Detroit Lions Week 5 Recap and Review: A Win Is a Win

The Detroit Lions went to Cincinnati in Week 5 to take on the Bengals. The Lions hadn't beaten the Bengals since 1992. This week, they broke the streak, winning 37-24. It was another game that wasn't pretty, similar to their win in Week 4 against the Browns. The Lions, though, have won four straight since their loss to the Packers in Week 1. The Bengals may not have had Joe Burrow, but they are still a talented team. They have the weapons on offense, and their defense kept them in this game.

"Jared Goff 2022" by All-Pro Reels is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

With injuries in their secondary and some great drives from the Bengals, the Lions didn't look like the dominant team from their win against the Ravens. The more concerning element is that the Bengals weren't anticipated to give them this much trouble. Anything can happen with weapons like Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, but the Lions' offensive line struggled with Taylor Decker's absence. Issues compound. Giovanni Manu couldn't keep the Bengals out of the backfield, which shortened the Lions' drives. That put the defense on the field more, tiring them out. They got some injuries in the secondary, further compounding the issues. In the end, the Lions won 37-24, closing it out with a safety.

Detroit Lions Week 5: Recap

The Detroit Lions started the game with a 37-yard kick return from Jacob Saylors, allowing them to start on the 42-yard line. The Lions' first drive was methodical. Jahmyr Gibbs handled most of the running game, and Sam LaPorta had 32 yards of receiving and a touchdown reception. Jared Goff started 8/8, but after that, the Lions' offense largely struggled. That is in part due to Giovanni Manu playing for an injured Taylor Decker. Trey Hendrickson took advantage of the inexperienced lineman and strip-sacked Goff. The Lions managed to score a touchdown on a slick play call from John Morton. David Montgomery took a direct snap and faked a run before tossing the ball to Brock Wright.

Thanks to a strong defensive performance, including interceptions by Kerby Joseph and Amik Robertson, the Bengals were held to only a field goal in the first half. The Lions' pass rush created pressure, but Jake Browning's less-than-stellar play helped the Lions a lot. Going into halftime, the Lions led 14-3.

In the second half, the Lions got another interception. This time, it was Alex Anzalone. The Lions capitalized this time, with an excellent screen pass to Jahmyr Gibbs for the touchdown. Multiple Lions lined up for the block, allowing Gibbs to run it in from the 20.

Later, Montgomery got it going, running it for an eight-yard touchdown, making it 28-3.

The Bengals responded with a touchdown of their own, cutting the deficit to 18. The Lions went three and out, and Browning threw a 64-yard touchdown pass to Chase on their next possession. 28-17. The Lions responded with a Montgomery-heavy drive (21 yards), capped off by an Isaac TeSlaa touchdown. The Bengals scored again, making it 35-24. This time it was Tee Higgins. The Lions ended their hopes with a Derrick Barnes safety. The Lions won 37-24.

Detroit Lions Week 5: The Humble Weapons-filled Offense

The Lions' offense is filled with talent. Jared Goff has proven he's among the NFL's elite, but having Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Sam LaPorta, Jameson Williams, and Brock Wright certainly helps. The offensive coordinator has plenty of options to work with. This week, Gibbs and LaPorta got the majority of the work early. Gibbs finished with 54 yards, and LaPorta finished with 92 yards.

But what makes them truly dangerous is the selflessness of this group. There is no complaining about targets or carries. In the first half and for most of last week, the Lions used Gibbs for most carries. Montgomery waited for his turn, and he took advantage of it, getting a passing and rushing touchdown in Cincinnati. He finished with 65 yards rushing. LaPorta had 21 targets and 177 yards through the first four weeks. This week, he had six targets.

St. Brown also got more involved in the second half, finishing with 100 yards for the second time this season. Even Isaac TeSlaa got involved with a touchdown catch. Goff finished with 258 yards and three touchdowns, including 19-23 completions. He dealt well with the constant pressure, despite taking four sacks.

Detroit Lions Week 5: Is the Secondary Improved or is Jake Browning Bad?

The Lions' secondary is clearly improved this season, but by how much? It's still difficult to tell because Jake Browning gifted the Lions three interceptions in this game. However, he played better in the second half, throwing touchdown passes to Ja'marr Chase (2) and Tee Higgins. With DJ Reed out, the Lions' secondary was a concern going into this game. Amik Robertson showed out early, with an interception, some pass breakups, and hits. He later got beaten deep for a touchdown.

Rock Ya-Sin played well, too. The problem is primarily centered around Terrion Arnold. He consistently gets beaten, and when he doesn't, he gets either a holding or a pass interference penalty. He'll need to improve his play as the season progresses, or the Lions should consider Robertson taking on his role. His injury may make it a moot point. However, the Lions had several injuries, which will test the depth this season.

Again, it's hard to judge because the offense didn't have a lot of time of possession to help the defense out. Additionally, they didn't put the game away early, forcing the defense to play some more downs. However, Browning did finish with 251 passing yards and three touchdown passes.

Detroit Lions Week 5: Concerns

Giovanni Manu shouldn't take too much criticism for his role today, but he didn't play well. He drew a tough matchup in Trey Hendrickson. It was his first start at the offensive line's most important position. Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge struggled in Week 1, but they have since improved.. The Lions know what they are doing.

The Lions' pass rush didn't have as much of an effect this week, but Aidan Hutchinson had multiple sacks taken away due to penalties. This area requires some context. It will be fine as the season progresses. Trust the version we saw in Baltimore.

Detroit Lions Week 5 Verdict

While this game was never really in question, fans and media were expecting a more dominant win. The Lions shouldn't be critiqued too heavily for not winning in the way everyone had hoped. It is true that if it hadn't been for the interceptions, this game would have been much closer. But that's the point, isn't it? If? Well, what if the Lions didn't score? What if they didn't have a 5-minute drive in the fourth quarter when it mattered most? A win is a win is a win.

Next week, the Lions play the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football. Trust that Patrick Mahomes will play better than Jake Browning. The Lions will need to play a complete 60-minute game to secure a road win. For now, take the win. The Lions are 4-1, but they haven't played their best football yet. The key going forward will be getting healthy and staying consistent for four quarters.

(All stats provided by NFL.com)

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