Since the Bengals coined “Burrowhead” to describe Arrowhead Stadium before the 2022 AFC Championship Game, their seasons have ended in disappointment, raising questions about whether the nickname brought unintended consequences.

2022: A Close Call in Kansas City

The term “Burrowhead” originated during Cincinnati’s 27-10 win over Buffalo in the divisional round, symbolizing the team’s confidence ahead of their matchup with Kansas City. The Chiefs, however, used the nickname as motivation and defeated Cincinnati 23-20 in the AFC Championship. Patrick Mahomes led a decisive performance, and a late penalty on the Bengals sealed the loss, ending their Super Bowl hopes.

2023: Falling Short

The 2023 season saw the Bengals struggle with injuries and inconsistency. By Week 17, they were out of playoff contention, finishing below preseason expectations. The confidence from the previous year did not translate into results, leaving the team well short of their goals.

2024: Eliminated Before Playing

In 2024, the Bengals’ playoff hopes ended in Week 18 when the Denver Broncos, led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix, routed the Chiefs’ backups 38-0 to secure a playoff spot. This outcome eliminated Cincinnati before their final game, marking another disappointing season conclusion.

Looking Ahead

“Burrowhead” once represented confidence but has become a reminder of unfulfilled potential. The Bengals now face the challenge of rebuilding and refocusing to achieve on-field success, leaving the slogan as a footnote in their recent history.