**Lions at Ravens** (-3, 42) 1:00 (1 Viewer)

[Ministry of Pain]

Had another request for early release

Go!

 

[jon_mx]

Nobody marked this a W for the Lions at the beginning of the season. This maybe the grittiest hardest-fought game of the season. Not sure the Lions have enough to pull this one out, but they are not going to back down. If it comes down to kicking FG, there is no doubt who has the edge. The Lions are going to need some help in the TurnOver/Big play area to pull this one out.
This just has the feeling of everyone overhyping the Lions as a top or even the top team in the NFL.

 

[-OZ-]

Ravens coming off a less than great game in London. I’d take the lions here without much hesitation. Straight up but especially getting points.
But it should be a fantastic game.

 

[SoBeDad]

The Lions D has been a better real world D than fantasy D. Maybe that changes when Branch returns.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

The Ravens offense has been a damned mess. They've been wildly inconsistent. And it's not just the same thing each game. The first 4 weeks, they led the NFL in RZ efficiency; the last 2 games, they could get there and couldn't score TDs. They had one game they had 6 dropped passes (officially - I counted at least 8) and last week they had zero. They are near the top (or bottom, I guess) in turnovers committed. They're schizo within games, playing lights out for one quarter and can't do anything right the next.

The defense has been mostly stellar and is the reason Baltimore is 4-2 instead of 2-4.

I haven't seen the Lions much other than highlights this year, but they look to be the best team the Ravens have played so far.

Long-range forecast for Sunday is low 60s, sunny, and windy.

I'll wait on my prediction until we get closer and see who's out.

 

[Todem]

Taking the points…..this will be a big test for the Lions.

I say they pull this out.

 

[BobbyLayne]

The Lions D has been a better real world D than fantasy D. Maybe that changes when Branch returns.

In our format they are DST8.

But, on both offense and defense, there is meat on the bone. They have stuff to clean up every week. Which is pretty exciting. Won 7 out of 8 road games playing way, way below perfect ball. They can keep improving every week.

Our fan base travels well. Took over the stadiums at Arrowhead, Lambeau and Raymond James. Wifey and I will be doing our part. Section 102 on the visitors side - allocated to the Lions season ticket holders who bought travel packages & the player’s families. We lucked out bc we are both disabled (hers is visible, mine is not.) The Ravens box office was super helpful when she ordered them. Surprised me at the end of the summer with the best birthday present ever.

Outside of Jets/Giants v Detroit, I have never gone to a Lions road game. Heck, haven’t been to any game since 2017. I have never been to Ford Field - moved to NYC in 1999.

We’ll be staying in Inner Harbor from Saturday morning through early evening Tuesday. Gonna be a great trip regardless, but I sure am hoping the highlight is catching a ferocious Brad Holmes high five on the rail postgame.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Had another request for early release

Go!

Mucho gracias mi amigo

 

[kdpatron15]

i think Craig Reynolds scores this week! how do we feel about his usage?

 

[Rubi]

The Lions right now are the better team imop.
Ravens coming home from across the pond with no bye week.
LaMar is very good but the offense just doesn't look good.
Goff is underated and their offense looks good.
I think The Lions are having fun out there every week. Nothing seems to bother them.
Nice road win for...

America's New Team- 27
Edgar Allen Poe's Besties- 23

 

[jrt103]

i think Craig Reynolds scores this week! how do we feel about his usage?

Not good at all! Just added to the injury report for multiple issues

 

[Ilov80s]

Lions are a tough matchup for the Ravens. Detroit has not been run on with any success all year.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Ugh….super busy week for me. Had my first art show (working in glass fusion and glass blowing mediums the last few months.) Why bring that up here, besides the humble brag?

Because walking through Fort Greene today (Brooklyn neighborhood) no less than 5 people shouted out “Go Lions!” or “St Brown! Let’s get it!” or something similar lol.

(context edit - was rocking my #14 cold weather hoody with the hands pouch today….fav gear ever, not counting my stupid Blue Ski Mask.)

