Bengals QB history

[KA14_HOF]

1985

RETURNING:

#14 - Ken Anderson (Augustana) - started first 2 games of season, going 0-2; also played in Week 14; went 16-of-32 for 170 yards, 2 TDs & 0 INTs.

 

#15 - Turk Schonert (Stanford) - played in 6 games at QB; went 33-of-51 for 460, 1 TD & 0 INTs. Traded to Falcons 4/4/86.

 

#7 - Boomer Esiason (Maryland) - started every game from Week 3 on; went 251-of-431 for 3,443 yards, 27 TDs & 12 INTs. Finished with 2nd-best Passer Rating (93.2) in NFL.

 

ARRIVING:

#12 - Wayne Peace (Florida/TB Bandits) - claimed in USFL/CFL Supplemental Draft 6/5/84; signed with Bengals 2/21/85 after being released by Tampa Bay Bandits; released 8/12/85 after 1st preseason game when Ken Anderson signed, giving Cincinnati 4 QBs; did not play vs Chiefs in preseason game #1.

 <for Tampa Bay Bandits  < college photo

 

NEED:

* Photo of Wayne Peace in his Bengals uniform.

[KA14_HOF]

1986

RETURNING:

#14 - Ken Anderson (Augustana) - played in 3 games as QB; went 11-of-23 for 171 yards, 1 TD & 2 INTs. Retired 6/2/87.

 

#7 - Boomer Esiason (Maryland) - started every game, going 10-6; went 273-of-469 for 3,959 yards, 24 TDs & 17 INTs. Led NFL at 8.4 Yards Per Attempt. Named to Pro Bowl.

 

ARRIVING:

#11 - Doug Gaynor (Long Beach St.) - drafted in 4th Rd; played Week 4 in blowout loss to Bears, going 3-of-3 for 30 yards.

 .....

 

#15 - Steve Bradley (Indiana) - drafted in 12th Rd; left camp 7/23/86 after leaving note for HC Sam Wyche stating that he was quitting football. (played for Bears as a replacement player in 1987)

 < college photo 

 

#19 - Sandy Osiecki (Arizona St.) - signed as free agent 7/9/86; played in 1 preseason game (at Chiefs), going 1-of-3 for 7 yards, 1 INT; released 8/18/86 after 2nd preseason game. (pronounced last name as oh-SHESS-kee)

 ..... 

 

NOTES:

* Rookie camp featured a player who may have worn #16. (below) I haven't been able to determine who this was, or if the jersey was definitively #16. As draftees, Gaynor and Bradley would have attended this camp, so it could be either of them, wearing a different number than what they were later assigned.

 

NEED:

* Photo of Steve Bradley in his Bengals uniform.

[Le Tigre]

1986 was my favorite Bengal season…and still is. 
 

Running or throwing, they were basically unstoppable. This was before the “hurry up” Sam offense (although one could still see elements of it..as Sam was experimenting all season long). 
 

If they had some semblance of defense, 1986 would have been the SB season. 

[KA14_HOF]

5 hours ago, Le Tigre said:

1986 was my favorite Bengal season…and still is. 
 

Running or throwing, they were basically unstoppable. This was before the “hurry up” Sam offense (although one could still see elements of it..as Sam was experimenting all season long). 
 

If they had some semblance of defense, 1986 would have been the SB season. 

 

Yep, and despite that, all that was needed to make the playoffs was for New England to lose at Miami in the MNF finale. I remember watching that game with a couple of dyed-in-the-wool Dolphins fans. Whenever we needed help, things just never seemed to break our way.

 

That was also the year that Boomer rallied the Bengals from a 34-14 deficit at Mile High, only to have the game slip away late on a premature snap due to the crowd noise. 

 

I think my favorite memory from '86 was Jeff Hayes' 61-yard, 4th quarter touchdown run on a fake punt vs Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football. Has to be the greatest fake punt in NFL history.

[Le Tigre]

2 hours ago, KA14_HOF said:

 

Yep, and despite that, all that was needed to make the playoffs was for New England to lose at Miami in the MNF finale. I remember watching that game with a couple of dyed-in-the-wool Dolphins fans. Whenever we needed help, things just never seemed to break our way.

