10 winners and 4 losers in Cincinnati Bengals’ preseason win vs. Detroit Lions

Key Points:

• The Cincinnati Bengals won their 2026 preseason opener 16-14 against the Detroit Lions, with key performances highlighting offseason changes, especially on defense.
• The revamped Bengals defense showed promise, forcing turnovers and pressuring Detroit’s quarterbacks, with standout contributions from rookie edge defender Cashius Howell and defensive backs Jordan Battle and Russ Yeast.
• Offensive highlights included kicker Evan McPherson’s strong performance and promising plays from rookies Colbie Young and Jack Endries, though offensive line struggles, particularly from left tackles Andrew Coker and Orlando Brown Jr., were evident.
• Running back Kendall Milton struggled with ball security and yardage, indicating room for improvement in upcoming preseason games.
• Overall, the Bengals used the game to evaluate young talent and build depth, with the defense showing significant improvement and the offense needing further refinement as they prepare for the regular season.