David Montgomery had himself a career-night against the Bengals. He Sparks Lions’ Explosive Road Win As Detroit Extends Streak to 4 In a Row
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.
Chiefs’ Offense Needs to Secure This Elusive Goal Before Unleashing Spags
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Take it from a former college pitcher whose dad pitched in the Major Leagues. The Kansas City Chiefs have an All-Star closer.
He’s a savvy right-hander named Steve Spagnuolo.
“And you always see when we get leads, he's great,” Patrick Mahomes said last month. “He's a great finisher. He's a great closer, being able to give you different looks and stuff like that.”
Any closer, of course, is inconsequential without something very important: A lead. That’s why Mahomes enters every week with the urgency to put points on the board early and often. Securing an early lead takes pressure off the Chiefs’ defense, transferring that pressure to the opponent.
The elusive offensive accomplishment
So, when the Chiefs (2-2) square off with the Jaguars (3-1) on Monday Night Football (7:15 p.m. CT, ESPN/ABC, KMBC Ch. 9, 96.5 The Fan), Kansas City will seek something that’s proven painfully elusive this season: A touchdown on its first drive.
Kansas City Chiefs long snapper James Winchester (41) raises his hands in the fourth quarter as it became obvious his team would win, Sunday, September 21, 2025. / Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Chiefs entered this week as one of just five NFL teams without an opening-drive touchdown. Buffalo, meanwhile, has touchdowns on its initial possession in every game.
Why Andy Reid said Spags came out of his shoes last week
Kansas City appears to be moving in a good direction, though. The Chiefs have posted field goals on their opening drives in each of their last two games. And in last week’s 37-20 win over Baltimore, Kansas City’s defense was happy to play a complementary role – until the unit’s final snap, Justice Hill’s 71-yard touchdown run.
“Yeah, I thought the guys played really, really good, solid football,” Spagnuolo said Friday. “The only play I'm going to remember about the game is going to be the last one, because that's just what sticks in my head.
“But prior to that, the things that we did and the way we played, and fourth downs were really important, but obviously the focus was on the running back, to get that done first. And then try to get them, in the game to our offense’s credit, they got some points on the board and we were able to dictate a little bit.”
Sep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (43) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images / Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
The focus on the running back led to Derrick Henry finishing with only 42 yards. On Monday night, the Chiefs will need a similar focus to shut down Travis Etienne, a task too tall for most teams this year.
Etienne in last week’s win at San Francisco rushed for 124 yards and a touchdown, becoming the only NFL player this year with 120-plus rushing yards in multiple games. He entered this week third in the league with 394 rushing yards.
Obviously, the Chiefs can’t allow Etienne to get outside like Hill did at the end of last week’s game.
“It was a step forward for us,” defensive tackle Chris Jones said after last week’s win. “Unfortunately, at the end of the game, we gave up a huge run.
“We have to learn to close games, whether it’s the ones, twos or the guys that normally don’t get those high-volume reps. We’ve got to close games. I think we took a step forward as a team on offense, defense and special teams. For me, it’s a step toward progression.”
