Containing a perennial MVP candidate is hard. Containing a perennial 1,000-yard rusher is also hard. Containing both of them on the same team? Damn near impossible. But that’s exactly the task in front of the Detroit Lions as they head to Baltimore for Monday Night Football.
The last time these two teams met, it was ugly. If you’ve managed to block that game from memory, good for you. But let me refresh—Baltimore jumped out 21-0 and never looked back. The Lions’ offense sputtered, the defense wore down, and the hole got six feet deep before Detroit finally showed signs of life. Jahmyr Gibbs scored his first career touchdown that day, but that was the only real highlight in a 38-6 beatdown.
History isn’t on Detroit’s side either. Since the Ravens’ first game in 1996, the Lions have lost six of seven meetings. Jim Harbaugh even threw Baltimore’s very first touchdown against Detroit back in that team's first meeting. But that was then, and this is now.
These aren’t the same old Lions. Since Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell took over, Detroit has been rewriting its history—jaw-dropping wins, playoff runs, and a roster built tough enough to go toe-to-toe with anyone. Beating Baltimore on their home turf would be another giant step forward, and the first Lions win in Baltimore since 1977, when they beat the Colts 13-10.
So how do they pull it off? Here are the three keys:
1. Stay the Course—No Matter What
The Ravens love to deliver knockout blows early. In 2023, they led 14-0 after the first quarter, 28-0 at halftime, and 35-0 before the Lions even touched the ball in the second half. Detroit unraveled mentally and never found their footing.
This team is different now. Sam LaPorta admitted it after watching that film: “We have to start faster. I don’t want to say we hit the panic button too early… but we definitely were a little frantic.”
Back then, the Lions were talented but still young. Now those rookies—LaPorta, Jack Campbell, Brian Branch, Jahmyr Gibbs—are in their third seasons, hardened by experience and postseason battles. If Baltimore lands some early punches this time, Detroit must stay calm, keep their identity, and play all four quarters. No panic, no pressing.
2. Win the Time of Possession Battle
Detroit has shown they can play methodical, ball-control football when they want to. Against Chicago last week, they executed long, clock-draining drives mixed with the occasional deep shot to Jameson Williams. Even in their Week 1 loss to Green Bay, they dominated time of possession.
That approach will be critical here. The Lions don’t want a shootout with Baltimore—Lamar Jackson can turn those games into track meets. Instead, Detroit must grind the Ravens down with long drives, short-yardage gains, and efficient third-down conversions.
If this game comes down to the wire, staying close gives Detroit a chance to flip it late—maybe even with Jake Bates delivering another dramatic kick. But that only happens if the Lions control tempo and keep Lamar watching from the sideline.
3. Attack the Middle of the Field
Baltimore’s defense is elite, but they’ve shown one weakness early: covering tight ends. Through two weeks, they’ve given up the second-most catches (16) and yards (185) to opposing TEs.
That means it’s time for Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright to feast. And keep an eye on Isaac TeSlaa—the “one-handed maniac.” After jumping from three to 14 snaps last week, his role could expand even further. Baltimore will sell out to contain Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Gibbs. That opens the door for Detroit’s tight ends and depth receivers to do damage underneath.
By forcing the Ravens to respect the middle of the field, Detroit can open up big-play chances for their stars later in the game.
Final Word
The Lions face an uphill battle—history, environment, and one of the NFL’s most complete teams. But this isn’t about history. It’s about who they are now. If they keep their composure, control the ball, and attack where Baltimore is weakest, Detroit has every chance to walk out of M&T Bank Stadium with a statement win.
It’s been nearly 50 years since the Lions last won a game in Baltimore. Monday night is the chance to party like it’s 1977.