By Blessing 
CINCINNATI —
Detroit native David Montgomery delivered a game to remember in his hometown, running for one touchdown and throwing for another as the Detroit Lions powered past the Cincinnati Bengals, 37–24, on Sunday.
The seven-year veteran showcased his versatility, recording both a rushing and passing touchdown for just the second time in his career. Montgomery — who once played quarterback at Cincinnati Mt. Healthy High School — had an emotional homecoming with over 20 friends and relatives cheering him on. Among them was his sister, Kiki, who was left paralyzed in a February 2024 car crash. Before kickoff, Montgomery shared a heartfelt moment with her near the Lions’ locker room.
Montgomery carried the ball 18 times for 64 yards, adding a passing touchdown on a wildcat trick play. Fellow running back Jahmyr Gibbs also found the end zone, marking the 14th time the duo has scored in the same game — tying Emmitt Smith and Daryl Johnston for the most such games by teammates in NFL history.
For the Lions (4–1), this marked their fourth consecutive victory, while the struggling Bengals (2–3) dropped their third straight, having been outscored 113–37 since Joe Burrow suffered a toe injury during Week 2 against Jacksonville.
Cincinnati fell behind 28–3 late in the third quarter before quarterback Jake Browning connected twice with Ja’Marr Chase to narrow the gap. Browning completed 26 of 40 passes for 251 yards, throwing three touchdowns but also three interceptions. Chase remained a bright spot, hauling in six catches for 110 yards and two scores.
The Lions’ offensive fireworks began early. After taking a one-touchdown lead, Montgomery lined up at quarterback on a second-and-goal from the Bengals’ 3-yard line. In a surprise twist, he faked the run and tossed a short pass to tight end Brock Wright, who was left wide open in the end zone. The Bengals’ defense never saw it coming.
Minutes later, Montgomery extended the Lions’ lead to 28–3 with an 8-yard touchdown burst off the left tackle. Earlier on the same drive, he nearly broke free for a long score but was caught by cornerback DJ Turner after a 19-yard gain.
Quarterback Jared Goff was nearly flawless, completing 19 of 23 passes for 258 yards and three touchdowns. Amon-Ra St. Brown led all receivers with eight catches for 100 yards, while Sam LaPorta added five receptions for 92 yards, including a thrilling 10-yard touchdown in which he flipped over defender Dax Hill before landing in the end zone.
Goff also connected with Gibbs on a 20-yard screen pass, where the running back broke four tackles on his way to the end zone, and later hit Isaac TeSlaa for a 12-yard touchdown to seal the win.
Cincinnati finally broke its scoring drought in the fourth quarter when Browning found Chase for a 15-yard touchdown, ending a stretch of 20 possessions without a TD. According to Next Gen Stats, that throw had just a 12.5% completion probability, making it the most improbable touchdown of the season. Chase followed up with a 65-yard score, beating cornerback Amik Robertson on a double move and racing untouched into the end zone.
Detroit briefly had a safety overturned in the second quarter due to defensive holding, but linebacker Derrick Barnes later secured one late in the fourth when he sacked Browning in the end zone.
The Lions lost WR Kalif Raymond to a neck injury early in the game, while LT Taylor Decker was inactive due to a shoulder issue.
Up Next:
Detroit heads to Kansas City for a Sunday night showdown, while Cincinnati travels to Green Bay looking to regroup.