Grades: Lamar Jackson Dominates Feeble Lions' Defense
Lamar Jackson fooled the entire Detroit Lions' defense with a fake handoff. With multiple offensive linemen blocking to the right, Jackson sprinted around the left edge untouched for the first score of the game.
That touchdown was the end result of a seven-play, 75-yard drive to open the game. It set the tone for what was ultimately a beatdown at M&T Bank Stadium. The Lions suffered a 38-6 loss, their worst defeat since 2021.
Here are the grades for each position group based on Sunday's performance.
Quarterbacks — C
Jared Goff was held without a passing touchdown for the first time since the 2022 season finale, as the Lions' offense never found a true rhythm. The tone was set early, as Detroit went three-and-out on each of its first three possessions.
Goff finished 33-of-53 for 284 yards and an interception. The second half featured much better offensive flow, though the offense turned the ball over on downs multiple times. Also, Goff threw a pick on a fourth-down heave.
The Ravens generated plenty of pressure, forcing Goff to toss the ball to the turf multiple times in order to avoid a sack. He was sacked five times, the most he's been taken down this season.
Running backs — B
Without David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs was forced to carry the major workload in Sunday's game. The run game struggled to get going early, but Gibbs was still able to make a solid impact.
His speed was on display in the second half, as he became the focal point of the offense. On 20 total touches, between rushes and receptions, the Alabama product notched 126 yards of offense in Sunday's game.
Among those touches, he was able to score his first career touchdown in the fourth quarter. If anything, he was the offense's biggest bright spot in an otherwise despicable performance.
Craig Reynolds had three carries for 16 yards in spot duty. However, practice squad call-up Mohamed Ibrahim suffered an apparent hip injury on a kickoff, was carted off the field and will remain in Baltimore overnight to have surgery.
Wide receivers — C+
It was a quiet afternoon for receivers not named Amon-Ra St. Brown. A week after setting new career-high totals in receptions and receiving yards, St. Brown tallied a new personal best 13 receptions Sunday for 102 yards.
Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond chipped in two receptions apiece. Jameson Williams was held without a catch on six targets, including two drops in the fourth quarter.
One drop bounced off the young wideout's helmet, while he failed to locate the second before making a last-ditch diving attempt that came up short.
Tight ends — B
Sam LaPorta was a prominent part of the passing game, catching six passes for 52 yards on the afternoon. He was the only one of Detroit's tight ends to be utilized in that facet of the game.
With Darrell Daniels released on Saturday, LaPorta also picked up some of the fullback snaps, along with linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez. The decision to play Rodriguez in that spot is a new one, as Campbell called the second-year linebacker "intriguing" at the fullback position.
Offensive line — D
The Baltimore pass rush overwhelmed Detroit's line for most of the afternoon. In addition to forcing multiple last-second throwaways, the Ravens notched five sacks.
Justin Madubuike, who led the Ravens in sacks coming into the game, used a clever stunt to beat Halapoulivaati Vaitai for one early in the game. Former Lions linebacker Kyle Van Noy added two sacks of his own.
Penei Sewell was penalized for holding twice in the first half, including a crucial one late in the first half that negated a clutch fourth-down conversion in Baltimore territory.
Defensive line — D
The Lions struggled mightily to contain Jackson, who made the most of seemingly every opportunity. When the Lions couldn't get pressure, the passer made his reads, and found the right receiver.
When Aidan Hutchinson and company were able to get heat in the backfield, Jackson simply scampered away long enough to make a play.
John Cominsky bit hard on a run fake on Jackson's rushing touchdown, while the first passing touchdown came at the end of a lengthy play in which Hutchinson and company couldn't get home.
Isaiah Buggs recorded the defensive line's only tackle for loss, and the team failed to record a sack. There were also struggles in containing the run, as the Lions gave up a season-high in rushing yards.
Linebackers — F
The middle of the field was a mess for Detroit's defense. Tight end Mark Andrews had four catches for 63 yards and two scores, both coming in red-zone situations where he was unaccounted for.
The coverage issues lied with the linebackers' inabilities to adequately cover their zones. Jack Campbell, who got the start, struggled in particular to get to the correct spots.
Elsewhere, the Lions left fullback Patrick Ricard uncovered for a 28-yard gain, and running back Gus Edwards got loose for an 80-yard reception to set up a score.
Secondary — D
Without Jerry Jacobs, the Lions turned to Will Harris at cornerback opposite Cam Sutton. The results were lackluster, as a breakdown in coverage led to a big gain on the first drive and set the tone for the afternoon.
Kerby Joseph led the team with 10 tackles, most of which came as the last line of defense against big gains. Tracy Walker totaled seven stops playing a similar role.
Jackson threw for 357 yards, a season-high total, and three scores. Three different pass catchers had over 60 yards, with Odell Beckham Jr. also chipping in 49 yards.
Special teams — C
Chase Lucas was flagged for kick-catch interference on Detroit's first punt, after failing to slow down in time. The Lions were forced to punt four times, with Jack Fox averaging 46 yards per attempt.
Mo Ibrahim's unfortunate injury came on his only kick return attempt, which went for 22 yards. Khalil Dorsey handled the other kick return, gaining 19 yards on a short kick.
Coaching — D
The Lions failed to adjust on offense or defense in a timely matter. The offense was overwhelmed by the intensity of Baltimore's pass rush, while the defense had no answer for Jackson and company.
Dan Campbell has built a reputation for having a team that competes weekly regardless of status. But, the effects of back-to-back road games and multiple injuries showed clearly on Sunday.
Regardless, there are no excuses for the lack of execution in Sunday's game. As a result, Campbell and company will be forced to adjust quickly before Monday night's showdown with the Las Vegas Raiders.
