The 2016 Cincinnati Bengals season was the franchise's 47th season in the
National Football League, the 49th overall and the fourteenth under
head coachMarvin Lewis. The Bengals regressed from their 12–4 record from
2015, and missed the playoffs for the first time since
2010, finishing 6–9–1, and finishing in 3rd place in
their division. This season would see the Bengals
play in London for the first time ever, where they tied the
Washington Redskins 27–27.
Offseason
Organizational changes
On January 12, 2016, defensive backs coach
Vance Joseph was hired as the new defensive coordinator of the
Miami Dolphins.[1] On the same day, linebackers coach
Matt Burke also was hired as the new linebackers coach of the
Miami Dolphins.[2] On January 13, offensive coordinator
Hue Jackson was hired as the new head coach of the
Cleveland Browns.[3] On January 15, quarterbacks coach
Ken Zampese was promoted to offensive coordinator.[4] On the same day, former
New Orleans Saints head coach
Jim Haslett was hired as the new linebackers coach.[5] On January 18, the Bengals hired former Miami Dolphins assistant coaches
Bill Lazor as the new quarterbacks coach, and
Kevin Coyle as the new defensive backs coach, as well as hiring
Washington Redskins assistant coach
Jacob Burney as the new defensive line coach.[6] On January 19, defensive line coach
Jay Hayes was hired to be the new defensive line coach of the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[7]
Contract extensions
On March 4, the Bengals signed wide receiver
Brandon Tate to a one-year extension through 2017 worth $1,024,000.[8] On March 7, the Bengals signed center
T. J. Johnson to a one-year extension through 2017 worth $600,000.[9] On May 17, the Bengals signed safety
Shawn Williams to a four-year extension through 2020 worth $19.5 million.[10] On June 8, the Bengals signed halfback
Giovani Benard to a three-year extension through 2019 worth $15.5 million.[11] On August 2, the Bengals signed tight end
Ryan Hewitt to a three-year extension through 2019 worth $7.5 million.[12]
On May 8, the Bengals signed four undrafted free agents: kicker Jonathan Brown (
Louisville), linebacker Gionni Paul (
Utah), offensive lineman Trip Thurman (
Florida), and cornerback Corey Tindal (
Marshall).[21] On May 11, the Bengals signed former
Louisville offensive lineman
Aaron Epps (UDFA).[22] On May 16, the Bengals signed former
Buffalo quarterback
Joe Licata (UDFA).[23] On May 26, the Bengals signed fullback
Andrew Bonnet.[24] On July 26, the Bengals signed former
Calgary wide receiver
Rashaun Simonise (UDFA).[25] On July 27, the Bengals signed former
Nebraska defensive end
Jack Gangwish (UDFA).[26] On July 28, the Bengals signed safety
Jimmy Wilson.[27]
On April 26, the Bengals released linebacker
A.J. Hawk.[32] On May 11, offensive lineman
Darryl Baldwin was released.[22] On May 16, undrafted free agent quarterback
Matt Johnson was released.[23] On July 20, undrafted free agent cornerback
Corey Tindal was released.[33] On July 26, defensive end
Dezmond Johnson and undrafted free agent running back
DyShawn Mobley were released.[25]
Prior to the draft, the Bengals held visits for 40 players; 15 had private visits, 5 players visited during the
NFL Scouting Combine, 1 met during the
Senior Bowl, and 2 at the
East–West Shrine Game, 11 had private workouts, while 2 had local visits.[34]
In a hard fought affair,
Andy Dalton threw for 366 yards and a touchdown, but was sacked a career-high seven times.
A. J. Green finished the game with 12 receptions for 180 yards plus a touchdown. The Bengals trailed by one with just over three minutes left in the game, but Dalton completed all four of his passes for 33 yards to set up Mike Nugent's go-ahead field goal with 54 seconds remaining. Three plays into the ensuing Jets' drive, Bengals' defensive back Josh Shaw recorded his first interception, picking off Ryan Fitzpatrick on a 3rd and 10 to seal a third straight season-opening victory for Cincinnati as they started 1–0. They also snapped a 9-game road losing streak to the Jets.
Week 2: at Pittsburgh Steelers
Week Two: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
On a rain-soaked Heinz Field, the Bengals' offense struggled to get much going against the Steelers. All three of the Bengals' red zone trips resulted in Mike Nugent field goals, while Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw three touchdowns. With just under seven minutes left in the game, Roethlisberger tossed a four-yard touchdown to running back DeAngelo Williams that gave Pittsburgh a 24–9 lead. The Bengals responded, however, as Andy Dalton drove Cincinnati to a quick score, finding Giovani Bernard on a 25-yard touchdown to make it 24–16. Trying to tie the game, Cincinnati drove to the Steelers' 39-yard line with two minutes left in the game, but rookie receiver Tyler Boyd's fumble sealed a Bengals loss. It appeared Boyd 's knee was down before he lost control of the ball on a hit by James Harrison, but upon review, the call stood and the Bengals dropped to 1–1. Dalton threw for 366 yards for the second straight week, giving him the NFL lead in passing yards (732) through two weeks.
