Bengals Rookies STEAL The Show vs. Lions! Joe Burrow Gets Hit Twice | Cincinnati Bengals Reaction

The Cincinnati Bengals opened the 2026 preseason with a gritty 16-14 victory over the Detroit Lions Thursday night at Paycor Stadium. While the final score was close, the game gave Cincinnati plenty of encouraging signs as coaches evaluated young players and roster battles.

The Stone Shields Show sponsors:

Get 20% off sitewide at Homage with promo code CHATTER at checkout: homage.com/CBOX

The Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigar! Get your box today: anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars

Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440

Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com

Book an appointment at Richter & Phillips today: richterphillips.com/chatterbox

The Bengals got a quick look at Joe Burrow, who played briefly before giving way to the backups. Detroit’s Ahmed Hassanein immediately made his presence felt, sacking Burrow on his first snap. Cincinnati answered with Joe Flacco, who provided some stability and threw a touchdown pass to rookie tight end Jack Endries. Endries was one of several young Bengals who stood out during the night.

Cincinnati’s defense was arguably the biggest positive. The unit played aggressively, generated turnovers and consistently created pressure. Kris Jenkins Jr. recorded a sack, while the Bengals' defense showed the kind of energy that new defensive coordinator Al Golden will want to build on as the preseason continues.

Special teams also played an important role. Evan McPherson connected on three field goals, including a 56-yarder in rainy conditions, giving Cincinnati valuable points in a game where every possession mattered.

For Detroit, the loss was disappointing, but preseason results are rarely about the final record. The Lions got impressive performances from Hassanein and running back Jacob Saylors, while their defense forced four fumbles and kept the Bengals from pulling away.

In the end, Cincinnati made enough plays to escape with the win. It was only preseason, but a 16-14 victory over a talented Detroit roster provided Bengals fans with plenty to feel good about heading into the next week.
Music from #InAudio: inaudio.org
Track Name Holy (Trap).

Music from #InAudio: inaudio.org
Track Name Exercise (Rock).