The hype is fr fr.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Starters & key reserves

POSITION​	PLAYER​	PFF GRADE Detroit​	PLAYER​	PFF GRADE Baltimore​
QB​	Jared Goff	90.4	Lamar Jackson	88.7
HB​	Jahmyr Gibbs	62.1	Gus Edwards	64.7
HB​	Craig Reynolds	74.5	Justice Hill	63.3
HB/FB​	Devine Ozigbo	66.0	Patrick Ricard	68.2
WR​	Amon-Ra St Brown	86.6	Zay Flowers	71.7
WR​	Josh Reynolds	81.8	Nelson Agholor	66.9
WR​	Marvin Jones Jr	43.8	Rashod Bateman	51.6
WR​	Kalif Raymond	78.5	Odell Beckham Jr	65.4
WR​	Jameson Williams	54.5	Devin Duvernay	53.6
TE​	Sam Laporta	75.0	Mark Andrews	71.1
TE​	Brock Wright	37.2	Isaiah Likely	42.7
LT​	Taylor Decker (start 1-4-5-6)	63.0	Patrick Mekari (start 2-3-4)	61.5
LT​	Penei Sewell (start 2-3)		Ronnie Stanley (start wk 1-5-6)	65.9
LG​	Jonah Jackson (start 1-2-3-4-5)	63.2	John Simpson	51.2
LG​	Kayode Awosika (start 6)	61.5
C​	Frank Ragnow	80.4	Tyler Linderbaum	73.4
RG​	Graham Glasgow (start 3-4-5-6)	81.9	Kevin Zeitler	64.9
RG​	Halapoulivaati Vaitai (start 1-2)	78.6
RT​	Penei Sewll (start 1-4-5-6)	80.7	Morgan Moses	75.5
6th OL​	Dan Skipper	77.9
K​	Riley Patterson	72.3	Justin Tucker	69.5
DT​	Alim McNeil	87.0	Justin Madubuike	58.1
DI-ED​	John Cominsky	60.5	Brent Urban (DNP - neck)	61.3
NT​	Benito Jones	43.3	Michael Pierce	69.2
NT​	Isaiah Buggs	74.1
DI​	Levi Onwuzurike	59.2	Broderick Washington	45.8
DI​	Josh Paschal	73.5	Travis Jones	56.8
ED​	Aidan Hutchinson	90.7	Jadeveon Clowney (knee rest)	77.5
ED​	Charles Harris	56.4	Tavius Robinson	54.1
ED​	Roneo Okwara	72.4	Odafe Oweh (LP ankle)	84.8
ED​	Julian Okwara	65.8	Kyle Van Noy	64.6
ED​	James Houston	IR-R fractured ankle	David Ojabo	59.0
ILB​	Derrick Barnes	68.6	Roquan Smith	89.3
ILB​	Jack Campbell	50.6	Patrick Queen	79.9
OLB​	Alex Anzalone [green dot]	76.3	Malik Harrison (concussion LP)	79.5
OLB​	Malcolm Rodriguez	38.2
LCB​	Cam Sutton	70.8	Rock Ya-Sin	76.4
LCB​			Marlon Humphrey	51.9
CB​	Emmanuel Moseley	ACL out for season	Ronald Darby	66.0
RCB​	Jerry Jacobs	62.2	Brandon Stephens	62.3
Slot CB​	Brian Branch	79.7	Arthur Maulet	64.8
Slot CB​	Will Harris	43.4
FS​	Kerby Joseph	55.3	Geno Stone	86.4
FS​	Ifeatu Melifonwu	75.2	Marcus Williams (DNP hamstring)	55.7
SS​	Tracy Walker III	68.9	Kyle Hamilton	73.7
SS​	CJ Gardner-Johnson	IR-R torn pectoral	Daryl Worley	74.0
P​	Mr Jack Fox	68.2	Jordan Stout	68.1

Ravens fans - LMK if I missed anyone

 

[BobbyLayne]

Ranking the top 5 NFC teams after Week 6

I swear it's like the whole NFL media world rn is a bunch of teenage girls experiencing mass hysteria

 

[BobbyLayne]

• Lions at Ravens — Brad Rogers

This is the second game Brad Rogers' crew has worked the Ravens; they called 15 penalties in the BAL at CLE game in Week 4.

Ravens are the 11th most penalized team in the NFL; Detroit ranks 20th.

Sharp Football:

Brad Rogers’ Impact on Lions at Ravens​

In what may be a potential Super Bowl preview, the NFC North leading Lions head to Baltimore in Week 7 to face the AFC North leading Ravens.

Let’s assess the strengths and weaknesses of both teams from a penalty perspective and how the officiating of Brad Rogers will potentially impact this game.

