2003 Cincinnati Bengals season


The 2003 [NFL season|2003] Cincinnati Bengals season was the franchise's 34th season in the National Football League, the 36th overall, and the first under head coach Marvin Lewis, who replaced Dick LeBeau, who was fired following the 2002 season which the worst season in Bengals history. The Bengals had the first overall pick in the 2003 NFL draft with which they selected 2002 Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer. After a slow start, the Bengals got hot winning at midseason, winning four straight games to stand at 7–5, entering a key Week 14 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens with a chance to win the division. However, in the key showdown for first place the Bengals showed they were not quite ready for primetime as they were beaten 31–13. The Bengals would rebound to win their next game against the San Francisco 49ers, but at 8–6 the Bengals could not get that ninth win, losing their last two games to spoil an effort to earn their first winning season since 1990, finishing at 8–8.
Along with Willie Anderson, Chad Johnson, for the first time in his career, was named to the Pro Bowl at the end of the season.
WWW Official Site

Offseason

The Bengals lost fullback Lorenzo Neal and linebacker Takeo Spikes in free agency, while signing cornerback Tory James, safety Rogers Beckett, linebacker Kevin Hardy, defensive tackle John Thornton, tight end Reggie Kelly, quarterback Shane Matthews and defensive ends Duane Clemons and Carl Powell.
AdditionsSubtractions
DT John Thornton QB Gus Frerotte
QB Shane Matthews LB Takeo Spikes
S Rogers Beckett FB Lorenzo Neal
TE Reggie Kelly QB Akili Smith
LB Kevin Hardy K Neil Rackers
CB Tory James DE Reinard Wilson
DE Duane Clemons FB Nick Luchey
DE Carl Powell DE Eric Ogbogu
LB Steve Foley

Regular season

Schedule

Note: Intra-divisional opponents are in bold text

Team leaders

Kicking and punting

PlayerPuntsYardsLongBlkdAvg.
Kyle Richardson49196158040.0

Awards

Milestones