September
23
Offensive onslaught
The Lions turned the clock into a running machine, racking up 224 yards on the ground in just 38 carries. Four rushing touchdowns – that’s a score every 94 yards – kept the Ravens’ defense on the back foot all night long. It wasn’t just the bruisers; the line’s ability to open lanes made every play feel like a short‑yardage situation, wearing the Baltimore secondary down to the last snap.
Quarterback Jared Goff was the picture‑perfect complement to the pounding run. He completed 20 of 28 attempts for 201 yards and a touchdown, never looking frazzled even when the Ravens tried to force a turnover. Goff’s poise shone brightest on two crucial fourth‑down conversions inside the red zone, where he delivered quick, decisive passes that turned potential field‑goal attempts into full‑court scores.
One moment that summed up Detroit’s aggressive mindset came late in the fourth quarter. With a comfortable lead, the coaching staff could have dialed back the tempo, but instead they called a play‑action deep pass that resulted in a 45‑yard strike, sealing the game. The Lions chose to stay loud, a decision that paid off handsomely.
- 224 rushing yards, 4 TDs
- 201 passing yards, 1 TD
- 7 sacks on Lamar Jackson
- Key fourth‑down conversions in the red zone
Defensive drama
Detroit’s defense made life miserable for Lamar Jackson, racking up seven sacks and keeping the Ravens from establishing any rhythm. Aidan Hutchinson, back from a knee injury after just one game, threw his weight around with a sack of his own, signaling that the defensive line is back to full strength.
Jack Campbell’s interception was a turning point, snatching the ball at the Ravens’ 30‑yard line and setting up a short field that led to another Lions score. Meanwhile, Baltimore’s own defensive woes were on full display – they allowed not one but two drives that crossed the 95‑yard line for touchdowns, a rarity on Monday Night Football that will stick in their heads for weeks.
The Ravens tried to claw back by abandoning the run in the final five minutes, forcing a series of hurried passes that only accelerated the clock. Derrick Henry’s fumble at the 22‑yard line was the final nail in the coffin, giving Detroit a short field to run out the clock.
Looking ahead, Detroit’s early‑season confidence is sky‑high. The blend of a dominant rushing attack and a pressure‑filled defense makes them a serious contender for the NFC North. Baltimore, on the other hand, must re‑evaluate its defensive schematics and game‑management choices before they face Kansas City next week.
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