In the weeks leading up to training camp, we will take a look back at a few of the most pivotal seasons in Bengals history. Here's a look back at Paul Brown's final season as head coach and the Bengals best season up to that point, 1975.
### **Season Summary**
Led by QB Ken Anderson, the Bengals rattled off six straight victories to start what would turn out to be Paul Brown's final season as head coach. Cincinnati opened up the season at Riverfront Stadium, defeating the Cleveland Browns 24-17.
Anderson's potent offensive attack took down the New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders, Atlanta Falcons and AFC Central rival Houston Oilers on the way to an unbeaten start. The team's defense showed up as well, allowing just 11.6 points per game during the winning streak.
The Bengals stayed unbeaten until November, where they dropped their first game of the season to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 30-24. After falling to 8-2 with a loss to Cleveland, the Bengals needed a strong end to the year to make the playoffs. Anderson was injured in the Browns' loss, meaning backup John Reaves would start in a pivotal game against the Oilers. Under a rainy Cincinnati sky, Reaves led a fourth-quarter drive to clinch the 23-19 win.
Cincinnati finished the season with an 11-3 record, the team's highest winning percentage in history (.786). However, Cincinnati qualified as the AFC Wild Card team since the AFC Central crown went to the Steelers, who finished 12-2 and would go on to win Super Bowl X.
Cincinnati traveled to Oakland for the Wild Card playoffs. Falling behind 31-14 early, the Bengals rallied to score 14 straight points, as Anderson found WRs Charlie Joiner and Isaac Curtis for scores. A fumble recovery by DT Ron Carpenter gave the Bengals the ball on the Oakland 38-yard line with 4:19 left. Cincinnati failed to get a first down, though, and it fell to Oakland 31-28. Raiders QB Ken Stabler tossed three touchdowns for a 121.2 passer rating in the victory, while Anderson threw for 201 yards and two touchdowns.