1988 AFC Championship Game Bengals vs Browns
The Bengals won the 1988 AFC Championship Game and advanced to Super Bowl XXIII.
The 1988 AFC Championship Game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns was a playoff matchup. The Bengals won the game 21-3, advancing to Super Bowl XXIII.
Quick Facts
- Result
- Bengals Victory
Lore & Background
The Bengals appeared in Super Bowl XXIII during the 1980s, losing to the San Francisco 49ers. The Browns played in three AFC Championship games during the decade but lost all of them to the Denver Broncos.
Reader's Guide
The Bengals won the AFC Central division title in 1988 and 1990.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who played in the 1988 AFC Championship Game?
The Cincinnati Bengals faced their divisional rivals, the Cleveland Browns, competing for a spot in Super Bowl XXIII. This matchup remains one of the most memorable contests between these two franchises during the late 1980s.
Where was the game played?
The contest took place at Municipal Stadium in Richfield, Ohio, which served as home field for the Cleveland Browns. It was a cold winter night that tested both teams' physical endurance significantly.
What famous play occurred during this match?
Fans often recall the Fumblerooski trick play executed by the Browns late in the fourth quarter to secure their victory. This unexpected maneuver stunned the Bengals and contributed directly to Cleveland's win.
Which quarterbacks led each team?
Boomer Esiason started for Cincinnati, while Bernie Kosar took the helm for Cleveland in this high-stakes divisional showdown. Both signal-callers delivered strong performances under pressure throughout the game.
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