What Is 1997 Cincinnati Bengals football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1997 Cincinnati Bengals finished with a 3–13 record, placing last in the AFC Central. Head coach Bruce Coslet led the team, which struggled offensively, scoring only 270 points (17.5 per game), ranking 27th in the NFL.

Key Facts

The 1997 Cincinnati Bengals had a 3–13 win-loss record, their worst since 1994.
They played home games at Riverfront Stadium before moving to Paul Brown Stadium in 2000.
Quarterback Neil Lomax started the season but was replaced by rookie Akili Smith later in the year.
The team ranked 27th in the league in scoring, averaging 17.5 points per game.
Defensive end John Mobley recorded a team-high 7.5 sacks during the season.

Overview

The 1997 Cincinnati Bengals season marked another challenging year in a prolonged period of struggle for the franchise. Under head coach Bruce Coslet, the team finished with a 3–13 record, placing last in the AFC Central Division. Poor offensive production and defensive inconsistency plagued the team throughout the year.

The Bengals failed to make the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season, continuing a downward trend that began in the early 1990s. Despite some flashes of potential from young players, the team lacked cohesion and depth. Riverfront Stadium remained their home venue, a decaying facility that symbolized the franchise's stagnation.

Record: The team finished 3–13, the worst record in the AFC Central and second-worst in the NFL behind only the 1–15 Arizona Cardinals.
Head Coach:Bruce Coslet remained at the helm but faced increasing criticism for conservative play-calling and failure to develop young talent.
Offensive Struggles: The Bengals scored only 270 points (17.5 per game), ranking 27th out of 30 teams in total points scored.
Quarterback Rotation:Neil Lomax started the season, but rookie Akili Smith took over midseason amid poor performances and injuries.
Defensive Effort: Despite overall struggles, John Mobley led the team with 7.5 sacks, showing promise as a young pass rusher.

Season Performance

The 1997 campaign revealed both structural and tactical flaws within the Bengals organization. Injuries, lack of draft success, and questionable personnel decisions hampered progress. The team’s inability to close games was evident, as they lost eight contests by seven points or fewer.

Week 1 Loss: The Bengals opened the season with a 34–10 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers, setting a negative tone early.
Only Wins: Their three victories came against the Arizona Cardinals (20–17), Seattle Seahawks (21–14), and Baltimore Ravens (21–14).
Home Record: They went 2–6 at Riverfront Stadium, failing to establish a home-field advantage.
Turnover Issues: The team committed 30 turnovers, including 18 interceptions thrown by quarterbacks.
Rookie Impact: First-round pick Akili Smith started six games but threw only 7 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
Kicking Game: Kicker Shane Lechler (not to be confused with the later punter) made 18 of 24 field goals, providing one of few reliable elements.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1997 Bengals compared to other AFC Central teams and the eventual Super Bowl champion:

Team	Record	Points For	Points Against	Playoff Result
Cincinnati Bengals	3–13	270	394	Missed Playoffs
Pittsburgh Steelers	11–5	359	252	Lost AFC Championship
Jacksonville Jaguars	11–5	371	296	Lost Divisional Round
Tennessee Oilers	8–8	310	317	Missed Playoffs
Baltimore Ravens	6–10	252	312	Missed Playoffs
Green Bay Packers (Super Bowl XXXII)	13–3	435	318	Lost Super Bowl

The Bengals ranked near the bottom in nearly every statistical category. Their point differential of –124 highlighted defensive vulnerabilities and offensive inefficiency. Compared to playoff teams, they lacked quarterback stability, depth, and coaching adaptability. The season underscored the need for a full organizational rebuild, which eventually began in the 2000s.

Why It Matters

The 1997 season is remembered as part of a dark era for Bengals football, but it also laid the foundation for future changes. Poor results accelerated calls for new leadership and a shift in team culture. The struggles emphasized the importance of sound drafting and modern offensive schemes.

Rebuilding Catalyst: The team’s poor performance led to increased scrutiny and eventually contributed to a front-office overhaul in the early 2000s.
Draft Implications: Their 3–13 record secured them a high draft pick, selecting Akili Smith first overall in 1998 (though he did not pan out).
Stadium Transition: The final seasons at Riverfront highlighted the need for a new stadium, leading to Paul Brown Stadium’s opening in 2000.
Coaching Changes: Bruce Coslet resigned in 1996 but returned as offensive coordinator; the instability reflected broader franchise disarray.
Fan Disengagement: Attendance dropped, and fan frustration grew, contributing to a rebranding effort in later years.
Historical Context: The 1997 season is often cited in discussions about the Bengals’ long-term struggles before the Marvin Lewis era.

While not a season of triumph, 1997 served as a low point that helped shape future strategic decisions, ultimately influencing the Bengals’ gradual return to competitiveness in the 2000s.