 

That was also the year that Boomer rallied the Bengals from a 34-14 deficit at Mile High, only to have the game slip away late on a premature snap due to the crowd noise. 

 

I think my favorite memory from '86 was Jeff Hayes' 61-yard, 4th quarter touchdown run on a fake punt vs Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football. Has to be the greatest fake punt in NFL history.

Great memories! 

 

I did one roadie that year...going up to Pontiac--in the now-flattened Silverdome. Hard to find photos of it, but did find an article:

 

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-11-03-sp-14754-story.html

 

My (then) wife went with me. Unlike now, there weren't a lot of Bengal fans attending that day--that I could detect anyway. Of course in that time, team gear wasn't as available as it is now. I still wore my Krumrie jersey and she wore her James Brooks' jersey. Got a few catcalls (our seats were smack-dab in the middle of a large Lion season-ticket location), but for the most part, nothing was said one way or the other. We are heading up from our seats towards the concourse after that final-minute PI/TD, and we're met by a few rather large Lion fans at the concourse. One loudmouth was in my face (or I looking at his shoulders), running his trap. I was getting into a pugilist mode mentally--doing my overview of where to get the most bang for the buck. Instantly, my shorter than me ex was in between and pointing her finger straight into his chest..."You're not a good sport!!!". Guy was ultra shocked, and his buddies were cracking up "She sure told you!!" He wandered away, and 1986 crisis avoided. 😄

[KA14_HOF]

1987

RETURNING:

#7 - Boomer Esiason (Maryland) - started all 12 non-strike games, going 3-9; went 240-of-440 for 3,321 yards, 16 TDs & 19 INTs. Finished with 2nd-most passing yards in NFL.

 

#11 - Doug Gaynor (Long Beach St.) - played in all 4 preseason games, going 27-of-36 for 303 yards, 1 TD & 3 INTs (74.2 QPR); released 9/9/87 prior to Week 1.

 

ARRIVING:

#12 - Tom Ehrhardt (Rhode Island) - signed as free agent 2/5/87; played in first 2 preseason games, going 7-of-14 for 50 yards, 2 INTs (19.0 QPR); released 9/7/87 prior to Week 1.

 < college photo

 

#8 - Steve Samways (W. Ontario) - signed as free agent 5/8/87; released 8/10.

 < college photo

 

#___ - Art Schlichter (Ohio St.) - apparently covertly worked out with Bengals the week of Aug. 24-29, 1987 prior to requesting reinstatement from suspension by Commissioner Pete Rozelle in order to be cleared to sign with an NFL team Sep. 1st.  By 9/8, Rozelle rejected Schlichter's request, requiring more proof of his rehabilitation.

 .....  < college photo

 

#12 - Mike Norseth (Kansas) - claimed 9/8/87 prior to Week 1; activated 10/20 to back-up Esiason prior to Week 7, the first game after the player strike ended; did not play in any games the rest of the season.

 .....  .....  < 1988 vs SD

 

#15 - Turk Schonert (Stanford) - re-signed 9/10/87; served as holder, but did not appear in any games as QB.

 

#18 - Adrian Breen (Morehead St.) - Replacement player. Signed 9/23/87; started 1st replacement game (Week 4 loss vs Chargers); played in 3rd replacement game (Week 6 vs Browns); went 3-of-8 for 9 yards, 1 TD overall; released 10/19/87.

 .....  

 

#11 - Dave Walter (Michigan Tech) - Replacement player. Signed 9/23/87; played in 1st replacement game vs Chargers; started 2nd and 3rd replacement games (at Seahawks, vs Browns), going 1-1; went 10-of-21 for 113 yards overall; released 10/19/87.

 .....  .....

 

#16 - Ben Bennett (Duke) - Replacement player. Claimed 10/7/87 before Week 5 game at Seahawks; played in 3rd replacement game (Week 6 vs Browns); went 2-of-6 for 25 yards, 1 INT; released 10/19/87.

 .....  .....

 

NOTES:

* With the NFL players going on strike after Week 2, the Week 3 game at the Rams was cancelled, resulting in a 15-game schedule. Weeks 4 through 6 were played primarily with replacement players as the player strike continued. Normal rosters were back in place for the games starting in Week 7.

 

NEED:

* Photo of Tom Ehrhardt in his Bengals uniform.

* Photo of Steve Samways in his Bengals uniform.

* Official confirmation that the Bengals tried out Art Schlichter. (if confirmed, need jersey # used by Schlichter and photo of him in Bengals uniform)

[KA14_HOF]

1988

RETURNING:

#7 - Boomer Esiason (Maryland) - started all 16 games, going 12-4; went 223-of-388 for 3,572 yards ,28 TDs & 14 INTs. Named NFL MVP. Named All-Pro. Named to Pro Bowl. Led NFL in Yards Per Attempt (9.2) and in Passer Rating (97.4).

 

#12 - Mike Norseth (Kansas) - played in 1 game, Week 14 vs Chargers; took 2 snaps to end game, rushing for 5 yards and then handing off to Stanley Wilson; became free agent 2/1/89.

 

#15 - Turk Schonert (Stanford) - played in 3 games as QB; went 2-of-4 for 20 yards; continued handling duties as holder.

 

ARRIVING:

#14 - Unknown - very early in training camp at Wilmington College, a player wearing #14 was present. As Sam Wyche shakes hands with someone he addresses as "M.R.", #14 can be seen standing in the background. This looks like it could very well be Ken Anderson, either showing up to see if he could still play, or to simply help out if there was a need for a QB in order to work out young receivers. I didn't find any reference to any new QBs being brought in from rookie mini-camp through to the beginning of the preseason games.

 ..... 

 

NEED:

* Confirmation of who #14 was early on in training camp.

[KA14_HOF]

1989

RETURNING:

#7 - Boomer Esiason (Maryland) - started 15 games, going 7-8; also played Week 4 at Chiefs (despite having a severely sprained ankle) after Schonert suffered a sprained ankle on the opening series; went 258-of-455 for 3,525 yards, 28 TDs & 11 INTs. Named to Pro Bowl. Finished with 2nd-highest Passer Rating in NFL (92.1). Week 4 snapped a streak of 64 consecutive starts for Esiason. In Week 5, he began another streak of 37 consecutive starts.

 

#15 - Turk Schonert (Stanford) - started Week 4 at Chiefs, getting credit for the win despite playing only 1 series; appeared in 3 games as QB (Week 2 vs Stealers, Week 4 at Chiefs and Week 7 vs Colts); went 0-of-2 for the season while getting sacked 2 times, both resulting in injuries. Got knocked out of the Week 4 game at Chiefs with a sprained ankle, and got knocked out while subbing for Esiason Week 7 vs Colts with a broken right hand on last-play sack. That was the final play of Schonert's NFL career.

 

ARRIVING:

#12 - Erik Wilhelm (Oregon St.) - drafted in 3rd Rd; played in 6 games; went 30-of-56 for 425 yards, 4 TDs & 2 INTs. Wore #12 in 1989 only; switched to #4 for the rest of his Bengals career starting in 1990.

 .....  < 1989

 

#16 - Bob Jean (New Hampshire) - drafted in 12th Rd; released 7/27/89.

 .....  ..... 

 

#10 - Todd Philcox (Syracuse) - signed 5/23/89; spent 1989 on Practice Squad.

 .....  .....  < 1990 at Raiders

 

NOTES:

* The '89 Bengals are the last NFL team to score 55+ points in multiple games in the same season. (beat TB 56-23 and Hou 61-7)

 

NEED:

* Better photo of Philcox in his bengals uniform.

[KA14_HOF]

1990

RETURNING:

#7 - Boomer Esiason (Maryland) - started all 16 games, going 9-7; went 224-of-402 for 3,031 yards, 24 TDs & 22 INTs. Threw most interceptions in NFL.

 

#15 - Turk Schonert (Stanford) - released 5/2/90.

 

#4 - Erik Wilhelm (Oregon St.) - played in 7 games, all in mop-up duty; went 12-of-19 for 117 yards.

 

#10 - Todd Philcox (Syracuse) - played in 2 games, Week 3 vs Patriots and Week 15 at Raiders; went 0-of-2 with 1 INT. Became free agent 2/1/91.

 

ARRIVING:

#16 - Stan Gelbaugh (Maryland) - signed 3/8/90; played in first 2 preseason games; released 8/20/90 prior to 3rd preseason game.

