Bengals vs. Lions game recap: Everything we know
— Besides an odd 2nd-and-long run call early, the first offensive drive of the day featured some smooth play-calling from Zac Taylor. The attack involved Tee Higgins, worked in some pre-snap disguises and capped off with a big touchdown pass to rookie back Chris Evans.
— In other sixth-round rookie news, Trey Hill derailed a drive while getting his first career start at right guard. Two consecutive penalties led to a Joe Burrow pick as he tried to target Ja’Marr Chase down the field on a 3rd-and-20 attempt.
— Trey Hendrickson bullied Penei Sewell the entire first half in a brutal welcome-to-the-NFL moment. He’s been worth every penny so far.
— It’s important to point out just how awful the winless Lions looked from the opening gun. Call it a good day to have serious offensive line issues.
— Burrow and Chase hooked up for a 34-yard gain to set up a field goal before halftime.
— Chase, right out of the halftime tunnel, then threw a wicked block to spring Joe Mixon for a touchdown.
— Speaking of that play, brilliant design by Zac Taylor, as the misdirection before the snap set up not only a conversion on fourth down, but a touchdown. That’s totally different from what we’ve seen from him, for the most part, this season.
— Bengals had some concerning woes on the interior. They yanked Trey Hill, then Jackson Carman left with an illness, then center Trey Hopkins had a leg injury. Had it kept him out and they had been down three interior guys, the Bengals would have thrown tackles Fred Johnson and Isaiah Prince in there somewhere.
