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Bengals Edge Lions 16-14 as Burrow Leads

8/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Cincinnati Bengals beat Detroit Lions 16-14 on Aug. 13, 2026 at Paycor Stadium.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was 5-of-6 for 39 yards, sacked once and hit while throwing.
Lions quarterback Joe Flacco threw a 4-yard TD to Jack Endries and was 5-of-8 for 51 yards.
Coach Zac Taylor said the win was the focus, criticized the hits on Burrow and noted Evan McPherson’s 56-yard field goal.

History

Historical Context

After the NFL and NFLPA agreed to a $765 million concussion settlement in August 2013, spurred by lawsuits and congressional hearings in 2009-2010, the league introduced rule changes banning helmet-to-helmet blows and stricter kickoff rules. The August 13 2026 preseason hits on quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Detroit’s backup echo those safety reforms, prompting coaches like Zac Taylor to demand tougher enforcement.

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Story summary

Cincinnati Bengals beat Detroit Lions 16-14 on Aug. 13, 2026 at Paycor Stadium.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was 5-of-6 for 39 yards, sacked once and hit while throwing.
Lions quarterback Joe Flacco threw a 4-yard TD to Jack Endries and was 5-of-8 for 51 yards.
Coach Zac Taylor said the win was the focus, criticized the hits on Burrow and noted Evan McPherson’s 56-yard field goal.

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