 < college photo

 

NEED:

* Photo of Stan Gelbaugh in his Bengals uniform.

[KA14_HOF]

For easy reference throughout this thread, every 10 seasons I'll repost this color-coded key to each QB's status/progress for any given season:

 

1. Acquired (via Draft or Free Agency) but never suited-up.

2. Rookie/Training camp only. (cut before pre-season games)

3. On the roster for Exhibition/Pre-season games.

4. Brought in for mid-season tryout, but was not signed.

5. Made the Practice Squad (aka, cab/taxi squad or developmental squad)

6. Made the roster, but never got into a game.

7. Played in a regular season game as the Bengals QB.

 

Additional classifications:

* Served as Emergency (#3) QB while playing another position.

* Injured/out for season

* Participated in pre-draft workout for Bengals

[KA14_HOF]

1991

RETURNING:

#7 - Boomer Esiason (Maryland) - started 14 games, going 3-11; went 233-of-413 for 2,883 yards, 13 TDs & 16 INTs.

 

#4 - Erik Wilhelm (Oregon St.) - appeared in 4 games, starting Week 9 loss at Oilers; went 24-of-42 for 217 yards, with 2 INTs.

 

ARRIVING:

#12 - Donald Hollas (Rice) - drafted in 4th Rd; appeared in 8 games, starting Week 13 loss vs Raiders; went 32-of-55 for 310 yards, 1 TD & 4 INTs.

 ..... 

 

#15 - Chris Swartz (Morehead St.) - signed as free agent 4/23/91; released 7/29/91, four days before first preseason game.

 

NOTES:

* NFL instituted an Emergency QB Rule, which remained in place through the 2009 season, where teams could dress a 3rd QB for games without using a roster spot. This rule change was prompted in part by the 1990 Eagles-Redskins "Body Bag Game" where the Redskins were forced to play RB Brian Mitchell at QB after losing both their first- and second-string QBs to injuries.

[KA14_HOF]

1992

RETURNING:

#7 - Boomer Esiason (Maryland ) - started first 11 games, going 4-7, before making a cameo at the end of the season finale; went 144-of-278 for 1,407 yards, 11 TDs & 15 INTs. Was traded to the Jets on 3/17/93.

 

#4 - Erik Wilhelm (Oregon St.) - played in 3 of the 4 preseason games, going 20-of-44 for 239 yards, 2 TDs & 1 INT (QPR 68.3); released 8/31/92 after final preseason game.

 

#12 - Donald Hollas (Rice) - played in 10 games, starting season finale loss vs Colts; went 35-of-58 for 335 yards, with 2 TDs.

 

ARRIVING:

#15 - David Klingler (Houston) - drafted in 1st Rd (#6 overall); started 4 games (Weeks 13-16), gong 1-3; went 47-of-98 for 530 yards, 3 TDs & 2 INTs. Wore #15 for 1992 only, before changing to #7 from 1993 on.

 < 1992 only 

 

#17 - Jason Palumbis (Stanford) - arrived as free agent on 7/13/92; released on 8/5/92, four days before first preseason game.

 

NEED:

* Photo of Jason Palumbis in his Bengals uniform.

[KA14_HOF]

1993

RETURNING:

#12 - Donald Hollas (Rice) - missed entire 1993 season.

 

#7 - David Klingler (Houston) - appeared in 14 games, starting 13, going 3-10; went 190-of-343 for 1,935 yards, 6 TDs & 9 INTs.

 

ARRIVING:

#___ - Chris Pedersen (Iowa St.) - signed as free agent 3/17/93; released sometime between 5/3 and 7/18/93.

 

#4 - Erik Wilhelm (Oregon St.) - re-signed 4/19/93; appeared in 1 game (Week 8 at Oilers); went 4-of-6 for 63 yards.

 ..... 

 

#8 - Brad Lebo (Montana) - signed as free agent 4/27/93; appeared in 1 preseason game, playing the final series of 2nd preseason game at Colts, without throwing a pass; released 8/23/93 after 3rd preseason game.

 ..... 

 

#10 - Jay Schroeder (UCLA) - signed as free agent 4/30/93; appeared in 9 games, starting 3 (Weeks 8-11, incl. bye week), going 0-3; went 78-of-159 for 832 yards, 5 TDs & 2 INTs.