Penalty Tendencies:​

• Brad Rogers averages 15.3 penalties per game, ranking him second overall in the NFL
• Rogers is assessing 59% of his overall penalties on the offense through six games
• Just 39% of the Lions overall penalties have been assessed on their offense in 2023 versus 52% for the Ravens
• Brad Rogers leads the NFL in offensive holding penalties, averaging 4.2 per game. That is almost double the league average through six weeks
• Brad Rogers led the NFL in offensive pass interference penalties in 2022. That has continued through six weeks of the 2023 season. Rogers leads the NFL once again, averaging 1.2 per game. To put that in perspective, Rogers has assessed 31% of the offensive pass interference penalties called in the NFL this season
• Rogers is right at the NFL average for defensive pass interference penalties in 2023. However, he ranks fourth overall in yardage per infraction, averaging 22 yards
• The Ravens consistently rank highly for defensive pass interference penalties. They are co-ranked third overall, tied with the Lions. Neither team is surrendering significant yardage though, averaging near 13 yards per infraction. With the Ravens specifically, it may be pass interference by design. It’s better to surrender 12 yards via penalty in certain situations as opposed to potentially allowing a pass play for 20 plus yards. While it’s difficult to determine at this stage, the Lions may be implementing a similar strategy. The statistics for these teams when it comes to defensive pass interference are almost identical in 2023
• The Ravens are averaging exactly seven penalties per game at home in 2023.
• The Lions are averaging 5.67 penalties per game on the road
• Pre-snap penalties are to be avoided as much as possible. Both of these teams have done that in 2023, but the Lions in particular have excelled in this category, ranking 31st in the NFL. Only the Rams have a lower per game average.
• In close games, fourth quarter discipline is essential. Only 20% of the Lions overall penalties have occurred in the fourth quarter of games this season versus 34% for the Ravens. It’s a small sample size of six games but definitely something to be mindful of as we progress throughout the season

The Bottom Line:​

• Home teams are 29-36 ATS (46%) in Brad Rogers’ career
• The Lions are 3-0 ATS with Brad Rogers officiating including two wins on the road in 2022. The Lions were underdogs in both contests and they averaged only five penalties in each game
• Brad Rogers is 37-28 (57%) to the Over in his career. However, his career can be divided to pre-2022 and 2022 onwards. Since the start of 2022, it’s been a total one-eighty, with Rogers 15-7 (69%) to the Under. Some of the penalty categories we’ve detailed in this article give insight into how that has occurred

When we assess this game, these teams are evenly matched across the board. Not just from a penalty perspective but many other key metrics as well.

Rogers’ emphasis on offensive penalties over the last 20 or so games is leading to lower scoring contests. This game total has dropped since the opening number was posted but still holds significant appeal for bettors.

Let’s not forget that these teams played two seasons ago. That was a 19-17 Ravens win on a record 66 yard FG by Justin Tucker. The Ravens are essentially the same team while the Lions have improved dramatically since that meeting.

This may be the best game of the Week 7 slate. The Lions are a really solid team and get points in an evenly matched game. They’re 1-0 as a road underdog this season and are in that role again this week

 

[BobbyLayne]

It is at a minimum interesting the Ravens are favored. Most people expect him to be favored at home. But these two teams are distinctly different in terms of consistency.

Detroit has it going on in all three phases. Their offense can beat you in a number of different ways; ground and pound, innovative concepts, chunk splash plays, trick plays. With Montgomery sidelined, I think a lot of people expecting to go away from their run game.

I don’t.

On defense they’re getting stellar work from their D-line. Hutch is the planet that everyone orbits around, but they’re also getting good interior pressure.

The Ravens, of course, still have a ferocious defense themselves. They’ve had difficulty putting together 60 minute performances, but this is a very hard test for Detroit.

The other unit - under a new offensive coordinator - features much more pocket passing than past seasons. LJ can still hurt you with his legs, but his passing is what has been truly extraordinary this season.

I generally don’t make predictions. I don’t know how these guys are gonna do. You saw Cardinals beat the Cowboys, every week good teams lose to below average or mediocre teams all the time. These are two good teams trying to reach greatness.

I will say this: right now in Detroit is playing as well as anyone in the NFL. Hope we have a comprtitive game, I’ll be there in person, and obviously I want the singular experience of going to the railing postgame so I can yell at Jared, Amon-Ra, Hutch, and perhaps even have my wrist dislocated from a jubilant Brad Holmes high five.

 

[kyoun1e]

It is at a minimum interesting the Ravens are favored. Most people expect him to be favored at home. But these two teams are distinctly different in terms of consistency.

Detroit has it going on in all three phases. Their offense can beat you in a number of different ways; ground and pound, innovative concepts, chunk splash plays, trick plays. With Montgomery sidelined, I think a lot of people expecting to go away from their run game.

I don’t.

On defense they’re getting stellar work from their D-line. Hutch is the planet that everyone orbits around, but they’re also getting good interior pressure.

The Ravens, of course, still have a ferocious defense themselves. They’ve had difficulty putting together 60 minute performances, but this is a very hard test for Detroit.

The other unit - under a new offensive coordinator - features much more pocket passing than past seasons. LJ can still hurt you with his legs, but his passing is what has been truly extraordinary this season.

