in 2021. The Bengals' turnaround has been due in large part to Taylor's leadership and his ability to get the most out of his players.
- Building a winning culture: Taylor has instilled a winning culture in Cincinnati. The Bengals are a more disciplined and focused team under Taylor's leadership, and they have developed a belief that they can win any game.
- Developing young players: Taylor has done a great job of developing the Bengals' young players. Quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, and safety Jessie Bates are all Pro Bowl players, and they have all flourished under Taylor's leadership.
- Offensive innovation: Taylor is an offensive-minded coach, and he has brought a lot of innovation to the Bengals' offense. The Bengals' offense is one of the most dynamic and explosive in the NFL, and it is a big reason why the team has been so successful in recent years.
- Defensive improvement: The Bengals' defense has also improved significantly under Taylor's leadership. The Bengals' defense was one of the worst in the NFL in 2019, but it has improved to become one of the better defenses in the league.
Zac Taylor is one of the best young coaches in the NFL, and he has quickly turned the Bengals into a legitimate contender. The Bengals are a well-coached team with a lot of young talent, and they have the potential to be a major force in the AFC for years to come.
### **Joe Burrow:** Quarterback Joe Burrow has been a key part of the Bengals' success, leading the team to back-to-back playoff appearances in his first two seasons. #### Rookie of the Year Burrow was drafted by the Bengals with the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He had a successful rookie season, throwing for 2,688 yards, 13 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also led the Bengals to a 4-11-1 record, which was an improvement over the team's 2-14 record in 2019. Burrow was named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year for his performance in 2020. #### Breakout Season Burrow had a breakout season in 2021. He threw for 4,611 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. He also led the Bengals to a 10-7 record and their first playoff appearance since 2015. Burrow was named to the Pro Bowl and was voted the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year. #### Playoff Success Burrow led the Bengals to their first playoff victory since 1990 in the 2021 Wild Card round. He threw for 244 yards and two touchdowns in the Bengals' 24-17 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Burrow also led the Bengals to a victory over the Tennessee Titans in the Divisional round, but the Bengals lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. #### The Future Burrow is one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL, and he is a big reason why the Bengals are a legitimate contender in the AFC. Burrow is a talented passer with a strong arm and good accuracy. He is also a good runner, and he can make plays with his feet. The Bengals have a bright future with Burrow at quarterback, and he is poised to lead the team to even greater success in the years to come.Joe Burrow is one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the NFL, and he is a big reason why the Bengals are a legitimate contender in the AFC. Burrow is a talented passer with a strong arm and good accuracy. He is also a good runner, and he can make plays with his feet. The Bengals have a bright future with Burrow at quarterback, and he is poised to lead the team to even greater success in the years to come.
### **Ja'Marr Chase:** Wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has emerged as one of the most exciting young players in the NFL, and his record-breaking rookie season helped the Bengals reach the playoffs in 2021.Ja'Marr Chase was drafted by the Bengals with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He had a record-breaking rookie season, catching 81 passes for 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also helped the Bengals reach the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
- Playmaking ability: Chase is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NFL. He has great speed, quickness, and acceleration, and he is able to make plays all over the field. Chase is also a very good route runner, and he is able to get open against even the best coverage.
- Big-play ability: Chase is a big-play threat every time he touches the ball. He has great hands and body control, and he is able to make difficult catches look easy. Chase is also very good at making yards after the catch, and he is able to turn short passes into big gains.
- Red-zone threat: Chase is a major threat in the red zone. He has great size and strength, and he is able to out-muscle defenders for the ball. Chase is also very good at finding the soft spot in the defense and making himself available for a pass.
- Chemistry with Burrow: Chase has developed a great chemistry with quarterback Joe Burrow. The two players are on the same page, and they are able to make big plays together. Chase is Burrow's favorite target, and he is a big reason why the Bengals' offense is so successful.
Ja'Marr Chase is one of the most exciting young players in the NFL, and he is a big reason why the Bengals are a legitimate contender in the AFC. Chase is a dynamic playmaker who can make plays all over the field. He is also a big-play threat and a major threat in the red zone. Chase has developed a great chemistry with quarterback Joe Burrow, and the two players are a big reason why the Bengals' offense is so successful.
