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2025 Detroit Lions: 4-1 Lions win battle of the big cats. (25 Viewers)
- Thread starter Da Guru
- Start date
msudaisy26
Footballguy
Best part is he was playing in the Bears game late into the 4th quarter when they were up 24 + points the entire quarter.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
I wish but they seem to be a little stitious about them.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Pack loses on a last second FG against the Browns. 
Well yeah because DC doesn't understand players can still get hurt in blowouts. He needs to prove his point.
msudaisy26
Footballguy
I wouldn't go that far, I think he doesn't have an off switch. He needs to develop that.
I understand you can't bench everyone in blow outs, but the Lions have about 8ish people that shouldn't be out there when they were up 3 + scores the entire 4th quarter. With their lack of depth at that position and his injury history Davenport is one of those guys.
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Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Bobby, are you in Baltimore yet? Just wanted to see if there were any other Lions fans there yet.
ARSB playing and catching a touchdown with 8:00 to go in a 45-21 game is stupid. There is no need for that. None.
It's going to cost them at some point.
rockaction
Footballguy
Nothing was saving this dude. Not. A. Thing.
Ever.
It was purely the cap and hopium. There are some things you sacrifice when signing one of the top DLs in the game is your goal because you do things a certain way and he’s the hometown hero and the fools in Green Bay set a market that really has made everything whacked out and probably ****ed up what you planned on doing with Aidan to the nth.
Sometimes you sign a Davenport and pray a little.
msudaisy26
Footballguy
I agree, but you have to try to thread the needle with certain players. Davenport is one of them, if you get a chance to rest him you take it.
We will have to agree to disagree about the cap. They had plenty of money to spend this year and bring in short term people, or even mid level rushers on decent deals. The cap can be manipulated, the Lions front office doesn't seem to be interested in doing so and because of it they put themselves at that disadvantage.
msudaisy26
Footballguy
And have a super bowl ring? Yeah or they could be the Eagles or Ravens or Rams.
msudaisy26
Footballguy
Early in the second quarter and I like the game plan. Offensive is being a little more methodical and keeping Lamar off the field.
ignatiusjreilly
Footballguy
Posted this in the game thread:
Maybe it turns out the Ravens aren’t as good as we thought coming into the season. But for now I’d rank that one of the more impressive wins of the entire Dan Campbell Era. The two playoff wins. Chiefs opener in ‘23. Maybe the GB Week 18 in ‘22, or the two Minnesota wins last year. So somewhere between 5 and 7.
Maybe it turns out the Ravens aren’t as good as we thought coming into the season. But for now I’d rank that one of the more impressive wins of the entire Dan Campbell Era. The two playoff wins. Chiefs opener in ‘23. Maybe the GB Week 18 in ‘22, or the two Minnesota wins last year. So somewhere between 5 and 7.
ignatiusjreilly
Footballguy
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Big win on the road against a SB contender.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Stat from Ed Werder:
The #Lions have 90 points in their last 2 games, their most over a 2-game span since 1962 (also 90).
The #Lions have 90 points in their last 2 games, their most over a 2-game span since 1962 (also 90).
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
First t comment noted that anytime all the ESPN analysts pick the same to team (Ravens), to double down on the opponent.
msudaisy26
Footballguy
Great win, loved the game plan trying to keep Lamar off the field with that much of Montgomery and Gibbs. Back in the driver's seat for the division, now get healthy and maybe find an edge rusher to rotate in near the trade deadline like Zadrius last year.
Major
Footballguy
You guys were awesome out there and look fully on board to avenge that playoff fluke against Washington. I remember after the 2023 season when my Texans were mentioned in the same breath as the Lions - franchises on the up and dark horse Super Bowl contenders. How quickly times have changed 
Great win, though I am starting to question just how good Baltimore is.
Let's see if they can build on last night and run it against Cleveland in the same manner.
Schedule appears to be a tad easier than expected. Burrow out. KC looks fairly average.
5-2 or even 6-1 a real possibility. Then McNeil back.
Let's see if they can build on last night and run it against Cleveland in the same manner.
Schedule appears to be a tad easier than expected. Burrow out. KC looks fairly average.
5-2 or even 6-1 a real possibility. Then McNeil back.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Ben who?