 ..... 

 

NEED:

* Exact date of Chris Pedersen's release.

* Jersey # worn by Pedersen.

* Photo of Pedersen in his Bengals uniform.

* Photo of Brad Lebo in his Bengals uniform.

[KA14_HOF]

1994

RETURNING:

#12 - Donald Hollas (Rice) - appeared in 2 games (Weeks 7 & 8); went 0-of-2 with 1 INT; injured after getting sacked Week 8 at Browns, and missed the rest of the season; became free agent 2/17/95.

 

#7 - David Klingler (Houston) - appeared in 10 games, starting 7 (Weeks 1-8), going 0-7; went 131-of-231 for 1,327 yards, 6 TDs & 9 INTs.

 

#4 - Erik Wilhelm (Oregon St.) - released 6/16/94; re-signed 10/25/94 after participating in 1-day, four-QB tryout; appeared in 1 game (Week 14 vs Stealers), handing off 3 times to end blowout loss.

 

#10 - Jay Schroeder (UCLA) - played in 2 preseason games; released 8/29/94 after final preseason game.

 

ARRIVING:

#15 - Jake Kelchner (West Virginia) - signed as free agent 6/11/94; did not play in 1st preseason game at Buccaneers; released 8/10/94 after 1st preseason game.

 

#8 - Jeff Blake (East Carolina) - claimed 8/29/94 prior to Week 1 game; played Week 8 after injuries to Klingler and Hollas; took over as starting QB Week 9 vs Cowboys, going 3-6 the rest of the season; went 156-of-306 for 2,154 yards, 14 TDs & 9 INTs. Led NFL in Yards Per Completion (13.8).

 ..... 

 

#15 / #13? - Jim Ballard (Wilmington College/Mt. Union) - signed to Practice Squad 10/18/94; moved to active roster for final 3 weeks of season, but did not play. An Arizona newspaper listing the visiting Bengals' roster on 12/18/94 identified Ballard as wearing the #15 jersey. However, the Wikipedia entry for the '94 Bengals suggests he wore #13, which was his preferred jersey number and the one he wore later in his career with the Toronto Argonauts. By 1/17/95 he was back on the Practice Squad; still on team as of 4/23/95 but had been released by 6/27/95.

 .....  < with Argonauts

 

#___ - Mike Buck (Maine) - participated in four-QB tryout on 10/25/94, but was not signed.

 

#___ - Cary Conklin (Washington) - participated in four-QB tryout on 10/25/94, but was not signed.

#10 - Todd Philcox (Syracuse) - re-signed 10/25/94 after participating in 1-day, four-QB tryout; on active roster for Weeks 9 and 10 but did not play; released 11/8 after Week 10 game at Seahawks.

 .....  < at Seahawks

 

NOTES:

* After Week 8 game at Browns, with only Jeff Blake and the recently-signed Jim Ballard the only healthy QBs on the team, Cincinnati held a four-QB tryout on Tue. 10/25/94, signing both Erik Wilhelm and Todd Philcox, who had both played for the Bengals before.

 

NEED:

* Photo of Jake Kelchner in his Bengals uniform.

* Confirmation if Jim Ballard also wore #13 at some point

* Photo(s) of Ballard in his Bengals uniform(s).

* Jersey # (if any) worn by Mike Buck for his 1-day tryout

* Photo of Buck from his 1-day tryout

* Jersey # (if any) worn by Cary Conklin for his 1-day tryout

* Photo of Conklin from his 1-day tryout

 

[KA14_HOF]

1995

RETURNING:

#7 - David Klingler (Houston) - suffered broken jaw in preseason Game #3 at Lions and was out 2 months; appeared in 3 games; went 7-of-15 for 88 yards, 1 TD & 1 INT. Became free agent 2/16/96.

 

#8 - Jeff Blake (East Carolina) - started all 16 games, going 7-9; went 326-of-567 for 3,822 yards, 28 TDs & 17 INTs. Named to Pro Bowl.

 

#4 - Erik Wilhelm (Oregon St.) - began season as Blake's back-up, but did not play in any games; Released 10/24/95 when Klingler returned from injury.

