This week, the staff at Bleacher Report published their rankings of the top 100 quarterbacks in NFL history, highlighting the achievements of four former players from the Cincinnati Bengals. The list includes Andy Dalton, Joe Burrow, Carson Palmer, and Ken Anderson, representing different decades of Bengals football.
Andy Dalton made an immediate impact as a rookie, earning a Pro Bowl selection. Dalton stands as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in the franchise”s history, holding records for career touchdown passes, game-winning drives, and fourth-quarter comebacks. He ranks second in passing yards for the Bengals, with 31,594 yards, and remains notable as the only Bengals quarterback to have caught a touchdown pass as of February 2026, showcasing his underrated athleticism with 22 career rushing touchdowns. Under Dalton”s leadership, the Bengals enjoyed a playoff presence, securing at least ten wins for four consecutive seasons and claiming two AFC North titles from 2012 to 2015.
On the other hand, Joe Burrow has made significant strides in his short career, elevating the franchise despite facing numerous injuries. After suffering a torn ACL and MCL midway through his promising rookie season in 2020, Burrow returned to guide the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI. He was awarded the 2021 Comeback Player of the Year after throwing for 4,611 yards, with 34 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions, achieving a league-leading completion rate of 70.4 percent. Burrow faced another setback in 2023 with a wrist injury that ended his season, but he bounced back once more, leading the league in completions, passing yards, and touchdowns, making a strong case for the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year.
Carson Palmer, selected first overall in the 2003 draft, had a tumultuous career with the Bengals. Despite not winning a playoff game during his tenure, he demonstrated great resilience, recovering from significant injuries and a brief retirement. Palmer invigorated the Bengals” passing game, leading the league in 2005 with a completion rate of 67.4 percent and 32 touchdown passes. Unfortunately, a serious knee injury in the playoffs hampered his immediate impact, but he rebounded in 2006 with his first 4,000-yard season, throwing for 28 touchdowns. A trade to Oakland later in his career saw him throw for 6,771 yards and 35 touchdowns in just 25 games. His final stop with the Arizona Cardinals was his most fruitful, leading them to a 13-3 record and a spot in the NFC Championship Game.
Boomer Esiason, who spent most of his career with the Bengals, experienced a mixed record over his 14 seasons, but his time on the field was marked by excitement. Under head coach Sam Wyche, Esiason thrived in a fast-paced offense, achieving over 3,000 passing yards in six consecutive seasons from 1985 to 1990 and earning three Pro Bowl selections. His standout year came in 1988, where he threw for 3,572 yards and 28 touchdowns, culminating in Most Valuable Player honors and a Super Bowl appearance against the San Francisco 49ers.
Ken Anderson secured the 40th spot on the list, representing the Bengals” legacy as he continues to await induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Bengals, who began play in 1968, found success with Anderson at the helm, particularly in 1981, when he threw for 3,754 yards and 29 touchdowns, leading the Bengals to their first playoff victories. He was named the NFL”s Most Valuable Player that year with a passer rating of 98.4 and led the team to Super Bowl XVI.
Ken Anderson”s career passing yards total of 32,838 remains a franchise record, and his 197 touchdown passes rank second all-time for the Bengals. His contributions have been pivotal in making the Bengals a competitive force in the NFL.