TartanLion
Footballguy
MASSIVE win !! One of the biggest under Campbell
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Are you still located in Scotland?
It's the o-lines first real snaps together. Calm down. Also, it can't get any worse......They are in trouble.I think they'll be okay. It's the absolute "I Know they will win the super bowl this year"
Unless he posted that in all 32 team threads
Game is win and lost in the trenches. Detroit was bad in that area today. Maybe it was an anomaly in week 1. If it's not, they're in trouble.
Looked like a Super Bowl winning caliber team last night.
The Lions were the best team by far in the NFL last year before their entire defense went on IR. This year they are even better. There are no guarantees in any sporting event, but this team has the talent and has the coaching to dominate and win the Super Bowl. I will take Brad Holmes method of building a long-term juggernaut over some mythical NFL formula which you believe must be followed. No one is perfect, but Holmes and Campbell are the best GM/HC and I absolutely love everything they have done for this franchise.
msudaisy26
Footballguy
They weren't the best team by far and it is the NFL injuries always happen. They were also the least injured team in the league on offense. So as unlucky as the defense was the offense was equally lucky.
I have never said they can't win a super bowl, or that Holmes and Campbell are bad, I do think there are better combos in the league, but only a handful. I never said there was an absolute formula to win, just a way that is more successful that they don't follow. It doesn't mean they can't beat the system they just choose to make it more difficult, but as usual you like to change what I said to claim I am not allowed to be a fan of the team.
I also don't believe they are building a juggernaut. Teams in the modern NFL that do that have all time great qbs, and I think Jared Goff is very good, maybe even Hall of fame good by time he is done, but he isn't Mahomes good, or Brady good.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Prime Time Record Since 2021:
Been a sea of Honolulu blue all over Inner Harbor since Saturday afternoon but we really took over Baltimore the last 36 hours. Ran into a lot of friends we made two years ago - both Lions fans from all over the U.S. & UK, plus locals from here we have stayed in touch with.
Last night was amazing. What a game!! 98 yard drive, 96 yard drive, sacks galore, the option pitch, Monty was great all night (but dang man I couldn’t believe how fast Marlon was on that long run….he’s not really a burner but that was insane how much faster he was than everybody else on that one play.)
Have to see the All 22 but looked like a lot more duo and power running plays. As opposed to the Bears game when they were very effective but they running a lot of wide zone. The young guards took it to the Ravens. This felt more like a 3 score win than 1, they just kept answering every challenge.
The defense was flying around. Population to the football. NextGenStats had DET with 4 missed tackles, Baltimore had 20. Total team effort. Welp, tbh STs was less than stellar, but golly the effort was off the charts. Nobody trying to shoot through and be a hero, that was the best gap integrity I’ve ever seen from Detroit against a dual threat QB.
Lamar got loose a couple times in the first half but after the 3rd drive it seems like they played a lot more zone than usual. Have to do that with Lamar. As much as I love and respect AG, he could be stubborn about playing man. Kelvin Sheppard is showing he can adjust during the game.
ASIDE - regardless of their W/L record this year, Glenn has the Jets on the right path. That is a guy who knows how to lead men.
The 4th down call at the two minute warning was classic Lions football. Ravens fans near us were like “they have to punt here, right? so score quick & we’ll still have our timeouts.” We were laughing so hard. “Dream on. 100% Campbell is going for it.”
The whole extended weekend was such a blast for wifey and I. Great food, better people. Barely looked at my phone. My goodness it was so refreshing being around fans who genuinely love their team - Baltimore & Detroit both have amazing fan bases.
What they all have in common is openness and generosity. Fans who are fully invested and don’t hold back are such a joy to be around. It is genuine, organic and as real as it gets. Good stuff!
I know home games have gotten super expensive the last 3 years, but if you can swing it, you should absolutely have doing a road trip on your bucket list. There is nothing else like it.
- Lions 12-2
- Bills 17-6
- Chiefs 17-6
- Ravens 14-6
Been a sea of Honolulu blue all over Inner Harbor since Saturday afternoon but we really took over Baltimore the last 36 hours. Ran into a lot of friends we made two years ago - both Lions fans from all over the U.S. & UK, plus locals from here we have stayed in touch with.