I generally don’t make predictions. I don’t know how these guys are gonna do. You saw Cardinals beat the Cowboys, every week good teams lose to below average or mediocre teams all the time. These are two good teams trying to reach greatness.

I will say this: right now in Detroit is playing as well as anyone in the NFL. Hope we have a comprtitive game, I’ll be there in person, and obviously I want the singular experience of going to the railing postgame so I can yell at Jared, Amon-Ra, Hutch, and perhaps even have my wrist dislocated from a jubilant Brad Holmes high five.

I'm running to take DET and the points...and that scares me.

The only way I see BALT winning is if L. Jackson has one of THOSE games where post game, the narrative is "everything finally clicked" for Jackson and BALT. That is:

* Redzone inefficiencies are solved.
* WRs beyond Z. Flowers finally do something.
* L. Jackson runs and throws for multiple TDs.
* DET slips up in some way. Maybe Gibbs still banged up, Laporta with a calf, 2nd game on road in a row, Goff on the road shows up, etc.

As an owner of L. Jackson (and Gibbs) I just don't see this taking place.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Lions/Ravens Game Preview #1: How Ben Johnson & Jared Goff manipulate NFL Defenses

All 22 Films is a fantastic boutique channel dedicated to Baltimore & Detroit film analysis. The content creator is a former h.s. defensive coordinator; very detailed but in an easy to understand, accessible formst.

Lions fans know of it bc I share videos every week in the ongoing team thread. If Ravens are not familiar with him, you’re missing out. Great stuff from a prolific YouTuber.

 

[JIslander]

The Lions D has been a better real world D than fantasy D. Maybe that changes when Branch returns.

In our format they are DST8.

But, on both offense and defense, there is meat on the bone. They have stuff to clean up every week. Which is pretty exciting. Won 7 out of 8 road games playing way, way below perfect ball. They can keep improving every week.

Our fan base travels well. Took over the stadiums at Arrowhead, Lambeau and Raymond James. Wifey and I will be doing our part. Section 102 on the visitors side - allocated to the Lions season ticket holders who bought travel packages & the player’s families. We lucked out bc we are both disabled (hers is visible, mine is not.) The Ravens box office was super helpful when she ordered them. Surprised me at the end of the summer with the best birthday present ever.

Outside of Jets/Giants v Detroit, I have never gone to a Lions road game. Heck, haven’t been to any game since 2017. I have never been to Ford Field - moved to NYC in 1999.

We’ll be staying in Inner Harbor from Saturday morning through early evening Tuesday. Gonna be a great trip regardless, but I sure am hoping the highlight is catching a ferocious Brad Holmes high five on the rail postgame.

Well I hope you really enjoy your stay in Baltimore ! and that the game is very entertaining. I have no feel for what the outcome will be ---but it should be fun--

 

[jon_mx]

An interesting note on the Jamo TD. All the line got set except Frank, and then Ragnow grabbed the football and snapped it one second later. Goff did not have his hands out and did not look ready. It was just a quick snap which caught the defense flat footed. It was a sneaky play that both slowed the rush and got Jamo off the line quickly before the defense even realized what happened. Just those little gimmicks that can make a huge difference.

 

[BobbyLayne]

An interesting note on the Jamo TD. All the line got set except Frank, and then Ragnow grabbed the football and snapped it one second later. Goff did not have his hands out and did not look ready. It was just a quick snap which caught the defense flat footed. It was a sneaky play that both slowed the rush and got Jamo off the line quickly before the defense even realized what happened. Just those little gimmicks that can make a huge difference.

Did the same thing on the previous 3rd down - fast to the line, Bucs are flying around & pointing, Goff doesn't bark any signals, as soon as Frank sees everyone is set he hikes it. Get up get set go, defense is still reacting to the formation & alignment, nickel back is late getting to his assignment.

Trips left, Josh Reynolds on the point of the triangle runs a dig and sits down in the soft underbelly of the zone; Goff is staring him down with his helmet pointed left and his feet set left, as he winds up Lavonte David moves to his right to jump the route. What he doesn't see is ARSB, who was on the boundary outside of Reynolds, is crossing behind him. Goff flicks it right down the hash mark line for an easy FD.

this offense is a thing of beauty

 

[BobbyLayne]

Brian Branch being back will be huge for the Lions defense.

Couple guys who have really elevated their game on the past month:

• Alex Anzalone PFF grades: 1st 3g 62.7-51.9-63.9 w/ 6 missed tackles; last 3 81.1-80.0-81.6 w/ 1 missed tackle
• Jerry Jacobs: 59.8-51.2-43.2 w/ 6 missed tackles; 67.3-74.0-74.3 w/ 2 missed tackles. 3 INT 2 PBU last 3; Run Def 73.4 for the year.

