Cincinnati Bengals 1972 Record:  8 wins and 6 losses

The Bengals started the season by drafting Sherman White, a Defensive End out of California as their first choice in the draft.  White was taken as the second overall pick in the draft.  It was the second round draft choice that the Bengals made that would pay off big dividends in the future for the team. Tommy Casanova was a Defensive Back out of Louisiana State that the Bengals took as the 29th pick overall in the draft.  Tommy Casanova would go on to be a Pro Bowler for the Bengals in later years.

The Bengals got off to a fast start by winning 4 of their first five games including a close home win over the Pittsburgh Steelers 15 to 10.  This was only one of three times in Bengal’s history that the team had won without scoring a touchdown.  Horst Muhlmann the Bengals kicker, kicked five field goals in the game to win it for the Bengals. 

Ken Anderson won out over Virgil Carter at the Quarterback position, and Mike Reid dominated on defense.  The Bengals got off to a fast start by winning 4 of their first 5 games. Unfortunately, the Bengals lost 4 of their next 5 games.  This left the team at a 5-5 mark with 4 games to go in the season. The Bengals won 3 of their final 4 to close the season with an 8-6 record.  Unfortunately one of those losses as to the Cleveland Browns which gave the Bengals 2 losses to the Cleveland Browns on the season and this in cost them a chance at postseason play.  Mike Reid (DL), and Chip Meyers (WR) were the only two Bengals players named to the Pro Bowl.

Scored 299 points (21.4/g), 13th of 26 in the NFL.
Allowed 229 points (16.4/g), 5th.
Differential of 70 points (5.0/g), 9th.

(Wide Receiver Chip Meyers is selected to the Pro Bowl)                                                                                       
(Defensive Tackle Mike Reid is selected to the Pro Bowl)