Monday began with thunderstorms over Baltimore, but by kickoff the skies had cleared. As the workday wrapped up, the stage was set: the Detroit Lions visiting the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football.
The Lions entered without edge rusher Marcus Davenport, but still carried their trademark grit. Taylor Decker and D.J. Reed were healthy, though one surprise was RB Craig Reynolds’ first inactive in two years. In his place, second-year back Sione Vaki took the RB3 role.
Lions Strike First
On just the second play from scrimmage, Jared Goff stood tall in a clean pocket and found Jameson Williams for 24 yards. A few snaps later, Williams hauled in another for 19, pushing Detroit deep into Ravens territory. Facing a fourth down near the goal line, the Lions stuck to their aggressive nature. After heavy pre-snap motion, Goff hit Amon-Ra St. Brown for a first down at the 5. Two carries later, Jahmyr Gibbs punched it in for a 7–0 Lions lead. Note: The Lions ran on first down all four times during the opening drive.
Ravens Respond Quickly
Baltimore wasted no time answering. Lamar Jackson opened with a strike to Mark Andrews, then used a mix of Derrick Henry runs and his own legs to keep the chains moving. On third down, a quick snap caught Detroit off guard, and Henry ripped off a 28-yard touchdown to tie it 7–7.
Lions Stall, Ravens Blink
Detroit’s second drive fizzled after a disastrous screen attempt turned into a backwards pass and a nine-yard loss. Jack Fox came on for the punt, handing the ball back to Baltimore. The Lions’ goal was clear—chew clock and keep Jackson and Henry off the field—but a three-and-out wasn’t the formula.
The Ravens began at their own 22. After an early first down, Detroit tightened up. Henry was stuffed, and Lamar overshot his receiver on third. Baltimore’s punt pinned the Lions inside their own two, plus a holding call buried them deeper.
Lions’ Marathon Drive
Backed up against their own goal line, Detroit leaned on Sam LaPorta. He converted multiple third downs, first with his hands, then with his blocking. Montgomery bulldozed defenders, Gibbs slashed through gaps, and Goff even scrambled for a few. Heavy motion and balance kept the Ravens guessing as the Lions strung together a nine-minute, 98-yard masterpiece. It ended with Montgomery hammering in from the 1 to put Detroit up 14–7.
Defense Bends but Doesn’t Break
The Ravens answered with a huge kick return, stopped only by Lions kicker Jake Bates in a touchdown-saving tackle. Lamar converted a third down to Rashod Bateman, then hit Tez Walker deep for 30 yards after rookie Terrion Arnold was turned around. Baltimore pounded Henry at the goal line three times, only for Jack Campbell to jar the ball loose from Jackson on fourth down, ending the threat and flipping momentum.
Late Swings Before Halftime
Detroit couldn’t capitalize, though, going three-and-out after a short Ravens penalty. A poor punt gave Baltimore prime field position, and aided by a PI call on Arnold, the Ravens tied it at 14–14 with just over a minute left.
The Lions pushed the ball to Baltimore’s 49 in the final seconds, giving Jake Bates a chance from 67 yards. His kick came up short, sending the teams into the locker room knotted 14–14.