Last night was amazing. What a game!! 98 yard drive, 96 yard drive, sacks galore, the option pitch, Monty was great all night (but dang man I couldn’t believe how fast Marlon was on that long run….he’s not really a burner but that was insane how much faster he was than everybody else on that one play.)
Have to see the All 22 but looked like a lot more duo and power running plays. As opposed to the Bears game when they were very effective but they running a lot of wide zone. The young guards took it to the Ravens. This felt more like a 3 score win than 1, they just kept answering every challenge.
The defense was flying around. Population to the football. NextGenStats had DET with 4 missed tackles, Baltimore had 20. Total team effort. Welp, tbh STs was less than stellar, but golly the effort was off the charts. Nobody trying to shoot through and be a hero, that was the best gap integrity I’ve ever seen from Detroit against a dual threat QB.
Lamar got loose a couple times in the first half but after the 3rd drive it seems like they played a lot more zone than usual. Have to do that with Lamar. As much as I love and respect AG, he could be stubborn about playing man. Kelvin Sheppard is showing he can adjust during the game.
ASIDE - regardless of their W/L record this year, Glenn has the Jets on the right path. That is a guy who knows how to lead men.
The 4th down call at the two minute warning was classic Lions football. Ravens fans near us were like “they have to punt here, right? so score quick & we’ll still have our timeouts.” We were laughing so hard. “Dream on. 100% Campbell is going for it.”
The whole extended weekend was such a blast for wifey and I. Great food, better people. Barely looked at my phone. My goodness it was so refreshing being around fans who genuinely love their team - Baltimore & Detroit both have amazing fan bases.
What they all have in common is openness and generosity. Fans who are fully invested and don’t hold back are such a joy to be around. It is genuine, organic and as real as it gets. Good stuff!
I know home games have gotten super expensive the last 3 years, but if you can swing it, you should absolutely have doing a road trip on your bucket list. There is nothing else like it.
Snotbubbles
Footballguy
It's the o-lines first real snaps together. Calm down. Also, it can't get any worse......They are in trouble.I think they'll be okay. It's the absolute "I Know they will win the super bowl this year"
Unless he posted that in all 32 team threads
Game is win and lost in the trenches. Detroit was bad in that area today. Maybe it was an anomaly in week 1. If it's not, they're in trouble.
Looked like a Super Bowl winning caliber team last night.
Definitely an impressive win last night.
TartanLion
Footballguy
Yes I am. I was actually on a nightshoot last night 6.30pm till 4.40am so I watched the game on my phone in its entirety in a freezing cold street in Glasgow’s East End. Helped me push through !!
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Still wearing your Glasgow jersey I hope.
rockaction
Footballguy
I really like Detroit. They're like my team away from my team. But this is a legitimate question. They've been gashed twice in three games. Then again, they've been gashed by two good teams with really good offensive lines.
TartanLion
Footballguy
Still wearing your Glasgow jersey I hope.
Haha yes it’s still correct and present. Probably the worlds only Graham Glasgow jersey owner outside of his family and friends
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Three and Out: Total trench dominance, a mood shift, and arguing this is the Lions' best win of the Dan Campbell era
Baltimore, Md. — Here are three observations after a second viewing and a night to ponder the Detroit Lions’ 38-30 win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Let’s look at some of the other challengers. In 2021, there was the walk-off win against Minnesota, netting Campbell his first victory, a dozen games into his tenure. Then, two weeks later, the Lions unexpectedly hammered a 10-3 Cardinals team at Ford Field.
Both were strong performances, but had minimal stakes beyond avoiding the franchise’s second winless season.
In 2022, there was the season-ending victory that knocked Green Bay from the postseason. It was unquestionably a feel-good moment, softening the blow of being eliminated from playoff contention earlier that day. Still, all things considered, winning that game was hardly unexpected.
Besting the reigning champs on the road to open the 2023 season? A feather in the cap, without a doubt, rubber-stamping Detroit as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Still, Week 1 can be fluky, and the Chiefs were missing some key pieces. You can only knock the pins down as they’re set up, but it lessens the impressiveness.
Obviously, two gutsy playoff wins in 2023 meant more than Monday, but the Lions were both the better team and playing at home in those matchups. They did what they were supposed to do.