### **Home-field advantage:** The Bengals played their Wild Card game at home in front of their passionate fans, which gave them a significant advantage over the Ravens. #### Crowd noise The crowd noise at Paul Brown Stadium was deafening during the Bengals' Wild Card game against the Ravens. The Ravens had a hard time communicating on offense, and they were forced to use silent counts. The crowd noise also made it difficult for the Ravens to hear the play calls from the sidelines. #### Momentum The Bengals' home crowd gave the team a huge momentum boost. The Bengals scored a touchdown on their opening drive, and the crowd went wild. The Bengals' defense also played well in the first half, and the crowd's energy helped the team to force three Ravens turnovers. #### Confidence The Bengals' home crowd gave the team a lot of confidence. The Bengals knew that they had the support of their fans, and they played with a lot of confidence as a result. The Bengals never trailed in the game, and they were able to close out the victory in front of their home crowd. #### The future The Bengals' home-field advantage is a major asset for the team. The Bengals have a passionate fan base, and Paul Brown Stadium is one of the loudest and most intimidating stadiums in the NFL. The Bengals' home-field advantage is a big reason why they are a legitimate contender in the AFC, and it will be a major factor in the team's success in the years to come.The Bengals' home-field advantage is a major asset for the team. The Bengals have a passionate fan base, and Paul Brown Stadium is one of the loudest and most intimidating stadiums in the NFL. The Bengals' home-field advantage is a big reason why they are a legitimate contender in the AFC, and it will be a major factor in the team's success in the years to come.
### **Playoff drought:** The Bengals' playoff victory snapped a 32-year playoff drought, which was the longest active playoff drought in the NFL. #### Historical significance The Bengals' playoff victory was a historic moment for the franchise. It was the team's first playoff victory since 1990, and it snapped the longest active playoff drought in the NFL. The Bengals' victory was a major relief for fans, who had endured years of disappointment. #### Causes of the drought There were a number of factors that contributed to the Bengals' long playoff drought. The team had a number of bad seasons in the early 2000s, and they were unable to develop a consistent winning culture. The Bengals also had a number of injuries to key players, which made it difficult for the team to compete. #### The end of the drought The Bengals' playoff drought finally came to an end in the 2022 season. The team finished the regular season with a 10-7 record, and they earned a Wild Card berth. The Bengals then defeated the Ravens in the Wild Card round, and they advanced to the Divisional round. #### The future The Bengals' playoff victory is a sign that the team is headed in the right direction. The Bengals have a young and talented team, and they have a proven head coach in Zac Taylor. The Bengals are a legitimate contender in the AFC, and they have the potential to make a deep playoff run this year and in the years to come.The Bengals' playoff victory is a sign that the team is headed in the right direction. The Bengals have a young and talented team, and they have a proven head coach in Zac Taylor. The Bengals are a legitimate contender in the AFC, and they have the potential to make a deep playoff run this year and in the years to come.
### **Hope:** The Bengals' victory over the Ravens has given fans hope that the team can make a deep playoff run this year and challenge for the Super Bowl. #### A new era The Bengals' victory over the Ravens was a sign that the team is entering a new era. The Bengals have a young and talented team, and they have a proven head coach in Zac Taylor. The Bengals are a legitimate contender in the AFC, and they have the potential to make a deep playoff run this year and in the years to come. #### Belief The Bengals' victory over the Ravens has given fans belief that the team can win a Super Bowl. The Bengals have not won a Super Bowl since 1988, but they have a chance to end that drought this year. The Bengals have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, and they are playing with a lot of confidence. #### Excitement The Bengals' victory over the Ravens has created a lot of excitement in Cincinnati. The Bengals have not had a lot of success in recent years, but they are now a legitimate contender in the AFC. The Bengals' fans are excited to see what the team can accomplish this year, and they are hopeful that the team can make a deep playoff run and challenge for the Super Bowl. #### The future The Bengals' victory over the Ravens is a sign of hope for the future. The Bengals have a young and talented team, and they have a proven head coach in Zac Taylor. The Bengals are a legitimate contender in the AFC, and they have the potential to make a deep playoff run this year and in the years to come.The Bengals' victory over the Ravens is a sign of hope for the future. The Bengals have a young and talented team, and they have a proven head coach in Zac Taylor. The Bengals are a legitimate contender in the AFC, and they have the potential to make a deep playoff run this year and in the years to come.
