The Lions’ road losing streak hit 18 games in a 23-13 loss against the Bengals.
The Lions defense forced three turnovers and held the Bengals to one offensive touchdown, but the offense didn’t hold up their end of the bargain.
Lions WR Derrick Williams wiped out a first down with an illegal formation penalty that coach Jim Schwartz deemed “inexcusable.”
Questionable offensive strategy at the end of the first half by the Lions handed the ball back to the Bengals with good field position and enough time to add a field goal.
Lions QB Matthew Stafford connected with WR Calvin Johnson on a 54-yard touchdown pass, his franchise rookie record 13th of the season.
Bengals RB Cedric Benson looked to be in fine health as he carried the ball 36 times for 110 yards.
Bengals DE Michael Johnson sacked Stafford once and tipped another pass that DT Jonathan Fanene intercepted and returned for a touchdown.
S Tom Nelson made his first NFL interception after the Bengals lost Chris Crocker to an ankle injury.
Said Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco, “We got that ‘playing to the level of our opposition’ speech at halftime. We’re not playing good football yet. Our offense has to step it up the next two weeks at Minnesota and San Diego.”
Paul Daugherty of the Cincinnati Enquirer wonders if the Bengals are an elite team.