Overview and Core Answer
In the 2022 season, the Cincinnati Bengals reached Super Bowl LVI on February 13, 2023, losing to the Los Angeles Rams 23–20 in Inglewood, California. It was the Bengals’ third Super Bowl appearance and first since 1989. This article explains their path into and through the 2022 postseason, compares all three Super Bowl trips, and provides enduring context about the franchise’s competitive trajectory, from earlier struggles to renewed contention in the 2020s.
The 2022 Season and Playoff Run
The 2022 Bengals entered the season following a pandemic-disrupted 2020 campaign and a 10–7 record in 2021. Behind quarterback Joe Burrow and a high-powered offense featuring receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tyler Boyd, plus a stout defense, the team finished 12–4 and won the AFC North. Their playoff journey included a hard-fought wild-card win, a divisional victory over the Ravens, and a narrow AFC championship win over the Chiefs to secure the berth in Super Bowl LVI.
Path to the Super Bowl
- Week 18 win over the Ravens clinched home-field advantage and the AFC North title.
- Wild Card round: 24–27 victory over the Ravens at home, overcoming slow starts typical of Burrow’s early postseason games.
- Divisional round: 31–27 defeat of the Ravens in Baltimore, highlighted by defensive stands and balanced offense.
- AFC Championship: 23–20 win at Kansas City, featuring key fourth-down conversions and a late-game defensive stop.
Head-to-Head: Bengals vs. Rams
Super Bowl LVI took place at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2023, with the Rams winning 23–20. Los Angeles built a halftime lead and extended it in the third quarter before Cincinnati closed with a touchdown to narrow the gap. The game turned on several fourth-down decisions, red-zone efficiency, and special-teams plays. Despite a strong second-half rally, the Bengals fell short, ending the season with a 12–5 record and leaving a legacy of near misses in the Joe Burrow era.
Historical Context: All Three Bengals Super Bowl Appearances
The Bengals have appeared in the Super Bowl three times, with one win among those trips. Each appearance reflects distinct eras of the franchise and different levels of roster continuity.
| Season | Super Bowl | Opponent | Result | Location | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | XVI | San Francisco 49ers | L 20–26 | Candlestick Park, San Francisco | First Super Bowl under head coach Sam Rutigliano; nicknamed the “Freezer Bowl” for cold conditions in Cincinnati earlier that week. |
| 1988 | XXIII | San Francisco 49ers | L 20–26 | Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami | Second straight Super Bowl loss to the 49ers; defensive backbacks struggled against Joe Montana. |
| 2022 | LVI | Los Angeles Rams | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California | First Super Bowl under head coach Zac Taylor; Burrow’s first championship game; narrow one-score loss. |
Key Factors in the 2022 Run
Several elements defined the Bengals’ 2022 postseason success. Offensive line play allowed Burrow time to operate, while Chase’s route running stressed second-level defenders. On defense, edge rushers disrupted opposing quarterbacks, and the secondary provided timely interceptions. Special teams also played a role in short-field opportunities. However, late-game execution in the Super Bowl, including third-down conversion rates and red-zone efficiency, remained a gap compared to elite championship teams.
Comparisons and Context
Unlike their two previous Super Bowl trips, which came in an era dominated by Joe Montana and the 49ers, the 2022 Bengals faced a Rams team coming off a pandemic-interrupted 2020 title. All three appearances ended in defeat until the 2022 season, when they lost by a smaller margin and showed sustained competitiveness over an entire season. The franchise’s Super Bowl record remains 1–2, with the lone win coming in the 1981 season (played in January 1982 as Super Bowl XVI).
Legacy and Takeaways
Reaching Super Bowl LVI keeps the Bengals’ pursuit of their first championship alive into the 2020s. The 2022 season demonstrated that the team can compete for and win critical road games and perform in January. While the one-score loss to the Rams stung, the campaign reinforced the franchise’s position as a consistent AFC contender and set the stage for future playoff pushes.
As roster decisions, draft positioning, and potential trades shape the next chapter, the 2022 season will remain a reference point for progress. The Bengals now carry forward lessons from past near-misses into the evolving competitive landscape of the NFL.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Season | Record | Head Coach | Super Bowl Result | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | 12–4 | Sam Rutigliano | Won vs 49ers | Run defense and ball control |
| 1988 | 12–4 | Sam Rutigliano | Lost to 49ers | Strong defense, turnover margin |
| 2022 | 12–4 | Zac Taylor | Lost to Rams | High-powered passing offense |
Tags
Bengals, Super Bowl, NFL Playoffs, 2022 Season, Joe Burrow
FAQ
Reader questions
Have the Bengals won a Super Bowl?
Yes, the Bengals won one Super Bowl: Super Bowl XVI (1981 season), defeating the San Francisco 49ers 26–20. They have two Super Bowl losses: Super Bowl XXIII (1988 season) and Super Bowl LVI (2022 season).
Who was the starting quarterback for the Bengals in Super Bowl LVI?
Joe Burrow started at quarterback for the Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. He was in his third professional season and second postseason run as a starter.
Which opponent did the Bengals beat to reach Super Bowl LVI?
The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 23–20 in the AFC Championship Game to advance to Super Bowl LVI.
How does the 2022 season compare to earlier Bengal Super Bowl teams?
The 2022 team featured a young core led by Burrow and showed more consistency through the regular season than earlier 1980s squads, though it did not convert its championship opportunity into a win. The earlier teams also reached the Super Bowl before the league’s modern free-agency and salary-cap structures.