San Francisco succeeded defensively thanks to a defensive back trio snagging 18 interceptions, linebacker Charles Haley's 11.5 sacks, and four other players with five or more sacks. The biggest scoring threats on the roster were receiver Jerry Rice (averaging 20.4 yards per catch), running back Roger Craig (76 receptions and ten touchdowns), and receiver John Taylor (556 punt return yards). Still leading the squad in San Francisco was veteran quarterback Joe Montana, boasting 2,981 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 132 rushing yards on the season. The team nabbed a dismal 10-6 regular-season record and would've missed playoff contention had they lost just one more game. The San Francisco 49ers were coming off a three-year drought in playoff victories by the time Super Bowl XXIII rolled around - and the 1988-89 season was almost a repeat of this trend. However, despite having studs like Jim Skow (9.5 sacks) and Reggie Williams returning for his second Super Bowl with the team on defense, Cincanniti's defensive line was little more than mediocre (17 out of 28). The Bengals undoubtedly had the best offense in the league - 448 points, 2,710 rushing yards, and 6,302 total yards.
14).Ĭincinnati's offensive line also didn't go unnoticed, with a star-studded roster including wide receiver Eddie Brown (a franchise-best 1,273 yards and 24 yards per catch) and fullback Ickey Woods (1,066 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns). Calling the plays was first-time Super Bowl quarterback Boomer Esiason, who earned the league MVP title, threw for 3,572 yards, and threw twice as many touchdowns as interceptions (28 vs. The 1988-89 Bengals season was miraculous following a dreadful 4-11 record the season before, finishing with a more impressive 12-4 record this time around. The Lead-Up to Super Bowl XXIII Cincinnati Bengals (AFC)
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