A fight between the Bengals and Lions

Darius Fogle

This wasn’t just another NFL game for me. This was a lesson in resilience, in managing adversity, in playing with heart even when the odds are stacked. Detroit beat Cincinnati 37–24,

handing the Bengals their third straight loss and giving the Lions their fourth victory of the

season.

The Lions moved to 4-1, while the Bengals fell to 2–3. But what I saw wasn’t just wins and losses, I saw what we try to teach those nine-year-olds on my squad: how to respond under

fire, how to dig deep when things go wrong, and how to fight until the final whistle.

David Montgomery’s Homecoming

David Montgomery, Detroit’s running back, played in his hometown of Cincinnati—and delivered. He rushed for 64 yards on 18 carries and scored a rushing touchdown.

He also threw a 3-yard option pass to tight end Brock Wright, reminding everyone of his high school

quarterback roots. “It’s super meaningful to come back home where it all started for me”, Montgomery said.

As a coach and a father, I saw in that play what I tell my boys: You don’t have

to forget where you started. Use that ground to build from.

Cincinnati trailed 28–3 entering the fourth quarter but didn’t quit. Backup QB Jake Browning rallied with three touchdown passes—two to Ja’Marr Chase—closing the gap and making

Detroit sweat in the final minutes.

Browning as goo as he did, also threw three interceptions in the game and was later sacked for a safety, that of which sealed the game.

Chase hauled in six catches for 110 yards.

Coach Zac Taylor took it hard: “We hung the defense out to dry a couple of times in the first half… that’s on me.

” This is the kind of honesty I try

to model for my boys: own it, don’t pass blame.”

Injuries always test coaching depth, and this game had its share. Bengals’ tight end Noah Fant cleared concussion protocol and returned, giving their passing game a boost, right where they needed it.

Bengals wideout Charlie Jones remained questionable with an Achilles issue.

The Bengals travel to Green Bay next week, and will still be without Burrow (turf toe), and will continue to

lean on Browning.

Coaches Corner: Beyond the Scoreboard :

1. You’ve got to respond under pressure.

Early, Detroit surged to lead. Cincinnati’s defense was gashed, Browning made mistakes. But

they didn’t fold completely. In my youth practices, when a team fumbles early or gives up a big

play, I stop the scrimmage and say,

“This is where champions are made.

” How you respond

defines you.”

2. Be smart. Be efficient.

Goff’s performance was a clinic in controlled aggression. Sometimes staying within yourself and

executing is better than forcing big plays.

3. Trust your backups.

Montgomery swung to TE for a touchdown. Manu had to step in at tackle. Hell, Browning had to

lead the offense. The ones on the sideline must always be ready. I preach that to my boys: even

if you don’t start, always prepare like you will.

4. Mental toughness matters.

When you’re down 28–3, many teams fold. Bengals didn’t—though it was too little, too late. But that fight matters for the next game, for confidence. In life too, adversity will come.

How you react is everything. When the game ended, I muted the TV, walked in the room, and looked at my twins. Without saying a word, they looked at me and I looked at them, each knowing the other understood: we saw something out there we can carry into our next practice. Win, lose, or struggle—in every snap, there’s a lesson.

That’s what football is at every level. That’s what being a coach-father is. And Sunday night in Cincinnati, the lessons were loud enough for even young ears to hear.