Cincinnati Bengals: Top Five Quarterbacks in Franchise History

Jon Kitna

Dec 29, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Jon Kitna (3) prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Jon Kitna was a solid option from start one. He took the reins from Akili Smith in 2001 and ran with it. In his first season with the Bengals, he had one rushing touchdown and 73 yards on the ground behind a half decent line. His passing stats weren’t as impressive in year one of his term in Cincinnati.

He didn’t make the list based on his 2001 numbers though. He did however become more accurate and a better quarterback for the Bengals over his next two years under center. In 2002, he completed 62% of his passes for 3,100 yards, 16 touchdowns and decreased his interceptions from 22 (2001) to 16 (2002). He rushed for four touchdowns and started to turn himself around. His QB rating climbed 18 points to 79.1

In 2003, he put up his best season in stripes. He led the team to an 8-8 record and earned the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award. He completed 63% of his passes for over 3,500 yards. He had a career high 26 touchdown passes and a career low 15 interceptions. Still holds the fourth highest completion percentage in franchise history. He earned his spot as number five on our list. He is still the most under-rated quarterback in Bengals history.