 

ARRIVING:

#10 - John Walsh (BYU) - drafted in 7th Rd; missed entire preseason with knee injury; was on active roster but never played in a game.

 ..... 

 

[KA14_HOF]

1996

RETURNING:

#8 - Jeff Blake (East Carolina) - started all 16 games, going 8-8; went 308-of-549 for 3,624 yards, 24 TDs & 14 INTs. Led NFL in game-winning drives (5).

 

#10 - John Walsh (BYU) - released 5/7/96.

 

ARRIVING:

#4 - Erik Wilhelm (Oregon St.) - re-signed 2/21/96 for his 4th (and final) stint with Bengals; played in 3 games; went 7-of-13 for 90 yards, 1 TD & 2 INTs.

 ..... 

 

#12 - Kerry Joseph (McNeese St.) - signed as free agent 4/23/96; made roster as 3rd-string QB, but did not play in any games.

 .....  < Preseason Game #1 vs Colts

 

#15 - Damon Huard (Washington) - signed as free agent 4/23/96; played in 1 preseason game; released 8/19/96 after 3rd preseason game.

 < with Eagles

 

#10 - Dave Barr (California) - claimed 7/10/96; released 7/31/96 just prior to first preseason game.

 

#___ - Jay Fiedler (Dartmouth) - signed as free agent 7/31/96; played in 2 preseason games; released 8/25/96 after final preseason game.

 < with Dolphins

 

NEED:

* Photo of Damon Huard in his Bengals uniform.

* Photo of Dave Barr in his Bengals uniform.

* Jersey # worn by Jay Fiedler.

* Photo of Fiedler in his Bengals uniform.

[KA14_HOF]

1997

RETURNING:

#8 - Jeff Blake (East Carolina) - started first 11 games, going 3-8; went 184-of-317 for 2,125 yards, 8 TDs & 7 INTs.

 

#4 - Erik Wilhelm (Oregon St.) - made roster as 3rd-string QB after a phenomenal preseason (114.1 QPR); did not play in any regular season games; released for final time 11/17/97.

 

ARRIVING:

#7 - Boomer Esiason (Maryland) - re-signed 4/5/97; played in 2 games in relief of Blake before taking over as starter for the final 5 games, going 4-1; went 118-of-186 for 1,478 yards, 13 TDs & 2 INTs. Boomer's 106.9 Passer Rating was better than League Leader Steve Young's 104.7. He retired 1/16/98.

 

#15 - Eric Kresser (Florida/Marshall) - signed 4/25/97; cut 8/24/97 after playing in all 4 preseason games; re-signed to Practice Squad 10/21; elevated to roster 11/17, replacing Wilhelm, but did not play in any of the final 5 games.

 ..... 

 

[KA14_HOF]

1998

RETURNING:

#8 - Jeff Blake (East Carolina) - started Weeks 15 & 16, going 1-1; went 51-of-93 for 739 yards, 3 TDs & 3 INTs.

 

#15 - Eric Kresser (Florida/Marshall) - after playing in 2 preseason games, relegated to Practice Squad 9/1/98; elevated to roster 12/3; played in 2 games, going 10-of-21 for 164 yards, 1 TD & 2 INTs.

 

ARRIVING:

#10 - Paul Justin (Arizona St.) - acquired 3/26/98 for 5th Rd pick; started Weeks 12, 13 & 17, going 0-3; went 34-of-63 for 426 yards, 1 TD & 3 INTs; released 4/20/99.

 ..... 

 

#12 - Chad May (Kansas St.) - signed as free agent 4/9/98; released 7/8/98 after O'Donnell signed.

 ..... 

 

#12 - Neil O'Donnell (Maryland) - signed as free agent 7/7/98; started first 10 games and Week 14, going 2-9; went 212-of-343 for 2,216 yards, 15 TDs & 4 INTs. Led NFL in Interception Pct. (1.2%). Was released 4/19/99.

 

[KA14_HOF]

1999

RETURNING:

#8 - Jeff Blake (East Carolina) - started 12 games, going 3-9; went 215-of-389 for 2/670 yards, 16 TDs & 12 INTs; became free agent 2/11/2000.

 

#15 - Eric Kresser (Florida/Marshall) - released 8/30/99 after playing in first 3 preseason games; re-signed 11/4/99 after Smith injured vs Jaguars, but did not play in any games.

