The Bengals’ ‘Cheap’ Rebuild: Spending $100M+ and Still Making Everyone Eat Their Words

The Cincinnati Bengals have etched their name in NFL history by completing one of the fastest and most dramatic rebuilds the league has ever witnessed.

From the depths of despair after a dismal 2-14 season in 2019 to nearly clinching Super Bowl 56 in 2022, the team’s transformation is a testament to strategic decision-making, resilience, and a sprinkle of good fortune.

But this wasn’t just a story of luck; it was a masterclass in rebuilding a franchise from the ground up.

The Bengals’ journey began in 2018, a season that marked the end of an era.

Longtime head coach Marvin Lewis, who had been at the helm for 16 years, found himself on the hot seat after another disappointing season.

Injuries plagued the team, sidelining key players like Andy Dalton, A.J. Green, and Tyler Eifert.

Despite the emergence of young talents such as Jessie Bates and Joe Mixon, the Bengals finished the season 6-10, signaling the need for a fresh start.

The Bengals’ front office made a bold move in early 2019, parting ways with Lewis and hiring Zac Taylor, a young, offensive-minded coach who had worked closely with Jared Goff during his time with the Los Angeles Rams.

The decision was risky, as Taylor had limited experience, but it set the stage for a new era in Cincinnati.

Taylor’s arrival coincided with a shift in the Bengals’ philosophy.

The team prioritized building through the draft, trading picks to acquire players who fit Taylor’s vision for a high-powered offense.

However, the 2019 season was a disaster.

Injuries once again ravaged the roster, and the Bengals stumbled to a 2-14 record, their worst in franchise history.

Yet, this rock-bottom moment came with a silver lining: the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Enter Joe Burrow, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from LSU, whose selection marked the dawn of a new era.

Burrow’s arrival was a breath of fresh air for a franchise in desperate need of a savior.

The Bengals also added wide receiver Tee Higgins and linebackers Logan Wilson and Akeem Davis-Gaither in the same draft, laying the foundation for future success.

The 2020 season was a rollercoaster.

Burrow showed flashes of brilliance but suffered a devastating ACL injury in Week 11, derailing the team’s progress.

Despite the setback, the Bengals remained committed to their vision.

They spent aggressively in free agency, a departure from their historically frugal approach, and made significant upgrades to their roster.

The 2021 offseason was pivotal.

The Bengals faced a tough decision with the fifth overall pick in the draft: protect Burrow with offensive lineman Penei Sewell or reunite him with his college teammate, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.

They chose Chase, a move that initially drew criticism but ultimately proved to be a masterstroke.

Chase and Burrow rekindled their LSU magic, forming one of the most electrifying duos in the NFL.

The 2021 season was a revelation.

The Bengals, once perennial underachievers, emerged as contenders.

Burrow’s connection with Chase was unstoppable, and the team’s offense became a nightmare for opposing defenses.

After a 10-7 regular season, the Bengals entered the playoffs with newfound confidence.

Their playoff run was nothing short of historic.

They secured their first postseason victory in over three decades by defeating the Las Vegas Raiders.

They then stunned the Tennessee Titans, the AFC’s top seed, in a gritty defensive battle.

Against all odds, they overcame a 21-3 deficit to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, punching their ticket to Super Bowl 56.

Though they fell short against the Los Angeles Rams in the Super Bowl, the Bengals had already achieved what many thought impossible.

They had gone from the NFL’s basement to its biggest stage in just two years.

The loss was a bitter pill to swallow, but it was clear that the Bengals were no longer a laughingstock.

They were a team on the rise, with a bright future ahead.

The Bengals’ success can be attributed to several factors.

First, their commitment to building around Burrow was unwavering.

They surrounded him with weapons, revamped their offensive line, and invested heavily in free agency.

Second, their draft strategy was impeccable, landing cornerstone players like Chase, Higgins, and Wilson.

Finally, Taylor’s leadership and offensive vision brought it all together, creating a culture of belief and resilience.

Looking ahead, the Bengals are poised to remain contenders for years to come.

Burrow’s leadership and poise make him the perfect quarterback to lead this team, while Chase’s playmaking ability gives them a game-changing weapon.

The front office has shown a willingness to spend and adapt, ensuring that the team continues to evolve.

The Bengals’ journey serves as an inspiration for struggling franchises.

It’s a reminder that with the right leadership, a clear vision, and a bit of luck, even the most downtrodden teams can rise to greatness.

The road to success is never easy, but the Bengals have proven that it’s possible to turn things around quickly and decisively.

As the Bengals prepare for the 2023 season, the NFL world will be watching.

Can they build on their success and take the final step to hoist the Lombardi Trophy?

Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Bengals are no longer the league’s punching bag.

They’re a force to be reckoned with, and their story is far from over.