Editing Cincinnati Bengals (section)

==== Marvin Lewis years (2003–2018) ====
The Bengals began to emerge from that dismal period into a new era of increased consistency, however, after the team finished with its worst record in team history, 2–14, which led to the hiring of [[Marvin Lewis]] as head coach in 2003.<ref name="t088">{{cite web | agency= Associated Press | title=PRO FOOTBALL; Bengals Name Lewis Head Coach | website=The New York Times | date=2003-01-15 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/15/sports/pro-football-bengals-name-lewis-head-coach.html | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref> [[Carson Palmer]], the future star quarterback, was drafted in [[2003 NFL draft|2003]], but did not play a snap that whole season, as [[Jon Kitna]] had a comeback year (voted NFL Comeback Player of the Year).<ref name="r060">{{cite web | last=Rogers | first=Jesse | title=NFL awards Kitna for amazing resurgence | website=ESPN.com | date=2004-01-02 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1698805 | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref><ref name="h311">{{cite web | last=Stellino | first=Vito | title=For Cardinals QB Carson Palmer, a lot of ups and downs in NFL career | website=Florida Times-Union | date=2013-11-17 | url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/11/17/cardinals-qb-carson-palmer-lot-ups-and-downs-nfl-career/15808956007/ | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref> Despite Kitna's success, Palmer was promoted to starting quarterback the [[2004 NFL season|following season]].<ref name="u011">{{cite web | last=Powell | first=Camille | title=Apprenticeship over, Palmer takes control | website=NBC News | date=2004-09-23 | url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna6075908 | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref> The team finished with an 8–8 record and missed the postseason in 2004.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2004.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Under Palmer, the team advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 1990 losing in the Wild Card Round to the Pittsburgh Steelers 31–17 in the [[2005 NFL season|2005 season]], which also was the first time the team had a winning percentage above .500 since 1990.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2005.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/ |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals – January 8th, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200601080cin.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:ChadJohnson.jpg|thumb|239x239px|[[Chad Johnson]], Bengals wide receiver from 2001 to 2010]]

The Bengals returned to the playoffs again in [[2009 NFL season|2009]] in a season that included the franchise's first-ever division sweep. This was especially impressive since two of the teams swept by the Bengals – the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens – had made it to the AFC Championship Game the previous season. Marvin Lewis was rewarded for the accomplishment with the NFL Coach of the Year Award.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/17/sports/football/17lewis.html|title=Bengals' Lewis Is N.F.L. Coach of the Year|agency=The Associated Press|date=January 16, 2010|work=The New York Times|access-date=March 15, 2017|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=March 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315175416/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/17/sports/football/17lewis.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[2010 NFL season|2010 season]], the Bengals posted a 4–12 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2010 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2010.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Following the disappointing 2010 season, quarterback Carson Palmer demanded to be traded. When the Bengals refused to do so, Palmer announced his retirement from the NFL.<ref name="f346">{{cite web | title=Owner: Bengals won't trade Palmer, consider QB to be retired | website=NFL.com | date=2011-07-26 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/owner-bengals-won-t-trade-palmer-consider-qb-to-be-retired-09000d5d820fc879 | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> He later was moved at the NFL trade deadline to the [[Oakland Raiders]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-10-18 |title=Raiders acquire QB Palmer from Bengals |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7118158/oakland-raiders-acquire-carson-palmer-cincinnati-bengals |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> In the [[2011 NFL draft]], the Bengals selected wide receiver [[A. J. Green]] in the first round and quarterback [[Andy Dalton]] in the second round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 Cincinnati Bengals Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2011_draft.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The Bengals improved to 9–7 in the [[2011 NFL season|2011 season]], and clinched a playoff spot.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2011.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Dalton and Green became the most prolific rookie WR-QB duo in history, connecting 65 times for 1,057 yards. However, they lost to the [[Houston Texans]], 31–10, in the Wild Card round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans – January 7th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201070htx.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the [[2012 NFL season|2012 season]], the Bengals clinched a playoff spot once more with a win over the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], going to the playoffs in back-to-back years for the first time since 1982.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2012.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> However, the Bengals faced the Texans in the first round yet again and took another early exit, losing 19–13.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans – January 5th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301050htx.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In the [[2013 NFL season|2013 season]], for the third straight year, the Bengals clinched a playoff berth and also won the AFC North, finishing with an 11–5 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2013.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> But once again, the Bengals were defeated in the wild card round, this time by the [[San Diego Chargers]], 27–10.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals – January 5th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201401050cin.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Most of the blame was put on Andy Dalton, who threw two interceptions and fumbled on a forward dive. This made the Bengals 0–5 in playoff games since Mike Brown took over as owner. The [[2014 NFL season|2014 season]] started well, with the Bengals winning their first three contests against the Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons, and Tennessee Titans. However, they lost their Week 5 road matchup with the New England Patriots, 43–17. An overtime tie with the [[Carolina Panthers]] and a shutout loss to the [[Indianapolis Colts]] followed the primetime loss to the Patriots. Finishing the season 10–5–1 as the fifth seed, they lost to the Colts, 26–10, in the first round of the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2014.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts – January 4th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201501040clt.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> This was the first time the franchise made the playoffs four straight seasons.

