I am primarily a Browns fan but since we reside in the best division in the NFL, by far, I have taken to following the Ravens, Steelers and Bengals almost as closely as I follow our Browns.
One of my absolute pet peeves is the fact that Browns great Clay Matthews is not in the Hall of Fame. It's an injustice to his amazing career.
It is hard to not feel some real affection for the Bengals because in a sense, were it not for Art Modell's poor judgement, Paul Brown would have guided the Browns instead of forming the expansion Bengals and today Mike Brown would most likely be running the Browns.
In the process of following the Bengals I have identified 3 more overwhelmingly deserving players who should be in Canton: Ken Anderson, Tim Krumrie and Corey Dillon. When you examine the numbers, there is an overwhelming case for each of these athletes.
Clay Matthews Jr.
- Teams: Cleveland Browns (1978-1993), Atlanta Falcons (1994-1996)
- Career Highlights:
- Played 19 seasons in the NFL, 16 of which were with the Cleveland Browns.
- Four-time Pro Bowler (1985, 1987, 1988, 1989).
- Recorded 1,561 tackles, 69.5 sacks, and 16 interceptions in his career.
- Known for his durability and consistency, playing in 278 games, which is the 17th most in NFL history.
Hall of Fame Case:
- Matthews' longevity and productivity are hallmarks of his career. His 1,561 tackles are among the highest ever recorded.
- His four Pro Bowl selections highlight his peak performance years.
- Matthews was a key player in the Browns' defensive success during the 1980s, leading to multiple playoff appearances.
- Few linebackers have demonstrated the combination of durability, consistency, and high-level play over such an extended period.
Ken Anderson
Team: Cincinnati Bengals (1971-1986)
Career Highlights:
- NFL MVP (1981)
- Four-time Pro Bowler (1975, 1976, 1981, 1982)
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1981)
- Led the Bengals to Super Bowl XVI
- Led the NFL in passer rating four times (1974, 1975, 1981, 1982)
- Passed for 32,838 yards and 197 touchdowns with a passer rating of 81.9
Hall of Fame Case:
- Anderson was one of the most accurate and efficient passers of his era.
- His 1981 MVP season was one of the best by a quarterback in the early 1980s, leading the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance.
- Anderson's career passer rating was among the best of his time, and his completion percentage ranks high historically.
- His innovation in the short passing game helped pave the way for modern passing offenses.
Corey Dillon
Teams: Cincinnati Bengals (1997-2003), New England Patriots (2004-2006)
Career Highlights:
- Four-time Pro Bowler (1999, 2000, 2001, 2004)
- Super Bowl Champion (XXXIX)
- Set the then-NFL single-game rushing record with 278 yards (2000)
- Rushed for 11,241 yards and 82 touchdowns in his career
Hall of Fame Case:
- Dillon's career rushing yards place him in the top 20 all-time.
- His single-game rushing record stood for six years and remains one of the top performances in NFL history.
- Dillon was a key player in the Patriots' 2004 Super Bowl run, providing balance to their offense.
- His consistency and ability to perform at a high level on both struggling and successful teams showcase his talent and versatility.
Tim Krumrie
Team: Cincinnati Bengals (1983-1994)
Career Highlights:
- Two-time Pro Bowler (1987, 1988)
- Played in Super Bowl XXIII
- Recorded 34 sacks and 13 fumble recoveries
- Known for his toughness
Hall of Fame Case:
- Krumrie was a dominant force in the middle of the Bengals' defensive line for over a decade.
- His toughness and durability, epitomized by his quick return from a devastating leg injury, made him a respected figure in the NFL.
- Krumrie's leadership and performance were crucial in the Bengals' successful seasons in the late 1980s.
- Krumrie is the only defensive lineman with at least 600 combined tackles during the 1980s
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