The season-ending win over Minnesota last year might be the strongest counterargument. Yeah, it was at Ford Field, but the way the Lions dominated that battle of 14-2 teams was something else.
Of course, there were plenty of blowouts of inferior opponents along the way, including Tennessee, Jacksonville and Dallas last year.
None felt quite like this.
The Ravens are a different animal, particularly at home, where they hadn’t lost since Week 2 last year. And the way they pummeled a 5-1 Lions team in 2023 was a hot topic heading into Monday.
Baltimore was predictably favored, had racked up 81 points through two weeks, and Detroit had enough defensive concerns to open the season that it wasn’t clear how they’d be able to slow Lamar Jackson and company.
No one disputes that the Lions are tough. However, this game required a renewal application after the Ravens bullied them into submission a couple of years ago, asserting themselves as the toughest team in the yard.
The 2025 Detroit Lions proved their physical and mental fortitude resoundingly on Monday night. It was a heavyweight fight between championship-caliber rosters, and the Lions epitomized the words of Campbell’s introductory press conference.
“When you punch us back, we’re going to smile at you,” Campbell said as part of his now-famous kneecap blurb. “And when you knock us down, we’re gonna get up.”
Detroit hit first in this one, with a game-opening touchdown drive. However, Baltimore punched back, hard, with a ground-and-pound response and a three-and-out on defense after tying the score.
Regardless, every time the Ravens drew blood, the Lions went back to their corner, got the cut cleaned, and came back swinging.
Literally.
Tough-as-nails linebacker Jack Campbell got gouged by a cleat during the game, slapped a bandage across his mangled upper lip, and quickly returned to action. He didn’t miss a defensive snap.
This is who the Lions are, built in their coach’s image. One Campbell mirroring another.
When the Lions coughed up the lead early in the third quarter, they once again went to their corner unfazed, gathered themselves, and came back with a fresh flurry of haymakers. Detroit delivered a rushing performance that a Baltimore opponent hadn’t in more than a decade. More on that in a moment.
Eventually, as the two teams stood in the center of the ring, trading blows in front of a raucous primetime crowd, it was the Ravens who broke first, losing a critical fumble in their own end.
With Baltimore on the ropes, the Lions weren’t content with trying to run out the clock, the equivalent of leaving the result in the judges' hands. Instead, they went for the knockout, a fearless fourth-and-2 call at midfield that would have been lambasted by armchair coaches the next morning had it faltered.
It was a fitting way to slay a giant, toppling a team they’d never beaten in their house. And while it’s still early in the 2025 season, it feels like the Lions proclaimed, as loud as they ever have, their championship window remains wide open.
A deeper dive into the numbers highlights just how truly impressive Monday’s performance was.
Let’s start with Detroit’s ground game. Obviously, a lot of the damage came on David Montgomery’s 72-yard romp in the third quarter. That headlined a 224-yard night for the rushing attack.
That’s not record-breaking, by any means, but it's exceedingly rare to have that type of showing against the Ravens. Remember, this was the NFL’s best run defense a year ago, leading the league in yards per game and yards per carry allowed. That dominance wasn’t an anomaly; it’s a season-after-season-after-season trend.
Monday was only the ninth time in franchise history the Ravens allowed 200 rushing yards. The 224 were the most surrendered in regulation in more than a decade, when they gave up 227 in a loss to Dallas on Oct. 14, 2012.
This, far more than last week against Chicago, when most of Detroit's damage came on perimeter runs, was a breakout performance for the team's remodeled offensive line. That unit found its footing against the most unlikely of opponents.
Also, let’s show some appreciation for the creativity Detroit is demonstrating with its run calls. Last week, against Chicago, it was a counter pitch that netted a big gain. This week, it was a read-option pitch from Amon-Ra St. Brown to Jahmyr Gibbs on fourth down in the red zone that was worthy of schematic admiration.
And how about that steady stream of Maryland I-formations, with a three-man stacked backfield? Even if they regularly shifted out of the look, pre-snap, the wrinkle likely added a layer of difficultly for the Ravens to diagnose throughout the night.
The cherry on top from the o-line was zero sacks allowed for the second consecutive game. It’s the 13th time since he joined the Lions that Jared Goff hasn’t been sacked, but only the third time it’s happened in back-to-back games.