 

[BobbyLayne]

[Jonas] Jonas Shaffer @jonas_shaffer · 10m

How much does home field advantage matter in the NFL — or even in Baltimore? From 2008 to 2019, the Ravens were 20-18 at home vs. teams that finished with winning records. Since 2020, they're just 5-10.

 

[Mister CIA]

Looking forward to the this game. I targeted the Lions D a few weeks ago to cover for the Dallas D bye week, but the way things are going I might just hold onto the Lions D for a while.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Missed preview #2 but whoa is this one good.

“Jedi Football” - Ben Johnson vs Mike MacDonald | Lions at Ravens preview #3

 

[BobbyLayne]

Ravens/Lions preview #2: How Lamar Jackson & Todd Monken are blending the old with the new

 

[BobbyLayne]

Branch, Gibbs and LaPorta all removed from the injury report

 

[BobbyLayne]

Lions Week 7 Injury Report:

• RB David Montgomery OUT (ribs)
• LG Jonah Jackson OUT (ankle)
• HB Craig Reynolds Questionable (toe/hamstring)
• TE James Mitchell Questionable (hamstring)
• DI Josh Paschal Questionable (13 days remaining on IR-R evaluation)

Not listed with injury designation:

• QB Teddy Bridgewater (knee)
• RB Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring)
• TE Sam LaPorta (calf)
• C Frank Ragnow (toe/rest)
• DB Brian Branch (ankle)

Ravens Week 7 Injury Report:

• Ruled OUT
  
  • CB Kevon Seymour (ankle)
  • S Marcus Williams (hamstring)
    
• No injury designation
  
  • EDGE Jadeveon Clowney (rest/knee)
  • EDGE Odafe Oweh (ankle)
  • DL Brent Urban (neck)
  • LB Malik Harrison (concussion)
  • CB Ronald Darby (illness)

 

[BobbyLayne]

Detroit is currently the 2nd best team measured by DVOA

• Offense ranks 4th
• Defense ranks 3rd

"Is Detroit a Super Bowl contender" has been a popular topic this week.

If they want to be part of that conversation, they need to beat good teams on the road. The Ravens are, IMO, a very good team on defense and evolving on offense. They've been mistake prone. But this is a tough out at a difficult venue.

Detroit has won 7 of the last 8 road games and at 3 hostile environments this year. In fact, their last road 4 wins:

• at Lambeau 20-16
• at Arrowhead 20-21
• at Lambeau 34-20
• at Raymond James 20-6
• at M&T Bank Stadium ??

The Lions have played the 13th hardest SOS. Baltimore has played the 5th easiest (28th hardest.)

Point differential: Detroit is 2nd in the NFC, 5th overall. Baltimore is 4th in the AFC, 7th overall.

You could make a strong argument the Ravens have a defense that is 2nd best in the AFC and 3rd best in the NFL, behind only CLE and SF.

DVOA and other efficiency rank the Lions defense highly, but personally I'd say they're middle of the pack. The offense is behind only Miami and San Francisco IMO. I have the Ravens as the 5th best offense in the AFC and 10th best league wide.

Should be a hard hitting, violent game with a lot of intensity. Hope we have a memorable game.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Weather forecast Inner Harbor, Baltimore, on Sunday:

Game time temperature around 60-62
Rain forecast overnight, should clear by early to mid morning
Wind - afternoon wind will be in mid teens (peak 17 mph)

That wind is right around the point where it starts to affect kicking and passing. From the W-NW, or end-to-end (left to right on the telecast.)

 

[BobbyLayne]

Since Halloween 2022, the Lions are 13-3.

During that time the Top 3 QBs in NFL passer rating:

1. Tua Tagovailoa
2. Jared Goff
3. Patrick Mahomes

***************

The last time the Lions began the season 6-1 was 1956.

That Lions team lost their final game in Chicago to finish a 1/2 game out of playing in the NFL Championship.

The following season, 1957, Detroit made the NFL Title game for the fourth time in six seasons. As underdogs, hey won their 3rd championship and first since 1953 59-14 over Cleveland.

They have not returned to a title game since. Longest Championship droughts in the four major sports leagues of North America:

1. Cleveland Guardians, 75 years (1948)
2. Detroit Lions, 66 years (1957)
3. Minnesota Vikings, 63 years (the entirety of their existence)
4. Cleveland Browns, 59 years (1964)
5. Buffalo Bills 58 years (1965 AFL Champions)
6. Atlanta Falcons 57 years (the entirety of their existence)
7. Toronto Maple Leafs, 56 years (1967)
8. Cincinnati Bengals, 56 years (the entirety of their existence)
9. Phoenix Suns, 55 years (the entirety of their existence)
10. Atlanta Hawks, 55 years (not including their years in St Louis; last title was 1958, 65 years ago)
11. New York Jets and San Diego Padres, 55 years
12. Milwaukee Brewers; and Vancouver Canucks, 54 years
13. Buffalo Sabres, 53 years

Denver Nuggets (54 years, 7 in ABA and 47 in NBA) came off this list four months ago.

