Joe Flacco throws TD as Bengals defeat Lions 16-14 in preseason opener
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 3:12 AM
Last updated Aug 14, 2026
The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Detroit Lions 16-14 in their preseason opener on Thursday night. Joe Burrow started for Cincinnati, completing 5 of 6 passes for 39 yards before being relieved by Joe Flacco, who threw a touchdown pass to Jack Endries. Detroit's Luke Altmyer, an undrafted rookie, directed a late touchdown drive but fell short after an interception. The Lions saw most of their starters rest, while the Bengals' performance was highlighted by Flacco's effectiveness in the second quarter. Cincinnati hosts the Chicago Bears on August 22, while Detroit prepares to face the Washington Commanders on the same date.
- •Cincinnati's Joe Burrow completed 5 of 6 passes for 39 yards.
- •Joe Flacco threw a touchdown pass to Jack Endries.
- •Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer had a touchdown drive and two interceptions.
- •Detroit rested most starters, including Jared Goff and Jahmyr Gibbs.
- •Bengals host the Bears, Lions face the Commanders on August 22.
- 3:12 AMYahoo Sports — Burrow starts, Flacco throws lone TD pass for Bengals against Lions
- 2:27 AMYahoo Sports — Joe Burrow starts and backup Joe Flacco throws a TD pass as Bengals beat Lions 16-14
"LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — In what was both of their opening games for the preseason, it was the Bengals who walked with the win defeating the Lions, 16-14. Joe Burrow was the man in the backfield to open the night against Detroit, getting sacked on the opening drive. After just one sequence, that would […]
"Joe Flacco threw a touchdown pass in relief of Joe Burrow, Evan McPherson kicked three field goals and the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Detroit Lions 16-14 Thursday night in the preseason opener for both teams. Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor got his starters at least three plays.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 3:12 AMBurrow starts, Flacco throws lone TD pass for Bengals against Lions
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — In what was both of their opening games for the preseason, it was the Bengals who walked with the win defeating the Lions, 16-14. Joe Burrow was the man in the backfield to open the night against Detroit, getting sacked on the opening drive. After just one sequence, that would […]
- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 2:27 AMJoe Burrow starts and backup Joe Flacco throws a TD pass as Bengals beat Lions 16-14
Joe Flacco threw a touchdown pass in relief of Joe Burrow, Evan McPherson kicked three field goals and the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Detroit Lions 16-14 Thursday night in the preseason opener for both teams. Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor got his starters at least three plays.
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