The Detroit Lions Win Big: 44-14 Over Bengals, But Lose Sewell for Five Weeks
In a dominant season opener, the Detroit Lions secured a 44-14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, fueled by a relentless defense that forced seven turnovers. While the victory was commanding, it came at a cost, as the Lions lost All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell for five weeks due to injury. Head coach Eddie Todd emphasized both the team’s success and the adversity they now face moving forward.
An Offensive Day of Opportunity
The Lions’ offense had a light day thanks to their suffocating defense, but rookie quarterback Miller Moss still made an impact, completing 6 of 12 passes for 129 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Moss, who is expected to grow into the role as the season progresses, found his first TD connection with rookie wide receiver Tai Felton, who made his first career catch, a 45-yard bomb for a score.
“Tai’s play was a spark,” said Moss after the game. “He ran a great route, and I just had to put the ball where it needed to be. The energy he brought from that catch really carried us forward.”
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs took control on the ground, carrying the ball 19 times for 106 yards, including a touchdown, while also contributing 36 receiving yards and another touchdown through the air.
“We knew we had to establish the run early,” said Gibbs. “The offensive line gave me space, and it was up to me to get those tough yards. Losing Penei [Sewell] hurt, but we’ll rally behind him and keep pushing forward.”
Veteran running back David Johnson chipped in with 32 rushing yards, complementing Gibbs’ explosive plays.
Defensive Takeover
The story of the game, however, was the Lions’ defense. With Joe Burrow under center for Cincinnati, the Lions secondary had a field day, intercepting him seven times in total. Leading the charge was linebacker Jack Campbell, who picked off Burrow three times, one of which was returned 102 yards for a touchdown to open the game’s scoring.
“Honestly, it’s a team effort,” Campbell said. “You don’t get picks like that without the pressure up front, and the way our defensive line was attacking, it made my job a lot easier. The pick-six? That was just the cherry on top, man. I saw the ball, grabbed it, and took off.”
Josh Paschal, stepping in for the injured Aidan Hutchinson, had two sacks on the day, while second-year defensive tackle Maason Wingo added another.
“Stepping up for Aidan is no small task,” said Paschal. “He’s such a force, but I knew I had to make the most of my opportunity. Our whole defense fed off each other, and today, we showed what we’re capable of.”
Other key interceptions came from cornerbacks Brian Branch, Jalen Rakestraw, and Emmanuel Moseley, while linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez also snagged one.
“Our focus all week was creating turnovers,” said Branch. “We knew Burrow is a great quarterback, but our game plan was solid, and we just wanted it more today.”
Coach Todd’s Take
In his post-game press conference, head coach Eddie Todd reflected on the game’s highs and lows, emphasizing the importance of a team-first mentality and overcoming the loss of Sewell.
“This was a great win for us,” said Todd. “Our defense was lights out. To get seven turnovers against a team like Cincinnati? That’s not easy to do. We showed grit today, but losing Sewell is tough. He’s a leader on and off the field, but we’ve got guys ready to step up. It’s going to be next man up, and we’ll keep moving forward.”
When asked about the offense’s lighter workload, Todd said, “Miller did what we asked him to do. We wanted to protect the ball better, but those interceptions—those are learning moments for a rookie. He’ll bounce back. And Gibbs? He’s electric. Our ground game kept us in control, and that’s exactly what we needed.”
Looking Ahead to Dallas
As the Lions prepare for a tough matchup next week against the Dallas Cowboys, Todd acknowledged the challenge ahead.
“Dallas is a solid team, and we’ve got a lot to clean up before then,” Todd stated. “But tonight, we’re going to enjoy this win. It’s the first one of the season, and I’m proud of the way our guys fought. There’s more to come on Dallas, but right now, we focus on the good things we did today.”
The Players Speak
For the players, the energy in the locker room after the game was upbeat, but they also understood the significance of losing Sewell for the next five weeks.
“He’s a cornerstone of our offensive line,” said Gibbs. “We’ll be thinking about him as we keep grinding. It’s tough to lose a guy like that, but we’re deep, and we’ve got guys who can fill that role.”
Moss, reflecting on his first game as a starter, acknowledged the importance of both his learning process and the team’s overall effort.
“I made some mistakes today, no doubt,” said Moss. “But the defense made sure we were never out of it. Jack [Campbell] was unbelievable, and the whole defense was on another level. I’m grateful to have that kind of support behind me.”
Campbell, praised by his teammates for his standout performance, kept the focus on the team.
“Look, it’s all about us coming together,” Campbell said. “We knew we had to send a message today, and we did. But this is just one game. We’ve got a long season ahead.”
Final Thoughts
With a dominant defensive showing, a ground game that controlled the tempo, and flashes of brilliance from their rookie quarterback, the Lions start their season on a high note. But the road ahead will be challenging, especially with the loss of Sewell. As they prepare for next week’s clash with the Dallas Cowboys, there’s a quiet confidence in the locker room—a belief that this team can compete at the highest level.
“We’re going to enjoy this one,” said Todd. “But we’ve got bigger goals in mind. The season’s just getting started.”
More to come on next week’s showdown against Dallas, but for now, Detroit celebrates its first win of the year.