***************

Question

Where are you at with your opinion of the Detroit Lions? What would a win in Baltimore do to Influence your opinion? Would you knock them down a tier if they lose?

 

[Moonlight]

Detroit is currently the 2nd best team measured by DVOA

• Offense ranks 4th
• Defense ranks 3rd

"Is Detroit a Super Bowl contender" has been a popular topic this week.

If they want to be part of that conversation, they need to beat good teams on the road. The Ravens are, IMO, a very good team on defense and evolving on offense. They've been mistake prone. But this is a tough out at a difficult venue.

Detroit has won 7 of the last 8 road games and at 3 hostile environments this year. In fact, their last road 4 wins:

• at Lambeau 20-16
• at Arrowhead 20-21
• at Lambeau 34-20
• at Raymond James 20-6
• at M&T Bank Stadium ??

The Lions have played the 13th hardest SOS. Baltimore has played the 5th easiest (28th hardest.)

Point differential: Detroit is 2nd in the NFC, 5th overall. Baltimore is 4th in the AFC, 7th overall.

You could make a strong argument the Ravens have a defense that is 2nd best in the AFC and 3rd best in the NFL, behind only CLE and SF.

DVOA and other efficiency rank the Lions defense highly, but personally I'd say they're middle of the pack. The offense is behind only Miami and San Francisco IMO. I have the Ravens as the 5th best offense in the AFC and 10th best league wide.

Should be a hard hitting, violent game with a lot of intensity. Hope we have a memorable game.

But as we painfully know a big advantage to Baltimore at the PK position.
After beating the Lions 2 years ago with a 66 yarder Tucker said he loved playing in Detroit.

Kicking conditions will not be as good In Baltimore.

Tucker is going to the HOF one day.

 

[Moonlight]

Weather forecast Inner Harbor, Baltimore, on Sunday:

Game time temperature around 60-62
Rain forecast overnight, should clear by early to mid morning
Wind - afternoon wind will be in mid teens (peak 17 mph)

That wind is right around the point where it starts to affect kicking and passing. From the W-NW, or end-to-end (left to right on the telecast.)

Enjoy your time at the game. You are representing us here. I think you being there is worth at least 3 points for the Lions,

So if we are 2 point underdogs I think we win by 1.

 

[BobbyLayne]

The Detroit Lions are 8-3 against the spread on the road since the beginning of the 2022 season.

The last time they didn’t cover was the Christmas Eve debacle in Carolina.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Lot of folk’s chirping about the battle of the gurus, Ben Johnson v Mike MacDonald, two of the best coordinators in the game. But it’s always about the players making plays: Jared Goff v Patrick Queen & Roquan Smith. I’m really fascinated to see what M2 dials up bc every week it’s a different coverage scheme. BJ is a master at showing the same look/personnel to setup a kill shot from the same platform. Gonna be some kind of master class.

Aaron Glenn v Todd Monken is less celebrated but no less interesting. Pretty amazing the turnaround AG has engineered. I mean, yeah, he’s got more dudes now than the first two seasons, but they were solid over the last 10 in 2022.

Monken is such a refreshing change after years of Roman’s no-other-offense-like-it scheme. Lamar is operating at such a high level rn as a drop back passer. Andrews and Flowers are as tough a combo as we’ll face this year.

The Ravens have run for at least 100 yards as a team in 23 consecutive games. Back in the 2021 campaign their NFL record-tying streak of 43 g came to an end. New look offense but Lamar is still dangerous & productive (with less designed runs.) Meanwhile Detroit has a more modest streak of 6 straight games not allowing 100 yards rushing to their opponents. Something has to give.

Detroit’s D-line has a deep rotation; the only weakness is trying to find a Robin to Hutchinson as Batman. We thought that might be James Houston IV but he’s on the shelf until mid-November.

The Lions linebackers are active but can be beaten in coverage. 4/5ths of the DBs are solid, and weak link Jerry Jacobs has been on a tear. 3 straight games with a coverage grade around 74, with 3 INT and 2 PBUs. Brian Branch, if he’s 100%, is a force of nature either as a Slot Corner in coverage or as a downhill box safety (grade over 80 in both pass and run defense.

If Josh Paschal gets in the rotation (coming off IR-R) that could be enough to tilt this game in Detroit’s favor. They seldom blitz; and while the front 4 generates a lot of pressure, especially Hutch and 3-tech Alim McNeil, they don’t always get home. When you flush LJax but don’t contain him, bad things man, bad things.

