“Just Like Old Times” – Joe Burrow Getting Sacked on Opening Possession of Preseason Has Fans Talking on Social Media

Joe Burrow completed 5 passes in preseason opener against the Lions.

“Just Like Old Times” – Joe Burrow Getting Sacked on Opening Possession of Preseason Has Fans Talking on Social Media

Lions defense sacks Bengals QB Joe Burrow in preseason friendly (Image via IMAGO/X)

Joe Burrow took the first snaps during the Cincinnati Bengals’ first preseason game against the Detroit Lions. The Lions defense sacked Burrow a few plays in.

Usually, teams avoid playing their starters in the preseason, but Bengals head coach Zac Taylor made it clear that Burrow would play a few snaps in their friendly against the Lions. On Thursday night, Paycor Stadium hosted the season’s first fixture.

Lions began the proceedings with rookie Luke Altmyer taking his first-ever NFL snaps. In his first drive, Altmyer turned the ball over when his pass looped up in the air after hitting wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa.

Burrow threw a couple of tight completions in the Bengals’ first drive. On 2nd & 7, the Lions blitzed Burrow and sacked the Pro Bowler. NFL credited the sack to defensive end Ahmed Hassanein.

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Football fans reacted to the Lions recording a sack on the Bengals QB Joe Burrow

Injuries had limited Burrow to just 8 appearances in 2025. Taylor, that’s why he decided to give him an early run in.

"Just Like Old Times" - Joe Burrow Getting Sacked on Opening Possession of Preseason Has Fans Talking on Social Media
Joe Burrow (Image via IMAGO)

And it wasn’t only Burrow who got the green light to start.

It won’t be a ton of time, but for our fans to come out there, they’re going to see Joe, Ja’Marr [Chase], and Tee [Higgins]. They’re going to see [DT] Dexter [Lawrence]. So, they’ll get a chance to enjoy some of our players there. But how long I keep them out there remains to be seen.

Zac Taylor said (H/T NBC Sports)

Tee Higgins and Dexter Lawrence did not play, but Ja’Marr Chase caught one pass for 16 yards. However, fans focused more on Burrow taking a sack on his first drive.

However, a few of the commentors defended Burrow. They pointed fingers at the Bengals’ offensive line for capitulating at the last moment.

Burrow completed five of his six passes for 39 yards before handing QB duty over to Joe Flacco. Flacco threw a touchdown to rookie tight end Jack Endries. After Flacco’s spell ended, Taylor sent another veteran in the game, Josh Johnson. Johnson completed 10 passes for 84 yards. Sean Clifford rounded out the quarterback carousel until the final whistle. The Bengals secured a 16-14 victory.

It’s good to get a win. I thought the defense did a really good job, especially in the first half… The number one focus I think we walk away from is we got the win.

Zac Taylor said via the Bengals’ official website

Up next, the Bengals take on the Chicago Bears. The Lions host the Washington Commanders at Ford Field.

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