Week 3: vs. Denver Broncos
Week Three: Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Hosting the defending Super Bowl champion Broncos, Andy Dalton's 300-yard streak was stopped, throwing for just 206 yards. It was also his second straight game in which he did not throw a touchdown pass. With the loss, the Bengals dropped to 1–2 and third place in the AFC North.
Week 4: vs. Miami Dolphins
Week Four: Miami Dolphins at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Newly acquired Brandon LaFell returned to New England for the first time after leaving the Patriots in the offseason. With the loss, the Bengals dropped to 2–4.
Week 7: vs. Cleveland Browns
Week Seven: Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
With their fourth straight win over the Browns, the Bengals improved to 3–4. With the Ravens' loss to the Jets, the Bengals moved into a tie for second in the AFC North.
The Bengals hosted the Washington Redskins in London between a shootout between Kirk Cousins and Andy Dalton. Unfortunately, the Bengals could not score in overtime nor the Redskins and thus allowed a tie for the third time in 10 years and first tie since tying with the Carolina Panthers 37–37 in 2014, leaving their record at 3–4–1.
Week 10: at New York Giants
Week Ten: Cincinnati Bengals at New York Giants – Game summary
With their fourth straight loss to the Steelers, the Bengals fell to 5–8–1. The game was just a few moments away from wrapping up when the Baltimore Ravens beat the Philadelphia Eagles 28-27. As a result, the Cincinnati Bengals were eliminated from playoff contention no matter the outcome. The Bengals were condemned to their first losing season since 2010.
Week 16: at Houston Texans
Week Sixteen: Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans – Game summary
As time expired, Randy Bullock missed the game-winning field goal sending the Bengals to 5–9–1. Dalton also set a new career-high of losses in a single season.
Week 17: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Week Seventeen: Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
^
abKansas City clinched the
AFC West division over Oakland based on head-to-head sweep.
^
abHouston clinched the
AFC South division title over Tennessee based on record vs. division opponents.
^
abTennessee finished ahead of Denver based on head-to-head victory.
^
abBaltimore finished ahead of Indianapolis based on record vs. conference opponents.
^
abThe New York Jets finished ahead of San Diego based record vs. common opponents — the Jets' cumulative record against Cleveland, Indianapolis, Kansas City and Miami was 1–4, while San Diego's cumulative record against the same four teams was 0–5.
^When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.
The 2016 Cincinnati Bengals season was the franchise's 47th season in the
National Football League, the 49th overall and the fourteenth under
head coachMarvin Lewis. The Bengals regressed from their 12–4 record from
2015, and missed the playoffs for the first time since
2010, finishing 6–9–1, and finishing in 3rd place in
their division. This season would see the Bengals
play in London for the first time ever, where they tied the
Washington Redskins 27–27.
Offseason
Organizational changes
On January 12, 2016, defensive backs coach
Vance Joseph was hired as the new defensive coordinator of the
Miami Dolphins.[1] On the same day, linebackers coach
Matt Burke also was hired as the new linebackers coach of the
Miami Dolphins.[2] On January 13, offensive coordinator
Hue Jackson was hired as the new head coach of the
Cleveland Browns.[3] On January 15, quarterbacks coach
Ken Zampese was promoted to offensive coordinator.[4] On the same day, former
New Orleans Saints head coach
Jim Haslett was hired as the new linebackers coach.[5] On January 18, the Bengals hired former Miami Dolphins assistant coaches
Bill Lazor as the new quarterbacks coach, and
Kevin Coyle as the new defensive backs coach, as well as hiring
Washington Redskins assistant coach
Jacob Burney as the new defensive line coach.[6] On January 19, defensive line coach
Jay Hayes was hired to be the new defensive line coach of the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[7]
Contract extensions
On March 4, the Bengals signed wide receiver
Brandon Tate to a one-year extension through 2017 worth $1,024,000.[8] On March 7, the Bengals signed center
T. J. Johnson to a one-year extension through 2017 worth $600,000.[9] On May 17, the Bengals signed safety
Shawn Williams to a four-year extension through 2020 worth $19.5 million.[10] On June 8, the Bengals signed halfback
Giovani Benard to a three-year extension through 2019 worth $15.5 million.[11] On August 2, the Bengals signed tight end
Ryan Hewitt to a three-year extension through 2019 worth $7.5 million.[12]
On May 8, the Bengals signed four undrafted free agents: kicker Jonathan Brown (
Louisville), linebacker Gionni Paul (
Utah), offensive lineman Trip Thurman (
Florida), and cornerback Corey Tindal (
Marshall).[21] On May 11, the Bengals signed former
Louisville offensive lineman
Aaron Epps (UDFA).[22] On May 16, the Bengals signed former
Buffalo quarterback
Joe Licata (UDFA).[23] On May 26, the Bengals signed fullback
Andrew Bonnet.[24] On July 26, the Bengals signed former
Calgary wide receiver
Rashaun Simonise (UDFA).[25] On July 27, the Bengals signed former
Nebraska defensive end
Jack Gangwish (UDFA).[26] On July 28, the Bengals signed safety
Jimmy Wilson.[27]
On April 26, the Bengals released linebacker
A.J. Hawk.[32] On May 11, offensive lineman
Darryl Baldwin was released.[22] On May 16, undrafted free agent quarterback
Matt Johnson was released.[23] On July 20, undrafted free agent cornerback
Corey Tindal was released.[33] On July 26, defensive end
Dezmond Johnson and undrafted free agent running back
DyShawn Mobley were released.[25]
Prior to the draft, the Bengals held visits for 40 players; 15 had private visits, 5 players visited during the
NFL Scouting Combine, 1 met during the
Senior Bowl, and 2 at the
East–West Shrine Game, 11 had private workouts, while 2 had local visits.[34]
In a hard fought affair,
Andy Dalton threw for 366 yards and a touchdown, but was sacked a career-high seven times.