So freaking pumped for this game. My favorite “where are we really at” test of the year.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Two matchups that should be interesting:

1. Hutchinson vs Stanley. If this were 4 years ago, I'd call at least a draw, but Stanley has been hobbled terribly by injuries recently and doesn't look like the same player he used to be.

2. Whoever covers Amon Ra. Former AP Humphrey has been the Ravens worst DB among the regulars this season. I don't think he can cover St-Brown. I'd put Brandon Stephens on him.

On a more general note, the wind gets weird in that stadium and will tend to swirl. I don't expect ot to hamper the passers too much, but the kickers may be challenged at times.

 

[BobbyLayne]

• Lions are the 1st team to allow less than 100 rush yards for 6 straight games since the 2020 Buccaneers (won Super Bowl)
• Lions are the 1st team to not allow an individual to rush for 50+ yards in the first 6 games of a season since the 2010 Steelers (reached Super Bowl)

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Weather forecast Inner Harbor, Baltimore, on Sunday:

Game time temperature around 60-62
Rain forecast overnight, should clear by early to mid morning
Wind - afternoon wind will be in mid teens (peak 17 mph)

That wind is right around the point where it starts to affect kicking and passing. From the W-NW, or end-to-end (left to right on the telecast.)

I should know this, but does the team going left to right at the beginning also go in that direction at the start of the 3rd quarter? And is there an advantage to saving the wind for the 2nd and 4th quarters? I assume the coin toss loser gets this choice?

 

[BobbyLayne]

Weather forecast Inner Harbor, Baltimore, on Sunday:

Game time temperature around 60-62
Rain forecast overnight, should clear by early to mid morning
Wind - afternoon wind will be in mid teens (peak 17 mph)

That wind is right around the point where it starts to affect kicking and passing. From the W-NW, or end-to-end (left to right on the telecast.)

I should know this, but does the team going left to right at the beginning also go in that direction at the start of the 3rd quarter? And is there an advantage to saving the wind for the 2nd and 4th quarters? I assume the coin toss loser gets this choice?

Sheesh I had to literally say it out loud & I’m still not sure lol.

NFL Rulebook:

Not more than three minutes before the kickoff of the first half, the Referee, in the presence of both team’s captains (limit of six per team, active, inactive or honorary) shall toss a coin at the center of the field. Prior to the Referee’s toss, the call of “heads” or “tails” must be made by the captain of the visiting team, or by the captain designated by the Referee if there is no home team. Unless the winner of the toss defers his choice to the second half, he must choose one of two privileges, and the loser is given the other. The two privileges are:

1. The opportunity to receive the kickoff, or to kick off; or
2. The choice of goal his team will defend.

If the coin does not turn over in the air or the toss is compromised in any way, the Referee shall toss it again. The captain’s original call may not be changed.

Penalty: For failure to comply: Loss of coin-toss option for both halves and overtime, and loss of 15 yards from the spot of the kickoff for the first half only.

For the second half, the captain who lost the pregame toss is to have the first choice of the two privileges listed in (a) or (b), unless one of the teams lost its first and second half options, or unless the winner of the pregame toss deferred his choice to the second half, in which case he must choose (a) or (b) above. Immediately prior to the start of the second half, the captains of both teams must inform the Referee of their respective choices.

A captain’s first choice from any alternative privileges listed above is final and not subject to change.

 

[BobbyLayne]

“The Professionals” - Todd Monken v Aaron Glenn: Ravens/Lions WK 7 1-hour Preview

All 22 Films upping their game here

0:00 Intro
9:10 Ravens offensive strengths & weaknesses
24:30 Lions pass defense (Coverage Analysis)
36:50 Ravens Slot Fade Concept
41:55 Ravens Option Concepts
52:38 Aidan Hutchinson impact

 

[Ministry of Pain]

@FBG Moderator
@Joe Bryant

Book marking it for tomorrow
We got an early start on this one

 

[FarFromHome]

Feels like a good test game for Lions. I believe. Get em boys.

 

[Todem]

Ugh….super busy week for me. Had my first art show (working in glass fusion and glass blowing mediums the last few months.) Why bring that up here, besides the humble brag?

Because walking through Fort Greene today (Brooklyn neighborhood) no less than 5 people shouted out “Go Lions!” or “St Brown! Let’s get it!” or something similar lol.

(context edit - was rocking my #14 cold weather hoody with the hands pouch today….fav gear ever, not counting my stupid Blue Ski Mask.)

The hype is fr fr.

I bet the Lions at 20-1 to win the SB when I was in Vegas 3 weeks ago. Also have the Fins at 10-1.

