The Detroit Lions might have walked away with a 37–24 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but don’t expect the defense to celebrate for long. Even after another impressive overall performance, the Lions’ defenders were quick to admit that their fourth-quarter showing left a lot to be desired.
After building a commanding lead, Detroit allowed the Bengals to claw back late, giving up a pair of explosive plays and a touchdown drive that frustrated both players and coaches. For a defense that’s been one of the most physical and disciplined units in the league, the slip-up didn’t sit well.
“We didn’t finish the way we wanted,” linebacker Jack Campbell said postgame. “We’ve got to close teams out and play a full 60 minutes. That’s what championship defenses do.”
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn echoed that sentiment, noting that while he was proud of the team’s overall effort — including three interceptions and multiple red-zone stops — he expects sharper focus in crunch time. “When you dominate for most of the game, you can’t take your foot off the gas,” Glenn said. “That’s when great teams smell blood and end it.”
Despite the self-criticism, there was still plenty to celebrate. Aidan Hutchinson once again looked unstoppable off the edge, Campbell led the team in tackles, and Detroit’s secondary created turnovers that changed the momentum early. But as Hutchinson pointed out, “Good isn’t enough for us anymore. We want to be great — and that means finishing the right way.”
The Lions’ honesty about their shortcomings shows just how high expectations have become in Detroit. Under Dan Campbell, this team isn’t satisfied with just winning — they want to dominate from kickoff to final whistle.
With a four-game win streak and a 4–1 record, Detroit is among the NFC’s hottest teams. But if the defense tightens up those late-game lapses, the Lions might be even scarier than they already look.
Next week’s matchup gives them the perfect chance to prove it. Don’t be surprised if Detroit’s defense comes out with extra fire, determined to play a complete game from start to finish — because in their own words, they’re not done building something special yet.
Final Drive Frustration: Lions Defense Demands Better After Late Bengals Surge!
