The Detroit Lions have proved the doubters wrong once again. The Lions earned a statement 38-30 win over the Baltimore Ravens on the road Monday night. The Lions played complimentary football as all three phases contributed to the win over the Ravens. The Lions defense stepped up against the Ravens when it needed to the most.
After getting torn apart by Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in 2023, Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard put together an excellent game plan to create pressure on the two-time NFL MVP.
Sheppard deserves high praise for the Lions' defensive performance against one of the best offenses in the NFL. The Lions defended the pass game and rushing attack of Baltimore efficiently, and succeeded where many teams have failed.
Lions defense shines in win against the Ravens
One aspect of the Lions' defense that shined in the win was recording seven sacks against Jackson. Lions defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad led Detroit in sacks with 2.5 in the game, along with four total tackles and 2.5 TFLs. Aidan Hutchinson also came through for the Lions in crucial moments in the game, recording two total tackles, one TFL, and one sack.
In the fourth quarter, Hutchinson forced a fumble on Ravens star running back Derrick Henr. Lions cornerback D.J. Reed recovered the fumble for the Lions. This was a crucial moment in the game for the Lions, as Detroit was up 28-24 with eight minutes to go. The fumble set the Lions up with great field positioning, in which they made a field goal off the turnover.
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The Lions' defense was also stout in the red zone against the Ravens. The Lions made crucial stops when needed the most, including holding the Ravens to a field goal in the fourth quarter. Detroit also made a critical goal-line stand late in the second quarter, while leading 14-7.
The performance by the Lions' defense against the Ravens turned many heads across the NFL. After struggling to defend mobile quarterbacks the last two seasons, the Lions proved that with an efficient defense, they're here to stay as a Super Bowl contender in the NFC, despite what the prognosticators first thought entering the season.