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Orlovsky helps Lions rally past Bengals in preseason opener

Aug 10, 2007 - 3:46 AM DETROIT (Ticker) -- Dan Orlovsky threw two touchdown passes in the final seven minutes, including a seven-yarder to Kevin Kasper with 1:55 remaining, to help the Detroit Lions rally for a 27-26 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the preseason opener for both teams Thursday.

Shayne Graham, who kicked four field goals for Cincinnati (0-1), missed wide left on a 48-yard attempt as time expired.

Detroit (1-0) started its comeback after rookie linebacker Matt Toeaina's 81-yard interception return gave the Bengals a 26-10 lead with 10:16 left in the fourth quarter.

Orlovsky, Detroit's third quarterback of the game, triggered the surge with a five-yard TD pass to Ron Bellamy that capped an 80-yard drive. The Lions then closed to within 26-20 on a 25-yard field goal by Kenny Byrd with 2:45 to go.

Detroit attempted an onside kick, and Tony Beckham recovered it on the Cincinnati 37. On the first play of the winning drive, Orlovsky hit Kasper for 30 yards, then rolled out and found him in the end zone for the tying score, after which Byrd added the extra point.

Detroit passed for 497 yards, including 220 by Orlovsky, who completed 15-of-23 attempts.

Wide receiver Calvin Johnson, selected by the Lions with the second overall pick in the draft, caught his first two passes late in the first half for 24 and 21 yards, respectively, to help set up a 29-yard field goal by Jason Hanson.

Bengals starting quarterback Carson Palmer completed 7-of-10 passes for 93 yards, while Detroit starter Jon Kitna was 3-of-5 for 52 yards.