Cincinnati Bengals fans were already spiraling over the upcoming NFL season on the first drive of Thursday’s preseason game.
Joe Burrow and co. returned to action in one of the first preseason games ahead of the upcoming season when they faced the Detroit Lions in Cincinnati.
However, one moment early into the clash did not leave Bengals fans full of confidence about their Super Bowl chances.
Burrow and the offense took to the field for the first after safety Jordan Battle intercepted Luke Altmyer on the opening drive.
However, the Bengals’ first drive of the 2026 preseason ended in familiar concern for Burrow when the signal caller was sacked for a nine-yard loss by Detroit Lions edge defender Ahmed Hassanein.
It helped stall a four-play drive that ended with a punt for Cincinnati on their opening possession.
Cincinnati Bengals fans were already spiraling during the first drive of their preseason game
Quarterback Joe Burrow was sacked during Cincinnati’s opening possession against the Lions
The sack on Burrow sparked concern among fans, who began spiralling into a meltdown over the safety of their quarterback for the upcoming season.
Many Bengals supporters, seemingly believing Burrow is not well protected by his offensive line, began declaring that the former No. 1 overall pick would not make it to the start of the regular season.
‘Same old Bengals,’ one account wrote on X alongside a clip of the moment. ‘Burrow is out there in the preseason getting sacked. Bro ain’t gonna make it to the regular season.’
‘Joe Burrow not gonna make through the season man. Three Lions around him and the closest Bengals lineman 3 yards away,’ another said, dissecting the moment.
‘Joe burrow getting hit like this in a [preseason] game is nasty lmao bengals line gonna have out by week 4,’ a third posted.
‘Death, taxes, and Joe Burrow has no oline,’ shared a fourth, while another sarcastically asked, ‘But I was told the Bengals fixed their Offensive Line?’
‘It’s nice to see the O line pick up right where they left off,’ chimed in another.
Even former NFL player turned analyst Emmanuel Acho weighed in, posting: ‘In two drives Joe Burrow has taken a sack and a pressure vs the Lions second team defense… I think we’ve seen enough, let’s get him out the game.’
Burrow played just two series before veteran backup Joe Flacco (pictured) entered the game
Acho got his wish with Burrow ultimately playing just two series before veteran backup Joe Flacco entered the game.
Burrow went 5-for-6 for 39 yards, with his only incompletion coming when his arm was hit. He had a 16-yard completion to Ja’Marr Chase.
The Bengals went 32 yards in nine plays on Burrow’s second series, with Evan McPherson kicking a 56-yard field goal.
Flacco replaced Burrow and threw a four-yard touchdown pass to Jack Endries in the second quarter, giving the Bengals a 10-0 lead.
The Bengals’ offensive line has come under scrutiny in recent seasons following multiple injuries to Burrow.
The LSU alum’s 2025 season was derailed after he suffered a severe turf toe injury in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars that required surgery.
He was sidelined for over two months before making a return for the Bengals during their Thanksgiving clash in Week 13.
