The Cincinnati Bengals began the 1990s on a high note, winning the 1990 AFC Central division title and securing a dominant 41-14 playoff victory over the Houston Oilers. While the decade presented challenges, it featured standout individual performances from stars like Pro Bowl running back Corey Dillon, all-time great offensive tackle Anthony Muñoz, and wide receiver Carl Pickens, who was named the 1992 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. The era was also enlivened by "Blake-mania" following the emergence of quarterback Jeff Blake and a memorable late-career return by franchise icon Boomer Esiason.