The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Bengals vs. Lions Recap

The Cincinnati Bengals traveled to Detroit to take on the Lions on Sunday in what proved to be a Bengal beatdown 34-11. The Bengals held the Lions scoreless through three quarters and were able to overpower the Lions in all facets.

Although the Lions (0-6) are not the toughest team to face, the Bengals (4-2) seemed to take control of the game and have one of their most complete games of the season. The defense, who has taken many by surprise, had another stellar performance to keep the ball in the offense's hands.

The Good - Joe Mixon and the Defense

Joe Mixon carried the ball 18 times for 94 yards to average 5.2 yards/carry. He also added five receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown. Mixon was able to take advantage of a weak Lions defense to keep the offense balanced and give control to the Bengals.

The Defense was able to complement the prolific offense Sunday by only allowing 11 points. They added on an interception and a sack. It wasn't a glamorous performance but got the job done and kept the Lions out of contention.

The Bad - Jared Goff

Goff went 28/42 with 202 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. This statline looks alright at first glance, but it didn't produce anything for the team to help them score points to compete with the Bengals. Throwing the ball 42 times and only getting 202 yards won't cut it.

Burrow threw the ball 13 less times and had 69 more yards and three more touchdowns. At a comparison standpoint, Goff's performance was below average and lacked the production that the Lions' offense desperately needed.

The Ugly - Lions Defense

The Lions' offense didn't do much to help the defense, but the defense, also, didn't help themselves much at all. The defense is very young and inexperienced, and it showed in the game. The defense did very little to prevent the Bengals' offense from moving down the field, and it showed with them scoring in every quarter.

Burrow went 19/29 with 271 yards and three touchdowns in the air. Joe Mixon went for his second-largest rushing day this year with 94 yards. He also added a touchdown through the air, catching five of six targets. They did get a takeaway but gave the offense little chance of keeping up in this game.

Next Matchup

The Bengals will continue their quest on the road as they travel to Baltimore next week to take on the AFC North-leading Ravens on Sunday at 1 p.m. EST. After losing in week one, the Ravens have reeled off five straight wins. The Lions will go for their first win against the Los Angeles Rams in LA on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. EST.

The Lions sit last in the NFC North and the conference. The Bengals are in the sole position of second place in the AFC North and can take first place with a win at Baltimore.