In 2015, the Bengals got out to a franchise-best 8–0 start with a 31–10 win over the [[Cleveland Browns]].<ref name="y803">{{cite web | last=Dehner Jr. | first=Paul| title=Bengals Nuggets: Surprising 8–0 history; Texans own thirds | website=Cincinnati Enquirer | date=2015-11-16 | url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2015/11/16/bengals-nuggets-surprising-8-0-history-texans-own-thirds/75642786/ | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> Unfortunately, in Week 14 they would lose starting quarterback [[Andy Dalton]] to injury. He would not return that season, leaving [[A. J. McCarron]] to start under center. The Bengals finished with a franchise record-tying 12–4 mark.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2015.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Additionally, they lost to the division rival [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], 18–16, in the Wild Card round in the final minute, making them the first franchise in NFL history to lose five straight opening-round playoff games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals – January 9th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601090cin.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> This frustration continued in 2016 for the Bengals: they finished the 2016 campaign with a 6–9–1 record, losing several key players to injury, including A. J. Green, [[Giovani Bernard]], and [[Jeremy Hill]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2016.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 Cincinnati Bengals Injuries |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2016_injuries.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They missed the playoffs for the first time since 2010, marking the first time Andy Dalton missed the playoffs as the Bengals' starting quarterback. One notable game was a 27–27 tie against the [[Washington Redskins]] which was played in [[London]] in 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://pro32.ap.org/article/redskins-bengals-battle-27-27-tie-london|title=Redskins, Bengals battle to 27–27 tie in London|date=October 30, 2016|work=Pro32: Head to Head|access-date=March 15, 2017|archive-date=October 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031153945/http://pro32.ap.org/article/redskins-bengals-battle-27-27-tie-london|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following a rough 2016 season, the Bengals looked forward into 2017. However, after starting 0–3, the Bengals never found their footing. At one point in the season, the Bengals were 5–9. There were rumors that Marvin Lewis would not return for the next season as the Bengals' head coach. However, after two come-from-behind victories over the Lions and Ravens that eliminated both teams from the playoffs, the Bengals finished 7–9.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2017.htm |title=2017 Cincinnati Bengals Statistics & Players |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=June 16, 2018 |archive-date=February 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227030255/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2017.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The final two games were convincing enough for owner Mike Brown to give Lewis a new two-year contract.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/bengals-sign-marvin-lewis-year-deal-2019/story?id=52103182 |title=Bengals sign Marvin Lewis to two-year deal through 2019 |date=January 2, 2018 |work=ABC News |access-date=July 17, 2018 |archive-date=July 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717213035/https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/bengals-sign-marvin-lewis-year-deal-2019/story?id=52103182 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The 2018 campaign began with promise for the Bengals under Lewis. Cincinnati began the season with a 4–1 record with impressive wins over the Colts, Ravens, Falcons, and Dolphins. However, the Bengals suffered many setbacks after the hot start: defensive coordinator [[Teryl Austin]] was fired mid-season because of defensive woes,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=November 12, 2018 |title=Bengals fire DC Teryl Austin after loss to Saints |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/bengals-fire-dc-teryl-austin-after-loss-to-saints-0ap3000000987470 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101051518/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000987470/article/bengals-fire-dc-teryl-austin-after-loss-to-saints |archive-date=January 1, 2019 |access-date=January 1, 2019 |website=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref> A. J. Green was injured and officially out for the last four games, and Andy Dalton injured his thumb in the Bengals' first game against the Browns and replaced by [[Jeff Driskel]] for the rest of the season.<ref name="n110">{{cite magazine | last=Shapiro | first=Michael | title=A.J. Green to undergo season-ending toe surgery | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=2018-12-04 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/12/04/aj-green-season-ending-surgery-bengals-wide-receiver-afc-north | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref><ref name="h214">{{cite web | last=Rothstein | first=Michael | title=Jeff Driskel takes long route to being the Lions' starting QB | website=ESPN.com | date=2019-11-16 | url=https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/36057/jeff-driskel-takes-long-route-to-being-the-lions-starting-qb | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref> The Bengals ended 2018 with a final record of 6–10 and finished last place in the AFC North.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2018.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> On December 31, 2018, with one year to go on his contract, Lewis and the Bengals mutually parted ways after three straight losing seasons under his watch.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Terrell |first=Katherine |date=December 31, 2018 |title=Marvin Lewis out as coach of Bengals after long run |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25653722/bengals-fire-coach-marvin-lewis-6-10-season |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231160548/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25653722/bengals-fire-coach-marvin-lewis-6-10-season |archive-date=December 31, 2018 |access-date=December 31, 2018 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>