 

ARRIVING:

#11 - Akili Smith (Oregon) - drafted in 1st Rd. (#3 overall); started Weeks 5-8, going 1-3; went 80-of-153 for 805 yards, 2 TDs & 6 INTs. Injured Week 8 vs Jaguars and did not play the rest of the year.

 .....

 

#4 - Scott Covington (Miami, FL) - drafted in 7th Rd; played in 3 games; went 4-of-5 for 23 yards.

 ..... 

 

[KA14_HOF]

Color-coded key to each QB's status/progress for any given season:

 

1. Acquired (via Draft or Free Agency) but never suited-up

2. Rookie/Training camp only (cut before pre-season games)

3. On the roster for Exhibition/Pre-season games

4. Brought in for mid-season tryout, but was not signed

5. Made the Practice Squad (aka, cab/taxi squad or developmental squad)

6. Made the roster, but never got into a game

7. Played in a regular season game as the Bengals QB

 

Additional classifications:

* Served as Emergency (#3) QB while playing another position

* Injured/out for season

* Participated in pre-draft workout for Bengals

[KA14_HOF]

2000

RETURNING:

#15 - Eric Kresser (Florida/Marshall) - released 6/21/2000.

 

#11 - Akili Smith (Oregon) - started 11 games, going 2-9; went 118-of-267 for 1,253 yards, 3 TDs & 6 INTs. Among 34 NFL QBs with at least 224 pass attempts, Smith finished last in Passer Rating (52.8).

 

#4 - Scott Covington (Miami, FL) - made roster as 3rd-string QB but did not play in any games.

 

ARRIVING:

#19 - Scott Mitchell (Utah) - signed as free agent 3/9/2000; started 5 games late in the year, going 2-3; went 89-of-187 for 966 yards, 3 TDs & 8 INTs. Finished with worse Passer Rating (50.8) than Smith.

 ..... 

 

#80 - Peter Warrick (Florida St.) - drafted as WR in 1st Rd. (#4 overall); used as QB for 1 play Week 10 vs Ravens, resulting in a 4-yard TD run for Warrick in a 27-7 loss. Was arguably our best QB in 2000.

 .....  < Wk 10 vs Ravens

 

[KA14_HOF]

2001

RETURNING:

#11 - Akili Smith (Oregon) - started 1 game, a Week 14 loss at Jets where he tore his hamstring ending his season; went 5-of-8 for 37 yards for the season. Was 3rd-string QB until Week 12 when Mitchell was demoted from back-up role.

 

#4 - Scott Covington (Miami, FL) - after not playing in any of the first 3 preseason games, released 8/27/2001; re-signed 9/2 but did not play Week 1; released again 9/10; re-signed 12/20 after Smith's and Mitchell's seasons ended due to injury, but did not play in any of the final 3 games.

 

#19 - Scott Mitchell (Utah) - appeared in 1 game, Week 11 at Browns; went 4-of-12-for 38 yards with 3 INTs, costing him the back-up job; suffered rib cage injury during practice prior to Week 15 which effectively ended his season, leaving Bengals with only 1 healthy QB. Retired after 2001 season.

 

#80 - Peter Warrick (Florida St.) - while playing as WR, was Emergency #3 QB for final 3 games after Smith and Mitchell suffered season-ending injuries within days of each other.

 

ARRIVING:

#3 - Jon Kitna (C. Washington) - started 15 games, going 6-9; went 313-of-581 for 3,216 yards, 12 TDs & 22 INTs. Led NFL with 581 pass attempts, but out of 30 QBs with at least 224 attempts (14/team game), finished last in Passer Rating (61.1).

 

#16 - Kevin Thompson (Penn St.) - signed to Practice Squad 12/18/2001 after Smith's season-ending injury 12/16 at Jets but before Mitchell's injury on 12/19.

 

NEED:

* Photo of Kevin Thompson in his Bengals uniform.

[|High School Harry|]

Yessss!  The arrival of Scott "The Water Buffalo" Mitchell!

[Cricket]

 

😆

 

 

[|High School Harry|]

4 minutes ago, Cricket said:

 

😆

 

 

Surprised he didn't take the snap and take a few steps backward and stand there like he did as a receiver.