Lions 37, Bengals 24: Detroit Cruises, But Concerns Linger
Cincinnati – The Lions vs Bengals Week 5 matchup ended with Detroit on top 37-24 — a game that felt more like a quiet tune-up than a statement. With Joe Burrow sidelined, Cincinnati entered this one with long odds, and the Lions seemed to play like a team that knew it.
Sure, Dan Campbell probably reminded his players all week that ‘every team is dangerous, any given Sunday, la-de-da.’ But if we’re being real — did anyone in that locker room really think they were going to lose this one? Probably not. That’s not to say Detroit coasted. They still put up 37 points, forced turnovers, and showed flashes of the same dominant form that’s made them one of the NFC’s most complete teams. But this game also raised a few eyebrows — from a shaky fourth quarter to new injury concerns on the offensive line.
Offense Still Carries the Load
Detroit’s offense delivered: 37 points, multiple touchdowns, and plenty of big plays. Jared Goff was efficient — completing 19 of 23 for 258 yards and three touchdowns.
David Montgomery was the story early, and it couldn’t have been scripted any better. Back in his hometown of Cincinnati, playing in front of family and friends, Montgomery made it a day to remember. He ran with power, scored once on the ground, and even showed off his old high school quarterback arm, tossing a touchdown pass to Brock Wright on a beautifully designed trick play. You could tell that one meant something extra — doing it where it all began, surrounded by the people who watched him grow up. J
Jahmyr Gibbs continued to be a versatile weapon. The Lions leaned on their run-pass balance and made Cincinnati pay when they got too aggressive.
That said, this wasn’t a perfect outing. Detroit left points on the board, stalling in the red zone in a few drives. When pressure broke through, the backup left tackle had trouble handling it, and that’s a risk if Decker can’t return to form soon.
Isaac TeSlaa continues to be a story, and he added the exclamation point late, hauling in a 12-yard touchdown from Jared Goff in the fourth quarter. The rookie continues to show steady growth each week, carving out a bigger role in this offense. It’s clear to anyone watching that this kid has tremendous talent, and I expect his role to grow as the season progresses.
Secondary Takes Its Hit
One part of the game that worried me was how Detroit’s backfield fared. The corner situation was already thin — with D.J. Reed out, the expectations on Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin, and Tre Flowers were high. But early trouble came when Terrion Arnold left the game with a shoulder issue and didn’t return. Losing him mid‑game forces everyone else to pick up slack, and in the fourth quarter, that showed.
On a brighter note, Amik Robertson grabbed an interception — his first of the season — which was a momentum swing that Detroit badly needed. That said, he also got exposed on a deep throw to Ja’Marr Chase in the same quarter. That mix is exactly what you worry about when your cornerback depth is tested.
With Arnold out, the fold in the secondary got thinner. That left Detroit more vulnerable to big shots, and it puts pressure on the safeties and linebackers to overcompensate. If Arnold’s injury lingers, that’s a serious red flag for a defense that’s otherwise looked legit.
Kirby Joseph continues to be a problem for opposing quarterbacks and had a pick. The Lions demonstrated their commitment to him by offering him a lucrative contract in the offseason. He has a knack for the ball and will be relied upon to continue creating turnovers.
Decker & Line Health: The Big Question Marks
The biggest concern coming out of this game was the injury to left tackle Taylor Decker, who left early and didn’t return. Decker has been battling a shoulder issue for weeks, and this time, it caught up with him. When your left tackle — the quarterback’s blind-side protector — goes down, it changes everything. It forces protection shifts, limits play-calling, and increases pressure risks. Rookie Giovanni Manu filled in, and while he held his own at times, the Bengals’ front took advantage of mismatches.
Final Take & Outlook
Detroit’s win over Cincinnati probably felt easier to them than it did to many watching. The offense did what it needed, the defense forced turnovers, and the home-state hero (Montgomery) gave a storyline. But cracks showed. The secondary, already stretched thin, now has to carry extra burden with Arnold out. The offensive line may not have luxury time to heal fully — the depth will be tested. The late push from Cincinnati suggests the Lions can’t afford to ease up in the fourth.
Still, the message is loud: even on an ‘average’ day, Detroit can drop 37, create takeaways, and walk away feeling comfortable. As injuries and matchups loom, though, the difference between a good team and a contender may come down to depth and resilience.
The next two weeks will tell us more. Detroit is heading into primetime showdowns — first on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs in a Sunday Night game, followed by a Monday Night clash at home vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Those matchups will absolutely test this team. If Taylor Decker’s shoulder holds up and the line stays intact, this team has the firepower to keep rolling. But if injuries start piling up, it could crack an otherwise solid foundation.