Defensively, we’ve probably earned a week’s reprieve from those derisively parroting Campbell’s "We’re Good” assessment of the team's edge depth.
The pass rush, which involved plenty of support from the athletic linebacking corps successfully blitzing and spying Jackson, racked up pressures and sacks at a rate previously unseen this season.
You likely heard it on the broadcast if you stuck around to revel until the final whistle, but last night marked only the second time in the regular season, and third time ever, that Jackson was sacked seven times in a game.
And after Detroit was gouged by Jackson and Derrick Henry on the ground during the Ravens’ opening series — to the tune of 48 yards on four carries — the Lions' front locked in the rest of the way. With nine more possessions, the Ravens mustered just 37 rushing yards. That tally included only 14 yards on nine carries for Henry, who also lost a fumble.
Again, because you’re not used to seeing the Ravens, it’s difficult to appreciate the impressiveness of these accomplishments.
Since Jackson entered the NFL in 2018, the Ravens have been held to 85 yards or fewer rushing in a game that he’s started just two other times. Interestingly, one of those was last week’s 41-17 victory over Cleveland.
Era’s best win?
At the risk of falling prey to recency bias, I’m prepared to contend this was the best win of the Dan Campbell era.Let’s look at some of the other challengers. In 2021, there was the walk-off win against Minnesota, netting Campbell his first victory, a dozen games into his tenure. Then, two weeks later, the Lions unexpectedly hammered a 10-3 Cardinals team at Ford Field.
Both were strong performances, but had minimal stakes beyond avoiding the franchise’s second winless season.
In 2022, there was the season-ending victory that knocked Green Bay from the postseason. It was unquestionably a feel-good moment, softening the blow of being eliminated from playoff contention earlier that day. Still, all things considered, winning that game was hardly unexpected.
Besting the reigning champs on the road to open the 2023 season? A feather in the cap, without a doubt, rubber-stamping Detroit as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Still, Week 1 can be fluky, and the Chiefs were missing some key pieces. You can only knock the pins down as they’re set up, but it lessens the impressiveness.
Obviously, two gutsy playoff wins in 2023 meant more than Monday, but the Lions were both the better team and playing at home in those matchups. They did what they were supposed to do.
The season-ending win over Minnesota last year might be the strongest counterargument. Yeah, it was at Ford Field, but the way the Lions dominated that battle of 14-2 teams was something else.
Of course, there were plenty of blowouts of inferior opponents along the way, including Tennessee, Jacksonville and Dallas last year.
None felt quite like this.
The Ravens are a different animal, particularly at home, where they hadn’t lost since Week 2 last year. And the way they pummeled a 5-1 Lions team in 2023 was a hot topic heading into Monday.
Baltimore was predictably favored, had racked up 81 points through two weeks, and Detroit had enough defensive concerns to open the season that it wasn’t clear how they’d be able to slow Lamar Jackson and company.
No one disputes that the Lions are tough. However, this game required a renewal application after the Ravens bullied them into submission a couple of years ago, asserting themselves as the toughest team in the yard.
The 2025 Detroit Lions proved their physical and mental fortitude resoundingly on Monday night. It was a heavyweight fight between championship-caliber rosters, and the Lions epitomized the words of Campbell’s introductory press conference.
“When you punch us back, we’re going to smile at you,” Campbell said as part of his now-famous kneecap blurb. “And when you knock us down, we’re gonna get up.”
Detroit hit first in this one, with a game-opening touchdown drive. However, Baltimore punched back, hard, with a ground-and-pound response and a three-and-out on defense after tying the score.
Regardless, every time the Ravens drew blood, the Lions went back to their corner, got the cut cleaned, and came back swinging.
Literally.
Tough-as-nails linebacker Jack Campbell got gouged by a cleat during the game, slapped a bandage across his mangled upper lip, and quickly returned to action. He didn’t miss a defensive snap.
This is who the Lions are, built in their coach’s image. One Campbell mirroring another.
When the Lions coughed up the lead early in the third quarter, they once again went to their corner unfazed, gathered themselves, and came back with a fresh flurry of haymakers. Detroit delivered a rushing performance that a Baltimore opponent hadn’t in more than a decade. More on that in a moment.
