With each growing week, the Detroit Lions continue to prove that Week 1 in Green Bay was just an aberration.<\/p>\n
The Lions extended their winning streak to four games on Sunday, picking up a 37-24 Week 5 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. For three and a half quarters of Sunday\u2019s game, the Lions appeared to be the more composed team. <\/p>\n
Their offense had some issues after an easy opening drive, but the defense was stellar for most of the game, frustrating Bengals quarterback Jake Browning into multiple turnovers.<\/p>\n
Similar to Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns, it was not the prettiest of games, especially down the stretch, and the defense allowed Browning to go 8-for-11 for 133 yards and three touchdowns in the fourth quarter. <\/p>\n
But the Lions\u2019 offense was able to thwart the comeback attempt thanks to the efforts of one of their rookie pass catchers and key defenders.<\/p>\n
Quarterback: Another elite performance by Jared Goff, who continues to raise his level of play this season. With Taylor Decker out, it was a tough day in the pocket, but he came out firing, completing his first eight passes. His chemistry with Amon-Ra St. Brown was once again surgical, connecting on eight of nine targets. The offense sputtered briefly after Trey Hendrickson\u2019s strip sack, but Goff still turned in his fourth game this season completing at least 71% of his passes while adding three touchdowns. He now leads the NFL in completion percentage (75.2%) and passing touchdowns (12). Goff is playing at an elite level. Grade: A+<\/p>\n
Running backs: A case can be made for David Montgomery to get some love in the quarterback section. In his emotional return to hometown Cincinnati, Montgomery did not disappoint, finishing with two touchdowns \u2014 one on the ground and one through the air, dialing back to his high school quarterback days with a three-yard toss to Brock Wright. It was a slow start on the ground for \u201cD-Mo,\u201d but he picked it up. He and Jahmyr Gibbs combined for 30 carries for 119 yards, averaging roughly four yards per carry. Gibbs also found the end zone, catching a pass from Goff and taking it 20 yards for a touchdown. Montgomery and Gibbs have now both scored in the same game 14 times, tying Emmitt Smith and Daryl Johnston for the most by any running back duo in league history. Grade: A<\/p>\n
Wide receivers and tight ends: Amon-Ra St. Brown didn\u2019t reach the end zone but still caught eight passes for 100 yards. Sam LaPorta was fantastic, finishing with five catches for 92 yards and his first touchdown of the season. Rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa continues to prove that if you target him, he\u2019ll deliver, catching his second touchdown of the year to help seal the game. Brock Wright also found the end zone for the second time this season, catching a touchdown from Montgomery. The group kept the offense balanced and efficient. Grade: A<\/p>\n
Offensive line: The absence of Taylor Decker was felt. Second-year lineman Giovanni Manu showed flashes but struggled against star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who beat him multiple times for pressures, including a strip sack. Joseph Ossai added another sack as well. The Lions, who had gone three straight games without allowing a sack, gave up four this time. They did open running lanes for Gibbs and Montgomery, but pass protection was inconsistent at times. Grade: B-<\/p>\n
Defensive line: Aidan Hutchinson continues to prove that his dominance isn\u2019t hype. He finished with eight pressures, five quarterback hits, and a sack \u2014 making him the only player this season with three games of at least seven-plus pressures and a sack, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. He\u2019s also forced a fourth-quarter fumble in three straight games. Al-Quadin Muhammad added three quarterback hits, and the unit limited Bengals running back Chase Brown to just 27 yards on eight carries, holding the entire Cincinnati rushing attack under 90 yards. Grade: A<\/p>\n
Linebackers: Another strong showing from Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes, who combined for 19 tackles. Barnes frustrated Bengals quarterback Jake Browning, finishing with one of Detroit\u2019s two sacks \u2014 a late-game safety that sealed the win. Alex Anzalone was sharp in coverage, finishing with three pass breakups and an interception. The group played fast, physical, and disciplined. Grade: A<\/p>\n
Secondary: With D.J. Reed sidelined, Amik Robertson stepped up with six tackles and his first interception as a Lion, though he later gave up a 65-yard touchdown to Ja\u2019Marr Chase on a blown assignment. Kerby Joseph logged his 20th career interception, keeping the Lions undefeated in games where he records one. The secondary was strong for most of the day, though attrition caught up late with Terrion Arnold (shoulder) and Rock Ya-Sin leaving due to injuries. Grade: B<\/p>\n
Special teams: Jack Fox continues to prove why he\u2019s one of the NFL\u2019s best punters, pinning Cincinnati inside its own 10-yard line on four of five punts. The Bengals started several drives deep in their own territory, limiting their offensive rhythm. Another strong day for Dave Fipp\u2019s unit. Grade: B<\/p>\n
Coaching: Once the game kicked off, the Lions were in control from start to finish. Allowing three second-half touchdowns isn\u2019t ideal, and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard will surely emphasize that, but Detroit finally snapped its streak of allowing opening-drive scores. Four straight wins \u2014 two against strong defensive fronts \u2014 show this team\u2019s adaptability and grit. Dan Campbell\u2019s culture continues to shine through. Grade: A<\/p>\n
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