I know they are for real. And I love Coach Campbell.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Baltimore was crawling with thousands of Lions fans today. Everywhere you look, Honolulu blue + Maize & Blue. With a few grumpy looking Ravenites mixed in.

 

[jon_mx]

Ugh….super busy week for me. Had my first art show (working in glass fusion and glass blowing mediums the last few months.) Why bring that up here, besides the humble brag?

Because walking through Fort Greene today (Brooklyn neighborhood) no less than 5 people shouted out “Go Lions!” or “St Brown! Let’s get it!” or something similar lol.

(context edit - was rocking my #14 cold weather hoody with the hands pouch today….fav gear ever, not counting my stupid Blue Ski Mask.)

The hype is fr fr.

I bet the Lions at 20-1 to win the SB when I was in Vegas 3 weeks ago. Also have the Fins at 10-1.

I know they are for real. And I love Coach Campbell.

My favorite bet was Dan Campbell as coach of the year at +1000. That should be a winner. I also have some on LaPorta and Branch for OROY AND DROY at like +4000 and +3500. Those have little chance. And some with Detroit with the best record at +2200. That has a chance.

 

[BobbyLayne]

[Lions] Lions announce roster moves: ACTIVATED FROM RESERVE/INJURED: Josh Paschal RELEASED: Darrell Daniels ELEVATED FROM PRACTICE SQUAD TO ACTIVE/INACTIVE LIST: Mohamed Ibrahim Devine Ozigbo

I see you #93 let’s get it

 

[Moonlight]

It is at a minimum interesting the Ravens are favored. Most people expect him to be favored at home. But these two teams are distinctly different in terms of consistency.

Detroit has it going on in all three phases. Their offense can beat you in a number of different ways; ground and pound, innovative concepts, chunk splash plays, trick plays. With Montgomery sidelined, I think a lot of people expecting to go away from their run game.

I don’t.

On defense they’re getting stellar work from their D-line. Hutch is the planet that everyone orbits around, but they’re also getting good interior pressure.

The Ravens, of course, still have a ferocious defense themselves. They’ve had difficulty putting together 60 minute performances, but this is a very hard test for Detroit.

The other unit - under a new offensive coordinator - features much more pocket passing than past seasons. LJ can still hurt you with his legs, but his passing is what has been truly extraordinary this season.

I generally don’t make predictions. I don’t know how these guys are gonna do. You saw Cardinals beat the Cowboys, every week good teams lose to below average or mediocre teams all the time. These are two good teams trying to reach greatness.

I will say this: right now in Detroit is playing as well as anyone in the NFL. Hope we have a comprtitive game, I’ll be there in person, and obviously I want the singular experience of going to the railing postgame so I can yell at Jared, Amon-Ra, Hutch, and perhaps even have my wrist dislocated from a jubilant Brad Holmes high five.

I'm running to take DET and the points...and that scares me.

The only way I see BALT winning is if L. Jackson has one of THOSE games where post game, the narrative is "everything finally clicked" for Jackson and BALT. That is:

* Redzone inefficiencies are solved.
* WRs beyond Z. Flowers finally do something.
* L. Jackson runs and throws for multiple TDs.
* DET slips up in some way. Maybe Gibbs still banged up, Laporta with a calf, 2nd game on road in a row, Goff on the road shows up, etc.

As an owner of L. Jackson (and Gibbs) I just don't see this taking place.

I see different ways Ravens can win this game. Primarily through their defense holding Detroit to less than 20 points. Lions struggled to score points on the road against good defenses last year and Baltimore is a good defense. Ravens also play on 100 % grass field.

Ravens also have a very good QB who is also mobile and Lions have struggled against good mobile QBs.

And if a fifty some yard fg is needed to win the game who do you want kicking it Patterson or Tucker?

Lions are playing a confident physical game but the Ravens can play that game too.

Game may be very well determined by which coach makes the best 4th quarter end of the game decisions.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Folks we had a very strong wind on Saturday. Same same for today.

Def going to be a factor.

 

[BobbyLayne]

This was the scene at a bar in Baltimore. Check that....saw with my own two this scene play out at bar after bar Saturday evening.

Out in force this weekend. Genuinely nice, nothing but positive vibes kind of people.

Ravens fans are sullen. We've met a lot of folks who have gone to 2, 3, or 4 games road games this year. Folks who have been to 22 Stadiums, 26 stadiums over the last 6 or 10 years. Baltimore fans are some of the least friendly they have encountered. NBD, who cares, you wanna be Debbie Downer, knock yourself out.

Michiganders are not quite Minnesota nice but boy it's close. Made so many authentic connections yesterday. These are my people.