Eventually, as the two teams stood in the center of the ring, trading blows in front of a raucous primetime crowd, it was the Ravens who broke first, losing a critical fumble in their own end.
With Baltimore on the ropes, the Lions weren’t content with trying to run out the clock, the equivalent of leaving the result in the judges' hands. Instead, they went for the knockout, a fearless fourth-and-2 call at midfield that would have been lambasted by armchair coaches the next morning had it faltered.
It was a fitting way to slay a giant, toppling a team they’d never beaten in their house. And while it’s still early in the 2025 season, it feels like the Lions proclaimed, as loud as they ever have, their championship window remains wide open.
Trench warfare
In nearly every conceivable way, this game was won in the trenches.A deeper dive into the numbers highlights just how truly impressive Monday’s performance was.
Let’s start with Detroit’s ground game. Obviously, a lot of the damage came on David Montgomery’s 72-yard romp in the third quarter. That headlined a 224-yard night for the rushing attack.
That’s not record-breaking, by any means, but it's exceedingly rare to have that type of showing against the Ravens. Remember, this was the NFL’s best run defense a year ago, leading the league in yards per game and yards per carry allowed. That dominance wasn’t an anomaly; it’s a season-after-season-after-season trend.
Monday was only the ninth time in franchise history the Ravens allowed 200 rushing yards. The 224 were the most surrendered in regulation in more than a decade, when they gave up 227 in a loss to Dallas on Oct. 14, 2012.
This, far more than last week against Chicago, when most of Detroit's damage came on perimeter runs, was a breakout performance for the team's remodeled offensive line. That unit found its footing against the most unlikely of opponents.
Also, let’s show some appreciation for the creativity Detroit is demonstrating with its run calls. Last week, against Chicago, it was a counter pitch that netted a big gain. This week, it was a read-option pitch from Amon-Ra St. Brown to Jahmyr Gibbs on fourth down in the red zone that was worthy of schematic admiration.
And how about that steady stream of Maryland I-formations, with a three-man stacked backfield? Even if they regularly shifted out of the look, pre-snap, the wrinkle likely added a layer of difficultly for the Ravens to diagnose throughout the night.
The cherry on top from the o-line was zero sacks allowed for the second consecutive game. It’s the 13th time since he joined the Lions that Jared Goff hasn’t been sacked, but only the third time it’s happened in back-to-back games.
Defensively, we’ve probably earned a week’s reprieve from those derisively parroting Campbell’s "We’re Good” assessment of the team's edge depth.
The pass rush, which involved plenty of support from the athletic linebacking corps successfully blitzing and spying Jackson, racked up pressures and sacks at a rate previously unseen this season.
You likely heard it on the broadcast if you stuck around to revel until the final whistle, but last night marked only the second time in the regular season, and third time ever, that Jackson was sacked seven times in a game.
And after Detroit was gouged by Jackson and Derrick Henry on the ground during the Ravens’ opening series — to the tune of 48 yards on four carries — the Lions' front locked in the rest of the way. With nine more possessions, the Ravens mustered just 37 rushing yards. That tally included only 14 yards on nine carries for Henry, who also lost a fumble.
Again, because you’re not used to seeing the Ravens, it’s difficult to appreciate the impressiveness of these accomplishments.
Since Jackson entered the NFL in 2018, the Ravens have been held to 85 yards or fewer rushing in a game that he’s started just two other times. Interestingly, one of those was last week’s 41-17 victory over Cleveland.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Mood swing
Remember Week 1? Remember the vibes after the Green Bay Packers dominated the Lions? The tone of talk radio, in both cities, figures to be distinctly different to start this week.Whispers of an undefeated season had infiltrated Packer land after two unquestionably impressive performances to open the season. Then they went out and laid an egg on the road against a winless Browns team.
At the same time, the Lions had to contend with contrasting overreaction. The departure of Ben Johnson was going to ruin the offense. The blocking was cooked without Frank Ragnow. The Packers did what the Lions wouldn’t, boldly trading for a superstar edge rusher — conveniently ignoring the fact that Detroit’s current and future cap space is being allocated to retaining its core because general manager Brad Holmes has drafted an entire stable of studs.
It’s a lesson that won’t be learned, but one week, especially the first week of the NFL season, doesn’t mean much. Even now, three weeks in, more than 80% of the 2025 campaign remains. Still, water is starting to find its level.
