David Montgomery shines in Lions' decisive win over Bengals

On October 5, 2025, the Detroit Lions faced off against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati during Week 5 of the NFL season. The Lions came into the game with a 3-1 record, riding a three-game winning streak, while the Bengals struggled after losing their starting quarterback Joe Burrow to injury in Week 2. The game highlighted the Lions' effective offensive strategy, with David Montgomery playing a pivotal role as he ran for a touchdown and also threw for another on a trick play, helping the Lions secure their fourth consecutive victory. The Bengals, now at a precarious 2-3 record, continued to struggle in the absence of Burrow. They had dropped their prior two matches by substantial margins, including a severe 48-10 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings. The consequences of this dip in form were evident as the Bengals fell behind early in the match against the Lions, trailing 28-3 by the late third quarter. Even as Cincinnati attempted a comeback with a couple of touchdown passes from backup quarterback Jake Browning, who had 251 yards on the day, it was only enough to close the gap to 28-17. The Lions were in control throughout the game; their quarterback Jared Goff completed 19 of 23 passes for 258 yards and three touchdowns. Montgomery notably performed a wildcat formation play that caught the Bengals off guard, showcasing the Lions' creativity. He also made important contributions on the ground, further extending the Lions' lead. The game's outcome reflected the stark contrast in momentum between the two teams, with the Lions maintaining their aspirations for a playoff position while the Bengals faced increasing difficulties as their season progressed. Looking ahead, the Lions will face the Kansas City Chiefs next in a highly anticipated matchup. Meanwhile, the Bengals will have to regroup and find a way to navigate through the remainder of the season without Burrow, as they need to turn things around quickly to avoid a deeper downturn. The disparity in performances emphasizes the critical impact that star players have on their teams and how injuries can drastically affect a season's trajectory.