Blown lead approaches franchise record

The Bengals blew a 21-point lead today, and it borders on a historic collapse.

Cincinnati led San Diego 21-0 and 28-7 but lost 49-41. The Bengals allowed 42 second-half points, the most allowed in a single half in franchise history. The Bengals had allowed 41 on Sept. 9, 1979, in a 51-24 loss at Buffalo.

The blown lead is tied for second biggest in franchise history. The Bengals blew a 24-0 lead at home against Houston on Sept. 23, 1979 and lost 30-27.

Three times Bengals teams have lost 21-point leads and lost. The Bengals led 21-0 at San Francisco on Oct. 20, 1996, and lost 28-21. Coach Dave Shula was fired the next day and replaced with then-offensive coordinator Bruce Coslet.

The 49 points given up today also were the most for a Marvin Lewis-coached Bengals team. They had won 58-48 over Cleveland on Nov. 28, 2004.

“It was a difficult game to lose – one that was a tale of two halves,” Lewis said.

The Bengals won the first half 28-7.

San Diego won the second half 42-13.

“We’re not playing well enough for 60 minutes,” Lewis said.

Dating back to the final two games of 2005, the Bengals have lost 7 of 11.

They have lost 5 of 6 since starting the season 3-0.

The Bengals had 545 yards in total offense, compared to 430 for the Chargers.

In the AFC North, the Ravens came back from a 26-7 deficit at Tennessee and won 27-26 to improve to 7-2. Baltimore now has a three-game lead on the Bengals, and Cleveland, which upset Atlanta, and Pittsbrugh have both improved to 3-6 – just one game behind Cincinnati.