1997 Cincinnati Bengals

The 1997 Cincinnati Bengals season was the team's 30th year in professional football and its 28th with the National Football League. After winning the first game of the season, the Bengals go into a tailspin losing their next seven games, to effectively end their playoff hopes. The struggles would cost Jeff Blake his starting Quarterback job, as former Bengal starting QB Boomer Esiason who was reacquired in the off-season comes back in to lead the Bengals. With Esiason back under center the Bengals started to win as the old pro proved he had something left by connecting on 13 Touchdown passes, while only giving up two interceptions. Under Boomer the Bengals would win six of their final eight games, to finish with a 7-9 record. Just as the Bengals were ready to give Esiason the job fulltime, he received a lucrative offer from ABC-TV to announce games on Monday Night Football. Since he would earn more money on ABC, he decided to retire from playing. RB Corey Dillon set a rookie rushing record (since broken) for most yards in a game. On December 4, 1997, Dillon rushed for 246 yards in a game versus the Tennessee Oilers.

Awards and records

 * Corey Dillon, Franchise Record (since broken), Most Rushing Yards in One Game, 246 yards vs. Tennessee Oilers (achieved on December 4, 1997)
 * Corey Dillon, Rookie Record (since broken), Most Rushing Yards in One Game, 246 yards vs. Tennessee Oilers (achieved on December 4, 1997)
 * Corey Dillon, Franchise Record (tied), Most Points in One Game, 24 Points vs. Tennessee Oilers (achieved on December 4, 1997)
 * Corey Dillon, Franchise Record (tied), Most Touchdowns in One Game, 4 TD’s vs. Tennessee Oilers (achieved on December 4, 1997)

Milestones

 * Corey Dillon, 1st 1000 yard rushing season (1,129 rushing yards)