When thinking about the upcoming matchup between the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens, it’s hard not to think of their last matchup back in 2023.
The Lions had finally turned the corner. They had taken down the Kansas City Chiefs in the opener. They had gotten out to a 5-1 record to start the year. It finally felt like they were as good as anyone else. Then a trip to Baltimore ended in a 38-6 shellacking that made Lions fans feel like they were further away than ever from a Super Bowl. It was shocking,
it was disheartening, and it’s clearly scarring, because I’m still talking about it.
While the Ravens’ defense was smothering, it was their offense that looked particularly unstoppable. Lamar Jackson nearly had a perfect passer rating (155.8) after completing 21-of-27 passes for 357 yards and three scores. On the ground, the Ravens rushed for 146 yards and two scores. They scored touchdowns on all four of their first drives, and were threatening to score on their fifth before Jackson fumbled the snap. The game was already over at halftime (28-0).
Okay, enough of this trip down memory hell.
The Lions and Ravens are different teams than they were two years ago, but in a lot of ways, they are the same. Both teams still sport elite offenses and are considered Super Bowl contenders this year. So today’s Question of the Day is:
What is the key to stopping the Ravens’ offense?
My answer: It’s going to have to be excellent play from the secondary. Back in 2023, the Lions’ starting outside corners were Cam Sutton and Will Harris. Brian Branch (who only played 30 snaps vs. the Ravens) was starting at nickel, while Tracy Walker and Kerby Joseph were at safety.
On paper, the Lions’ secondary is much better now. Branch is now a full-timer at safety alongside All-Pro Kerby Joseph. The outside cornerbacks are D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold, with underrated Amik Robertson at nickel.
However, I say this is an improvement only on paper, because this unit has disappointed a bit through two games. After a strong training camp, Arnold has struggled through two games. And while Reed is shining as a run defender, he has yet to log a pass defense in two games.
And the pressure will be on them heavily in this game. Not only is the Lions’ front seven expected to sell out to stop the run, but when it comes to Detroit’s pass rush, it will be heavily reliant upon coverage being sticky for a long time.
Detroit is likely to try and crush the pocket rather than get to Jackson quickly. That’s because if you come at Jackson and miss, he will punish you with his escapability. He is extremely tough to take down, and the best way to do that is to shrink the size of the pocket and have gap integrity. The problem with that approach is… it takes time. It requires Jackson to hold onto the football, and the only way he’ll do that is if his receivers are not open.
And these aren’t your Ravens receivers of old. Zay Flowers is in Year 3 and is already looking like a potential top-10 receiver. DeAndre Hopkins may be 33 years old, but he’s got tremendous hands and has already found the end zone twice through two games. And don’t sleep on Rashod Bateman, who set a career-high 756 yards and nine touchdowns last year.
So if the Lions’ secondary isn’t up for the task, it could be another long night in Baltimore.
Which position group or specific players do you think will be key against the Ravens this week?