A. J. Green finished the game with 12 receptions for 180 yards plus a touchdown. The Bengals trailed by one with just over three minutes left in the game, but Dalton completed all four of his passes for 33 yards to set up Mike Nugent's go-ahead field goal with 54 seconds remaining. Three plays into the ensuing Jets' drive, Bengals' defensive back Josh Shaw recorded his first interception, picking off Ryan Fitzpatrick on a 3rd and 10 to seal a third straight season-opening victory for Cincinnati as they started 1–0. They also snapped a 9-game road losing streak to the Jets.
Week 2: at Pittsburgh Steelers
Week Two: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
On a rain-soaked Heinz Field, the Bengals' offense struggled to get much going against the Steelers. All three of the Bengals' red zone trips resulted in Mike Nugent field goals, while Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw three touchdowns. With just under seven minutes left in the game, Roethlisberger tossed a four-yard touchdown to running back DeAngelo Williams that gave Pittsburgh a 24–9 lead. The Bengals responded, however, as Andy Dalton drove Cincinnati to a quick score, finding Giovani Bernard on a 25-yard touchdown to make it 24–16. Trying to tie the game, Cincinnati drove to the Steelers' 39-yard line with two minutes left in the game, but rookie receiver Tyler Boyd's fumble sealed a Bengals loss. It appeared Boyd 's knee was down before he lost control of the ball on a hit by James Harrison, but upon review, the call stood and the Bengals dropped to 1–1. Dalton threw for 366 yards for the second straight week, giving him the NFL lead in passing yards (732) through two weeks.
Week 3: vs. Denver Broncos
Week Three: Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Hosting the defending Super Bowl champion Broncos, Andy Dalton's 300-yard streak was stopped, throwing for just 206 yards. It was also his second straight game in which he did not throw a touchdown pass. With the loss, the Bengals dropped to 1–2 and third place in the AFC North.
Week 4: vs. Miami Dolphins
Week Four: Miami Dolphins at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Newly acquired Brandon LaFell returned to New England for the first time after leaving the Patriots in the offseason. With the loss, the Bengals dropped to 2–4.
Week 7: vs. Cleveland Browns
Week Seven: Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
With their fourth straight win over the Browns, the Bengals improved to 3–4. With the Ravens' loss to the Jets, the Bengals moved into a tie for second in the AFC North.
The Bengals hosted the Washington Redskins in London between a shootout between Kirk Cousins and Andy Dalton. Unfortunately, the Bengals could not score in overtime nor the Redskins and thus allowed a tie for the third time in 10 years and first tie since tying with the Carolina Panthers 37–37 in 2014, leaving their record at 3–4–1.
Week 10: at New York Giants
Week Ten: Cincinnati Bengals at New York Giants – Game summary
With their fourth straight loss to the Steelers, the Bengals fell to 5–8–1. The game was just a few moments away from wrapping up when the Baltimore Ravens beat the Philadelphia Eagles 28-27. As a result, the Cincinnati Bengals were eliminated from playoff contention no matter the outcome. The Bengals were condemned to their first losing season since 2010.
Week 16: at Houston Texans
Week Sixteen: Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans – Game summary
As time expired, Randy Bullock missed the game-winning field goal sending the Bengals to 5–9–1. Dalton also set a new career-high of losses in a single season.
Week 17: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Week Seventeen: Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
^
abKansas City clinched the
AFC West division over Oakland based on head-to-head sweep.
^
abHouston clinched the
AFC South division title over Tennessee based on record vs. division opponents.
^
abTennessee finished ahead of Denver based on head-to-head victory.
^
abBaltimore finished ahead of Indianapolis based on record vs. conference opponents.
^
abThe New York Jets finished ahead of San Diego based record vs. common opponents — the Jets' cumulative record against Cleveland, Indianapolis, Kansas City and Miami was 1–4, while San Diego's cumulative record against the same four teams was 0–5.
^When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.