The Detroit Lions extended their winning streak to four games Sunday afternoon, rolling past the Cincinnati Bengals 37-24 at Paycor Stadium. The victory improved Detroit’s record to 4-1 on the season, marking their third consecutive win over an AFC North opponent following victories against Baltimore and Cleveland.

David Montgomery’s emotional homecoming stole the spotlight as the former Mount Healthy High School quarterback returned to his hometown for the first time in his 93-game NFL career. Montgomery didn’t disappoint the home crowd that once cheered for him, delivering both a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown in a masterful dual-threat performance.

The Lions’ balanced attack and opportunistic defense proved too much for Cincinnati, despite a valiant fourth-quarter comeback attempt led by backup quarterback Jake Browning and star receiver Ja’Marr Chase.

Key Takeaways from the Lions’ win

Montgomery’s Magical Homecoming Performance
Montgomery’s return to Cincinnati couldn’t have been scripted better. The versatile running back rushed 18 times for 65 yards and a touchdown while also throwing a perfect 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brock Wright. His touchdown pass marked just his second career passing attempt, showcasing the creativity that has made the Lions’ offense so dangerous.

Jared Goff’s Surgical Precision Under Pressure
Despite being sacked four times and hit seven times, Lions quarterback Jared Goff delivered a clinic in pocket presence and accuracy. He completed 19 of 23 passes for 258 yards and three touchdowns, posting a near-perfect 153.0 passer rating. Goff’s ability to find receivers despite constant pressure exemplified why Detroit’s passing attack ranks among the league’s most efficient.

Defense Creates Game-Changing Turnovers
The Lions’ defense forced three crucial interceptions that directly led to 14 points. Safety Kerby Joseph’s pick was particularly historic, giving him 20 career interceptions and tying Hall of Famer Ed Reed as the only safeties since 2000 to record at least 20 interceptions in their first four seasons. Cornerback Amik Robertson and linebacker Alex Anzalone also hauled in interceptions, showcasing Detroit’s opportunistic secondary.

Chase’s Explosive Fourth Quarter
Chase, the Bengals receiver,  nearly single-handedly brought Cincinnati back with two spectacular touchdowns in the fourth quarter. His 64-yard scoring strike extended his NFL record to 13 career touchdown receptions of 60-plus yards since 2021. Chase finished with multiple touchdowns for the 11th time in his career, breaking a tie with Isaac Curtis for third-most 100-yard receiving games in Bengals history with 21.

Special Teams Field Position Battle
Lions punter Jack Fox dominated the field position game with surgical precision, dropping four punts inside the Bengals’ 10-yard line. His first three punts of the game all landed inside Cincinnati’s 10-yard line, tying an NFL record for most punts downed inside the 10 in a single half. The exceptional punt coverage kept the Bengals pinned deep throughout the first half, contributing significantly to Detroit’s early 28-3 advantage.

Historic Running Back Duo Continues Record Chase
Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery both found the end zone, marking the 14th time both have scored touchdowns in the same game. This performance ties the NFL record for most games in which each member of a running back duo has produced a scrimmage touchdown. Gibbs caught a 20-yard touchdown pass while Montgomery added his rushing score, with the pair combining for 119 rushing yards.

Game Summary

First Quarter – Lions 7, Bengals 0

Detroit struck first when Jared Goff found tight end Sam LaPorta for a touchdown, capping an efficient opening drive. The Lions’ defense immediately answered back, with Trey Hendrickson forcing a fumble that Logan Wilson recovered at Cincinnati’s 28-yard line. Detroit couldn’t capitalize on the short field, settling for an Evan McPherson field goal attempt that was blocked.

Second Quarter – Lions 14, Bengals 3

The Lions’ special teams excellence set up their second touchdown when Jack Fox’s 63-yard punt was perfectly downed at the Cincinnati 3-yard line. On the Bengals’ first play from scrimmage, Amik Robertson jumped a route for an interception at the 19-yard line. Four plays later, Montgomery threw his touchdown pass to Wright, extending Detroit’s lead. McPherson connected on a 50-yard field goal as time expired to cut Cincinnati’s deficit.

Third Quarter – Lions 28, Bengals 3
Detroit continued its dominance early in the third quarter when Montgomery punched in an 8-yard rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 28-3. Cincinnati finally answered with their first touchdown when Chase made a spectacular corner catch from Jake Browning. The Lions quickly responded with Isaac TeSlaa’s first career touchdown reception, maintaining their commanding advantage.

Fourth Quarter – Lions 37, Bengals 24
 Chase opened the quarter with a touchdown catch, then added a spectacular 64-yard score to cut Detroit’s lead to 35-24.  Derrick Barnes sealed the victory with a safety, sacking Browning in the end zone with 1:54 remaining.

The Lions travel to Kansas City and will play on SNF 

Detroit travels to Kansas City next Sunday night for a marquee matchup against the Chiefs in what promises to be another stern test of their championship credentials. The Lions will face Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium on October 12th at 8:20 PM in a nationally televised showdown. Things do not get easier for Cincinnati, as they travel to Green Bay next Sunday.