The 1.5-game lead the Packers quickly opened on the Lions is gone. They still hold the tie-breaker by virtue of the head-to-head win, and the NFC North race should be competitive all the way to the finish line, but it was never as bad as you thought it was in the days following the season-opening matchup.
Also, remember that daunting schedule we discussed all offseason, self included? There’s a reason I don’t take part in season-long predictions. The landscape of the league changes too quickly due to injuries.
The Bengals in two weeks? It's not the same with Joe Burrow sidelined by a toe injury. Kansas City? They look old, already with as many losses through three games as they had last season, with what figures to be an angry Baltimore team on deck.
Sure, a primetime matchup against a pesky (and undefeated) Tampa Bay, a road tilt in Philadelphia and the much-anticipated rematch with Green Bay loom. However, with the way Detroit convincingly handled its business in one of the league’s toughest environments on Monday, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them get on a roll reminiscent of last year, when they set a franchise record with an 11-game winning streak.
Wait, who is overreacting now?
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Definitely some coverage sacks. Great game plan by our DC, jam the inside run, contain the pocket, cover. Obviously easier said than done, but they did it well.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
heard this from Robert Mays on The Athletic Football Show today:
The Lions were rushing 3 of their 4 down lineman, dropping one in short zone, and mixing in an Offball LB to spy. Anzalone, Barnes, Campbell & Nowaske had 3.5 sacks.
Behind them, the back 7 were in a variety of coverages. Did a good job disguising. What they played rarely matched the pre-snap read.
Coaching, man, plus players willing to be selfless & trust their teammates.
Not the best PFF grade games for Arnold or BB, but the Ravens coverage grades might be career lows for Hamilton & Humphrey.
The Lions were rushing 3 of their 4 down lineman, dropping one in short zone, and mixing in an Offball LB to spy. Anzalone, Barnes, Campbell & Nowaske had 3.5 sacks.
Behind them, the back 7 were in a variety of coverages. Did a good job disguising. What they played rarely matched the pre-snap read.
Coaching, man, plus players willing to be selfless & trust their teammates.
Not the best PFF grade games for Arnold or BB, but the Ravens coverage grades might be career lows for Hamilton & Humphrey.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
When you play good teams sometimes you have to out gash them, like last night.
rockaction
Footballguy
Oh, I meant Baltimore got gashed. Pardon me. I was saying that Payne's question about how good Baltimore really is was legit. I was half-apologizing because saying Baltimore isn't that great puts a damper on things.
Baltimore is a very good team.
The Washington game was not a fluke. Detroit fielded players on defense who had no business being on the field due to the worst plague of injuries on defense ever. A good QB looks all-world against a pitiful defense. That was not a shocking loss.
You guys were awesome out there and look fully on board to avenge that playoff fluke against Washington. I remember after the 2023 season when my Texans were mentioned in the same breath as the Lions - franchises on the up and dark horse Super Bowl contenders. How quickly times have changed
The Washington game was not a fluke. Detroit fielded players on defense who had no business being on the field due to the worst plague of injuries on defense ever. A good QB looks all-world against a pitiful defense. That was not a shocking loss.
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The best camera angle looked like part of the ball was clearly outside the outer edge of the posts. It is not the perfect angle so it could have been misleading. I would have overturned the call but I can't blame the reply guys for having some doubt. Without the correct angle looking directly above the posts, it is not 100 conclusive.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Maybe one day we’ll have the technology to overcome that kind of ambiguity
LIONS 2nd possession:
Did anyone watching on tv think that “lateral” that ended up being a loss recovered by Gibbs was a forward position pass? Was confusing….everyone around me thought it was an incomplete pass. Play by play says Goff fumble recovered by Jah. On the Jumbotron looked a b.s. call.
Watching live it looked like it was clearly a forward pass as Goff was moving backwards. But the reply looked like the path of the ball was sideways. Could not tell if it went forward or backwards.
Equally lucky???? Do you follow the team
Equally lucky? The injuries on defense were historically the worst in NFL history. Like 6 sigma off the norm. Whereas they were fortunate on offense, it was not some historically fortunate freak event. It was well within the statistical norm.
