Cincinnati Bengals’ Super Bowl history, Part 1: A look back at 1982

Barry Werner

February 9, 2022 at 12:38 PM·3 min read

Not Sweet 16

USAT

The headline the day after the San Francisco 49ers spoiled the Bengals’ championship dreams. Forty years later, the Bengals are back in the Super Bowl against a different West Coast team. Ahead of Super Bowl 56, we’re taking a look back at Cincy’s big game journey…

Super Bowl 16: San Francisco 49ers 26, Cincinnati Bengals 21

AP Photo,File

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Louis Breeden, left, managing to break up a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers receiver Freddie Solomon during third quarter action in the Pontiac Silverdome.

Super Bowl 16: San Francisco 49ers 26, Cincinnati Bengals 21

San Francisco 49ers linebacker (54) Craig Puki and (42) Ronnie Lott celebrate after stopping the Cincinnati Bengals on 4th down at the goal line.

Super Bowl 16: San Francisco 49ers 26, Cincinnati Bengals 21

David Boss-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers defensive back (28) Ronald Thomas recovers a fumble by Cincinnati Bengals receiver (80) Cris Collinsworth after a hit by (21) Eric Wright in the 2nd quarter.

Super Bowl 16: San Francisco 49ers 26, Cincinnati Bengals 21

Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers running back Earl Cooper (49) catches a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Super Bowl 16: San Francisco 49ers 26, Cincinnati Bengals 21

Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals running back Pete Johnson carries the ball against San Francisco 49ers defenders Jack Reynolds (64), Jim Stuckey (79) and Craig Puki (54).

Super Bowl 16: San Francisco 49ers 26, Cincinnati Bengals 21

Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals running back Archie Griffin fumbles a kick off in front of San Francisco 49ers defensive back Eric Wright.

Super Bowl 16I: San Francisco 49ers 26, Cincinnati Bengals 21

Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana with head coach Bill Walsh and Guy Benjamin on the sideline.

Super Bowl 16: San Francisco 49ers 26, Cincinnati Bengals 21

Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK

San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle (78) Archie Reese celebrates a 4th down goal-line stand

Super Bowl 16: San Francisco 49ers 26, Cincinnati Bengals 21

AP Photo/Lennox McClendon

San Francisco 49ers celebrate their third-quarter goal line stance that stopped a Cincinnati Bengals scoring threat from within the one-yard-line.

Super Bowl 16: San Francisco 49ers 26, Cincinnati Bengals 21

Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK

Cincinnati Bengals tight end (89) Dan Ross celebrates his 3-yard 4th quarter touchdown during Super Bowl XVI against the San Francisco 49ers at the Silverdome. Ross scored two touchdowns and had 11 catches for 104 yards.

Super Bowl 16: San Francisco 49ers 26, Cincinnati Bengals 21

Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK

San Francisco 49ers defensive back Dwight Hicks returns an interception 27 yards.

Super Bowl 16: San Francisco 49ers 26, Cincinnati Bengals 21

Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK

San Francisco 49ers’ Randy Cross celebrates.

Super Bowl 16: San Francisco 49ers 26, Cincinnati Bengals 21

Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK

Joe Montana hands off to running back Ricky Patton.

Super Bowl 16: San Francisco 49ers 26, Cincinnati Bengals 21

AP Photo/Ed Reinke

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Forrest Gregg waves to the crowd of several thousand fans on Cincinnati’s Fountain Square after the team returned home from the Super Bowl.

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