Here we are, Super Bowl LVIII (58), and some of us Bengals supporters from Cincinnati are still undecided about who to support this evening. Some will be content with the food and drinks and won’t give a damn.
However, for those who are interested, below are a few details that may help you decide.
First off, there is just one former Bengal on a Super Bowl roster this year, and that is quarterback Brandon Allen, who is presently listed as a third-stringer behind Brock Purdy and former New York Jet/Carolina Panther Sam Darnold.
During his three years at Cincinnati, Allen was mostly used as a backup, but in the fall of 2020, Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending injury, forcing Allen to assume a starting role. Despite Allen’s struggles, they managed to defeat the Houston Texans 37–31 thanks to a 371-yard, two-touchdown performance.
In a 21-16 loss, Allen passed for 136 yards and a score in the 2021 season finale vs the Cleveland Browns, which he also started.
Alternatively, you could decide to stick with the AFC. In 2021, the Bengals advanced to their third Super Bowl appearance by winning the AFC Championship game. In 2022, Cincinnati advanced to the AFC Championship game once more but was defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs, who went on to win the Super Bowl.
With two Lombardi Trophies to show for it, the Chiefs are making their fourth trip to the Super Bowl in the last five years.
In light of everything, I believe that perhaps we ought to cheer on the San Francisco 49ers. Considering that the 49ers prevented Cincinnati from winning the Super Bowl in the Bengals’ first two Super Bowl appearances, that is extremely difficult to explain.
But this is how I see things. This season, Kansas City defeated the Bengals 25–17, preventing Cincinnati from making it to the postseason. That’s it, then.
Most significantly, though, early in the season, the Bengals defeated the 49ers, 31-17, led by a healthy Joe Burrow. Cincinnati may boast of defeating the Super Bowl champions on their home pitch if San Francisco prevails in Super Bowl LVIII. Additionally, they might.
