(Photo: Fox Baltimore)
NFC Game Of The Week
Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens
Lions: In an off-season where the class of the NFC was the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles with the Dallas Cowboys looming in, you hardly heard about anyone else. Let’s rewind it back to week six briefly. The San Francisco 49ers took a humbling loss to the Cleveland Browns and the Eagles miscues and issues caught up with them in East Rutherford and they suffered their first loss to the New York Jets. The Detroit Lions handled their business in Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers. There are four teams in our league as we speak with a record of 5-1 and these Lions are one of them. Ever since the loss to the Seahawks in week two, they have regrouped nicely with consistent efforts on both sides of the football. In the last 17 games (which equates to an entire season), the Lions have a record of 13-4. Sunday in Tampa Bay was their best win of the season because I saw a consistent effort on both sides of the football. They won the time of possession battle, converted 9 of their 16 third down opportunities and on defense, I saw them turn up their physicality and I loved it. Not only do they have a top ten offense, but they also have a top ten defense and this is a hungry football team looking to prove something to the world. Dan Campbell was my pick to win Coach of the Year and so far, he’s making me look really good. This is hands down the best team in the NFC North and it isn’t even close at this point. I couldn’t be happier for them because I’ve seen them struggle all those years and this is a very passionate fan base. The Lions will look to keep winning on Sunday with a trip to Baltimore.
Ravens: After a tough loss to the Steelers in week five, they were able to bounce back in London against the Tennessee Titans. They finally gave up their first rushing touchdown of the year, but let’s be real, this is Derrick Henry they were facing and he’ll get his in any way, shape or form. I already knew what their defense was going to bring to this game. They’ve been consistent throughout the young season and you can always pencil them in to have one of the best defenses in the league. It was the offense I had my eye on because they let so many opportunities slide by them in Pittsburgh. Lamar Jackson was in control in this one. He was making throws from the pocket and throwing on the run. The only issue I have with the Ravens offense is Lamar also being the leading rusher. This is where they miss JK Dobbins and his presence on that football field makes all the difference. I’ve said this with Josh Allen and I’ll say this with Lamar as well. The Quarterback should not also be your leading rusher. I thought Todd Monken’s job was to expand this offense and further open up the play book. I will say it’s still early and there’s more than a ton of football to be played. Everyone clamored for Baltimore to put more around the Quarterback which they did, but it just seems as if they are still running the same offensive schemes. Here’s the one thing I will say about Lamar that impressed me last weekend. He evaded sacks, kept plays alive, scrambled and made big time passes when his team needed him to deliver which is why they left London victorious. They return back to the states for a showdown with the leaders of the NFC North.
Lions X-Factor: Sam LaPorta– Iowa is truly Tight End U and Sam has proven that with his stellar play early on. You see the trust Jared Goff has in him and if he didn’t, he wouldn’t target him as much as he does. Sam brings an old school approach to the position because when the ball is in his hands, he wants to truck over his defender and not move around him. He’s a big man that’s so tough to take down. The Rookie has become a key part of this Lions offensive attack.
Ravens X-Factor: Roquan Smith– I was so excited when they acquired him. Linebackers flourish here in Baltimore. I mean, the greatest Middle Linebacker ever played for the Ravens (Ray Lewis). I’ve followed Roquan since his days with the Georgia Bulldogs and he’s still the same player. Roquan is quick, instinctive, plays with great closing speed and always has his eyes on the football. He was one of the shining points in Chicago and now, he’s the man in the middle of the Ravens defense in Baltimore.
Three Things I’m Watching
1. Defense! (Clap Clap)- Two of the best defenses in the league will be on full display here. The Lions play so well together as a collective unit and Baltimore will forever be elite on the defensive side of the football. For the Lions, I want to see how they gameplan against Lamar and the Ravens offense and these Lions receivers will be a challenge for a Ravens secondary that’s struggled this year.
2. Starting the Game- The Ravens will be back from London last week. Now, understand me when I say this. They could come out sluggish to start this game which would work in the favor of the Detroit Lions here. This is something to pay close attention too. How they come out could determine the outcome of this football game.
3. Collision Course- The Lions have the best run defense in the league and the Ravens love to run the football. This will be the best run defense Baltimore has faced maybe behind the Steelers. If Baltimore wants to have success on the ground, they will have to earn it because the Lions pride themselves on running the ball and stuffing the oppositions running attack.
Final Thoughts: When these two last met, it was in week three of the 2021 season back in Detroit. Justin Tucker kicked a 66 yard field goal to win the game for the Ravens. Over two years later, both teams are much different now compared to then. I see a more mentally tough Lions group under Dan Campbell. They play so hard for him and leave it all on the field. The Ravens are off to a nice 4-2 start looking to get back to winning the AFC North. The Ravens must hit Goff behind the line of scrimmage early and often. They can’t allow him to just sit back in the pocket and throw the ball. For Detroit, they’ll have their hands full, but containing Lamar is key. Dare him to throw the football over the numbers and down the field. Don’t even allow him to throw the ball with a moving pocket. Anything he wants, he’s earning from the pocket. This will be a hard hitting football game. I like the Lions to keep winning.
Prediction: Lions 24, Ravens 17
