By Sunday 
For 33 long years, Detroit Lions fans carried one of the NFL’s strangest streaks — a never-ending struggle against the Cincinnati Bengals. From the Barry Sanders era to the Jared Goff resurgence, the matchup had been nothing but heartbreak and close calls.
But on Sunday afternoon, history finally changed. The Lions stormed past the Bengals 37–24, ending a seven-game losing streak that stretched all the way back to November 1992.
And for anyone who bleeds Honolulu blue, it felt like a curse had finally lifted.
A Win Three Decades in the Making
To understand what this victory means, you have to go back to 1992.
Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” had just hit the airwaves. Bill Clinton was running for president. And the Lions, led by Barry Sanders and Erik Kramer, were clawing their way through the NFC.
That November, Detroit beat Cincinnati 19–13 behind four field goals from Jason Hanson and Sanders’ 151 rushing yards. It was the last time the Lions walked away winners against the Bengals — until now.
Since then, Detroit fans have endured every possible kind of heartbreak: overtime losses, game-winning field goals, and even a 34–11 blowout in 2021 that reopened old wounds.
So when the final whistle blew on Sunday, it wasn’t just another regular-season win — it was closure.
Goff, Montgomery, and the New Detroit Grit
This wasn’t a lucky win, either. The Lions dominated in true Dan Campbell fashion — aggressive, disciplined, and fully committed.
Jared Goff was surgical, throwing three touchdowns and finishing with a 153.0 passer rating. Sure, he took four sacks, but he stayed poised and efficient.
Meanwhile, David Montgomery, a Cincinnati native, made sure this win was personal. He not only scored a rushing touchdown, but also threw one — a rare feat that had fans roaring.
Even with a banged-up secondary, Detroit’s defense held firm. Bengals backup QB Jake Browning tossed three touchdowns, yes, but he also threw three interceptions and was sacked for a late-game safety that sealed the deal.
The Lions improved to 4–1, now sitting atop the NFC alongside the Eagles, 49ers, and Buccaneers. Not bad company for a team still shaking off old ghosts.
From Drought to Dominance
This wasn’t just about stats — it was about symbolism.
For years, the Lions were the team that came this close — flashes of brilliance overshadowed by gut-punch losses. But this squad feels different.
They’re rewriting narratives, one broken streak at a time. And now, with Cincinnati finally off their back, their attention turns to another drought — the Pittsburgh Steelers, whom they haven’t beaten since 1998.
But for now? Detroit can celebrate.
Because after 33 years of waiting, losing, and hoping — they finally did it.