Four Takeaways from Lions' 34-11 Loss to Bengals
The vast difference between two organizations was on full display at Ford Field on Sunday afternoon.
One organization, the Cincinnati Bengals, once considered dormant after years of futility, has found its quarterback and wide receiver of the future.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions, are fully enthralled in a rebuild that is ripe with all the growing pains of a team that in essence, resembles an expansion team.
Here are the four takeaways from the Lions' 34-11 loss to the Bengals.
Lions cannot stop making crucial errors
To start the game offensively, which typically are scripted plays that are rehearsed repeatedly at practice, both tight end T.J. Hockenson and left tackle Penei Sewell were called for penalties; thus, stalling Detroit's opening drive of the game.
The remainder of the game was an error-filled disaster that is likely leaving many wondering if the Lions will ever rectify their issues this season.
Trailing 17-0 after running back Joe Mixon opened the second half with a 40-yard touchdown reception, the Lions' offense wanted to remain aggressive. But, center Evan Brown, who is filling in for the injured Frank Ragnow, jumped early.
It was the third time in 2021 that Detroit lined up for a fourth-and-short situation, during which a Lions player jumped early.
Jared Goff and Lions' offense cannot start games quickly
Four consecutive games without scoring a first-half touchdown has left the offense reeling.
For the most part, the defense has put the team in a position to at least compete, as the offense has been quite inept over the course of the past few weeks.
By the start of the fourth quarter, the Lions' offense had recorded just 95 total yards and only five first downs. Detroit entered the final quarter trailing, 20-0.
Goff has been simply unable to develop chemistry with any of his receivers outside of Hockenson.
The third-year tight end was able to secure eight receptions for 74 yards after his production had tailed off the past few weeks.
Raj Mehta, USA TODAY Sports
Kirthmon F. Dozier, USA TODAY NETWORK
Team in real danger of "I-75 eyes" setting in
Losing week after week must be deflating, even for a youthful roster that wants to impress its passionate head coach.
At one point, former Lions and Packers offensive lineman T.J. Lang reported on the team's flagship radio station that he had not seen the bench look as deflated all season long as it was in the second half Sunday.
With injuries to key contributors and losses piling up, it would not surprise many to see the effort level dip steadily, as the realization sets in that a victory may not occur until later in the season.
Lions only winless team in National Football League
In what could be considered a silver lining by some, the Lions are the only team remaining that have yet to taste victory this season.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, interestingly enough, won, 23-20, on a late 53-yard field goal kicked by formers Lions placekicker Matthew Wright.
Urban Meyer's first career NFL victory has secured Detroit, at this point in the season, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
