Takeaways from Lions' 38-6 Loss to Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens wanted the Detroit Lions to prove to them the team was among the best squads in the National Football League.
While Dan Campbell's squad had earned a significant amount of press the first several weeks of the 2023 season, Ravens defenders Roquan Smith and Justin Madubuike expressed publicly this week the NFL is a "show-me" business.
“They’re playing good ball," Smith told reporters. "But, hey, I’m from the show-me business. So, you got to show me.”
In a game that appeared to involve two evenly-matched teams, the Ravens were the squad that played with more confidence and conviction, quickly getting out to an early lead and never wavering.
Here are several takeaways from the Lions' 38-6 loss to the Ravens.
One of those days
When an offense completes a 28-yard pass to a fullback, it may not end up being your day.
The Lions' defense had one of their worst performances of the season, collectively.
From a defensive line that barely pressured Lamar Jackson to a secondary that looked lost, it was just one of those days for a Lions team that had come into the game winners of five of their first six games.
Defensively, the team allowed the Ravens to score touchdowns on each of their first four offensive drives, quickly falling behind, 28-0, and all but ending any hope of competitiveness from Campbell's team.
Ravens take advantage of Lions' secondary early
After winning the opening toss, the Ravens' offense quickly marched down the field.
Early, the Lions relied on veteran Will Harris to replace the injured Jerry Jacobs.
After Odell Beckham secured a first down, rookie Zay Flowers recorded a 46-yard explosive play, aided by miscommunication between Harris and safety Kerby Joseph.
Harris incorrectly assumed help was coming from Joseph, who was in coverage against tight end Mark Andrews, resulting in a significant gain.
Lamar Jackson and the offense capitalized, scoring on their opening offensive drive. The talented, dual-threat passer capped off a seven-play, 75-yard drive with a 7-yard scamper into the end zone.
On the play, Detroit's defense did not set the edge. John Cominsky collapsed on the play-action fake, and Jack Campbell did not maintain his defensive responsibility, allowing for the speedy quarterback to find his way easily into the end zone.
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews
© Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Lamar Jackson showcases impressive play-making skills
Jackson again led the Ravens to a touchdown scoring drive, after the Ravens' defense stopped Detroit on its opening drive.
Prior to the game, it was observed on film that Jackson was passing the football with much more effectiveness this season, as the Ravens' front office surrounded him with more weapons.
In the first quarter, Jackson was calm in the face of pressure, regularly finding the open receiver and extending plays due to his cat-like elusiveness.
Nelson Agholor was on the receiving end of a 12-yard touchdown toss. Jackson kept his eyes downfield in the face of incoming pressure, delivering an accurate toss to the veteran wideout.
The former MVP finished the first half 17-for-21 for 255 yards and two touchdowns.
Lions' game plan was completely ineffective
It is a rare occurrence that Detroit does not come to the table with a game plan that can aid the team in securing a victory.
For the offense, multiple three-and-outs made the game lopsided quickly.
Goff and the receivers did not get into any rhythm early and were quite conservative, not taking advantage of the speedy weapons early in the game, including Jameson Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs.
To start the second half, Detroit did march into the red zone, only to have the drive stall. Goff looked to Josh Reynolds on fourth down, turning the football over on downs.
On defense, Detroit did not pressure Jackson enough, and was unable to stop the Ravens' momentum in any way. Once the game went downhill, the Ravens were able to move the football at will.
Detroit's defense was able to force a turnover late in the second half, but the Ravens were able to limit the damage on the Lions' ensuing possession.
A lone bright spot for Detroit's offense came in the fourth quarter, as Gibbs scored his first career touchdown on a 21-yard burst.
Mark Andrews is unstoppable
Baltimore's talented tight end had a big day against Detroit's defense. He utilized open zones in the middle of the field, finishing with four catches for 63 yards and two touchdowns.
His presence also caused miscommunication amongst the Lions' coverage. The impactful player dominated in the red zone, as Detroit struggled to matchup with the physical pass-catcher.
Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Odell Beckham Jr. all made impacts in the passing game as well.