### FAQHere are some frequently asked questions about the Bengals' last playoff victory:
Question 1: When was the last time the Bengals won a playoff game?
Answer 1: The Bengals' last playoff victory was on January 6, 1991, when they defeated the Houston Oilers 41-14 in the Wild Card round.
Question 2: How long was the Bengals' playoff drought?
Answer 2: The Bengals' playoff drought lasted for 32 years, which was the longest active playoff drought in the NFL.
Question 3: Who was the Bengals' quarterback the last time they won a playoff game?
Answer 3: Boomer Esiason was the Bengals' quarterback the last time they won a playoff game.
Question 4: Who is the Bengals' head coach?
Answer 4: Zac Taylor is the Bengals' head coach.
Question 5: Who is the Bengals' starting quarterback?
Answer 5: Joe Burrow is the Bengals' starting quarterback.
Question 6: What is the Bengals' record this season?
Answer 6: The Bengals are 10-7 this season and have clinched a Wild Card berth.
Question 7: Who did the Bengals defeat in the Wild Card round?
Answer 7: The Bengals defeated the Baltimore Ravens 24-17 in the Wild Card round.
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These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the Bengals' last playoff victory. For more information, please visit the Bengals' official website.
Now that you know a little bit more about the Bengals' last playoff victory, here are a few tips for watching the Bengals in the playoffs:
### TipsHere are a few tips for watching the Bengals in the playoffs:
**1. Get your tickets early.** Playoff tickets are always in high demand, so it's important to get your tickets early. You can purchase tickets through the Bengals' official website or through a ticket broker.
**2. Arrive early.** The stadium will be packed for playoff games, so it's important to arrive early to get a good seat and avoid the crowds.
**3. Be loud.** The Bengals' fans are known for being one of the loudest and most passionate fan bases in the NFL. Make sure to be loud and cheer on the Bengals throughout the game.
**4. Have fun.** Playoff games are a lot of fun, so make sure to relax and enjoy the game. Don't get too caught up in the moment and forget to have a good time.
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These are just a few tips for watching the Bengals in the playoffs. By following these tips, you can make sure that you have a great time and help the Bengals win.
The Bengals are a legitimate contender in the AFC, and they have a chance to make a deep playoff run this year. If you're a Bengals fan, make sure to get your tickets early and be ready to cheer on the team to victory.
### ConclusionThe Bengals' victory over the Ravens was a historic moment for the franchise. It was the team's first playoff victory since 1990, and it snapped the longest active playoff drought in the NFL. The Bengals' victory was a major relief for fans, who had endured years of disappointment. It was also a sign that the team is headed in the right direction. The Bengals have a young and talented team, and they have a proven head coach in Zac Taylor. The Bengals are a legitimate contender in the AFC, and they have the potential to make a deep playoff run this year and in the years to come.
The Bengals' victory over the Ravens is a reminder that anything is possible in sports. The Bengals had not won a playoff game in over 30 years, but they never gave up. They continued to believe in themselves, and they eventually achieved their goal. The Bengals' story is an inspiration to us all. It shows us that we should never give up on our dreams, no matter how long it takes to achieve them.
The Bengals are back in the playoffs, and they have a chance to win their first Super Bowl in over 30 years. The team has a lot of talent, and they are playing with a lot of confidence. The Bengals' fans are excited to see what the team can accomplish this year, and they are hopeful that the team can make a deep playoff run and challenge for the Super Bowl.
The Bengals are a team on the rise. They have a young and talented team, and they have a proven head coach in Zac Taylor. The Bengals are a legitimate contender in the AFC, and they have the potential to make a deep playoff run this year and in the years to come.