Summary

For the first year since the idea's original proposal in 1993, plans for the Bengals' new stadium proceeded with only minor issues. The rise of the seating bowl of Paul Brown Stadium was watched by citizens throughout the year. However, past issues — particularly a delay in Hamilton County's acquisition of needed land from the city — put construction on a very tight schedule to meet the goal of an August, 2000, inaugural game. On the field in '99, veteran Jeff Blake and rookie first-round draft choice Akili Smith would end up sharing QB duties during a 4-12 season. Blake was benched after an 0-4 start, and Smith started and won his NFL debut, 18-17 on Oct. 10 at Cleveland. The game marked the renewal of the "Battle of Ohio" series, as the Browns returned to play as an expansion team. Cleveland had spent three years without NFL football after the Browns moved to Baltimore for the 1996 season. The Bengals did not win again until Game 12, however, and Smith suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Game 9 vs. Jacksonville. Blake engineered three straight wins in Games 12-14, but the team lost the final two. HB Corey Dillon rushed for 1200 yards and went to the Pro Bowl along with KOR Tremain Mack, whose 27.1-yard average was the team record until Adam Jones surpassed it in 2014.

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Coaching Staff

1999 NFL Draft: April 17 - 18

*NOTE: The Bengals received two compensatory picks (Nos. 245 and 249).

Pro Bowl

Players selected for the 1999 Pro Bowl: RB Corey Dillon, KR Tremain Mack