Eagles Haven't Defeated Bengals in 24 Years

The Bengals own the Birds in the 21st century. 

Since a 16-7 Eagles victory over Cincinnati on Christmas Eve, 2000, the Bengals have blown the Eagles out three times. The teams tied twice(!) but the Eagles haven’t come through with a victory.

Even wilder? The Birds have NEVER won a game in Cincinnati.

Here’s a look back in time before the Eagles try again this Sunday:

January 2, 2005: Bengals 38 - Eagles 10 in Philadelphia

In the final game of the 2005 season, the Eagles (13-2) rested Donovan McNabb and most other starters against a 7-8 Bengals team. Rudi Johnson ran for three touchdowns and the Eagles turned the ball over five times. “We were going to win regardless of who they played,” said Johnson after the game. The Eagles played in the Super Bowl a month later.

November 16, 2008: Bengals 13 - Eagles 13 in Cincinnati

You probably remember this one. The tie was a huge disappointment for a 5-4 Eagles squad facing a 1-8 Bengals team. McNabb completed 28 of 58 pass attempts and was intercepted three times. He also fumbled. After the game, McNabb said he didn’t realize NFL games could end in ties. “I never even knew it was in the rule book,” said the QB. “I was looking forward to getting the opportunity to get out there and try to drive to win the game.”

December 13, 2012: Bengals 34 - Eagles 13 in Philadelphia

Rookie Nick Foles made his fifth straight start in place of injured starting QB Mike Vick, throwing for 182 yards, one TD, and one INT. The Birds led 13-10 at the half but never scored again. The Eagles fell to 4-10. Andy Reid was fired at the end of the year.

@Eagles Awful game! Dump Reid, Roseman, Foles and the midnight green uniforms!!! Bring back the kelly green and a new era!!!!

— CR (@ctr4080) December 14, 2012

December 4, 2016: Bengals 32 - Eagles 14 in Cincinnati

Rookie Carson Wentz went 36 for 60 for 308 yards, 1 TD and 3 INTs. Wendell Smallwood somehow led the Birds with just 19 rushing yards. Andy Dalton shredded the Eagles’ defense.

Great job by Doug Pederson. Let Carson Wentz, playing behind an awful offensive line, and with no WRs, throw the ball 60 times #Eagles

— CKP22 (@CKPsports) December 5, 2016

September 27, 2020: Bengals 23 - Eagles 23 in Philadelphia

Which tie is your favorite? I think I enjoyed this one the most. Jake Elliot lined up for a 59-yard field goal attempt in OT, but after a false start penalty the Eagles decided to punt instead. Both teams fell to 0-2-1.

Image© Eric Hartline | 2020 Sep 27

Here is the complete list of all Eagles/Bengals games in history. The Birds are 3-9-2. McNabb, Bobby Hoying, and Jim McMahon are responsible for the three victories.

 

What horrors await the Eagles in their next Bengals game??? Stay tuned.