First quarter: Lions 7, Bengals 0
What went right: The defense showed spirit and energy, lacking early on the last two weeks. They forced punts on the first two drives of the game, only allowing one first down.
What went wrong: Jordan Evans ended up one on one with Detroit tight end Eric Ebron on the outside and Matt Stafford spotted the matchup for an easy 33-yard touchdown toss.
Key Stat: The Bengals have been outscored 30-7 in the first quarter the last three weeks.
Did you notice: Christian Westerman started at left guard, for his first career NFL offensive snaps.
PREGAME
Christian Westerman has been active for one game in his two-year career, and he did not play back in Week 2 against Houston. Now, he’s in the starting lineup.
The fifth-round pick in 2016 jumped Alex Redmond, least for the official start. But, don’t be surprised if you see Redmond play today.
With Cedric Ogbuehi injured, left guard Clint Boling will start at left tackle. Veteran Eric Winston will start at right tackle.
The Bengals also, surprisingly, made second-year wide receiver Cody Core and second-year defensive tackle Andrew Billings inactive. Veteran Pat Sims will start in place of Billings next to Geno Atkins.
KeiVarae Russell, Jarveon Williams, Josh Tupou and University of Cincinnati alumnus and recent signee Justin Murray are also inactive.
The Bengals were bolstered this week by the returns of starters Vontaze Burfict, Joe Mixon and Dre Kirkpatrick to practice. They were not on the injury report heading into the game.