Hall of Fame Nominations Out -- Five Bengals Nominated

by Kirkendall on Oct 29, 2008 1:13 PM EDT in Analysis Comment 8 comments

The Pro Football Hall of Fame released their nomination list for the class of 2009. Of the 133 players nominated, five played with the Bengals -- and there's no new additions from last year. Later next month, the list will be reduced to 25 modern-era candidates -- then to 15 finalists (plus 2 nominations from the Hall's Senior Selection Committee). On January 31, 2009, the 2009 class will be voted.

The Bengals players are:

Kenny Anderson (QB, 1971-1986)
Isaac Curtis (WR, 1973-1984)
Boomer Esiason (QB, 1984-1992, 1997)
Max Montoya (G, 1979-1989)
Ken Riley (CB, 1969-1983)

Riley is fifth all-time with 65 interceptions; yet not in the hall. Boomer Esiason's 247 career touchdowns ranks 14th all-time and his 37,920 yards passing ranks 13th all-time; yet not in the hall.

If any thinks that it's a shame one (or multiple) players haven't gotten in yet, raise your hand.

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Ken Anderson (from Wikipedia)

Kind of puzzling why this guy isn’t in yet…

At the time of Ken’s retirement following the 1986 season, he held NFL records for consecutive pass completions (20), completion percentage for a single game (20 of 22, 90.9, vs. Pittsburgh in 1974) and completion percentage for a season (70.6 in 1982), as well as the Super Bowl records for completion percentage (73.5%) (since broken by Phil Simms) and completions (25). Furthermore, Ken was ranked 6th all-time for passing yards in a career at the time of his retirement. Ken’s record for completion percentage in a season still stands over 20 years after his retirement. As of 2005, he is among the top 30 all-time leaders in pass attempts (24th), completions (18th), passing yards (21st) and passing touchdowns (28th). He led the NFL in passing yards and completions twice, and lead the league in fewest interceptions per pass attempt 3 times. He has been nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame several times, and on 2 occasions was among the 15 finalists for enshrinement, but to this day he has not yet been voted in.

by TheWalrus1971 on Oct 29, 2008 3:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Winning a ring helps

I agree it is insane that Anderson is not in. During the 1970s and early 80s, he was one of the most consistent and effective QBs out there. Anderson has three problems with regards to the Hall. Cincy is a small market and small market players are easily forgotten. He never won a ring. And as impressive as his stats were in comparison to the players of his day, the 90s was the era of Marino, Elway, Moon, Farve, etc—great QBs who took advantage of the rule changes that favored the offense and put up ridiculous numbers—making Anderson’s pale in comparison. Unfortunately for Anderson he was on the wrong team in the wrong decade.

by goffchile on Oct 30, 2008 8:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Awesome Bengals History Video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boaSVmxJ6L0

by Week4! on Oct 29, 2008 4:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Interesting Fact

Last two defensive coordinators for the Bengals were fired from there previous teams… 90% of both defensive coordinators contracts, Chuck and Mike, were picked up by their previous teams. Think Brown was going on the cheap or where these the best options?

Rumor has it Lewis has talked to his agent about a bailout. Who will want to takeover? We are in the same boat as Raiders except at least Davis is older than again Brown is over weight!!!!

by Week4! on Oct 29, 2008 4:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

In fairness to Zimmer

He was apart of a coaching staff allowed to pursue other chances during the liquidation of the Bobby Petrino era. Not saying you’re wrong, but he wasn’t out right fired either. The Falcons just wanted to wipe clean of some things post Mike Vick/Petrino era.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Kirkendall on Oct 29, 2008 4:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Zimmer

Good Point! and I actually like Zimmer and believe he’s doing a great job.

by Week4! on Oct 29, 2008 4:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I would like to start a campaign for the induction of Boobie Clark into the Hall of Fame. He may not have the stats, but he sure has the name!

by IgnatiusJReilly on Oct 29, 2008 4:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ken Riley

one of the HOF’s greatest injustices. He retired among the top int list. And still sits in the top 5. Before there was Ronnie Lott, there was the Rattler. Ken Riley should have been in the HoF 20 years ago.

And still belongs in the HoF today.

by palewook on Oct 30, 2008 8:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs