By Mark Halpern
Last week the Lions faced off against their divisional rival, the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers was completing passes through the defense, making them look like a slice of Swiss cheese. The Offense came out hot by scoring two touchdowns and a field goal before the half showing the NFL that they are contenders in this league. Then came the second half, and the Offense disappeared. The defense allowed Aaron Jones to run wild and catch passes in the flat. It was the 2 Aaron’s show this past weekend, and the Packers won 35-17.
This week is not a more manageable challenge for the Lions as they face the Baltimore Ravens. This Ravens team took down one of the most potent teams in the NFL, and that was the Chiefs. Lamar Jackson is a beast, plain and simple. I have said he would do better as a running back/wide receiver and not a QB. I was proven wrong as he not only rushed for 100+ he also threw for 239 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. This Raven team is showing the AFC that they are the top contenders.
How can the Lions beat the Ravens? Well, everyone will tell you that you must stop Lamar Jackson. That’s like telling Willi E Coyote he was going to catch the Road Runner on Sunday. The first is that the Lions need Deandre Swift and Jamaal Williams to have big days. The Lions must control the clock by gaining first downs a lot more than they have been. The Lions have always been a team known for going three and out on an average day.
Jared Goff must come out and play as he has been. Over his first two games with the Lions, he has thrown for 584 yards and five touchdowns to go along with two interceptions.
Goff must keep this going; however, the Baltimore defense is no slouch either. T.J. Hockenson has been Goff’s favorite target so far. Hockenson is in his second season and has found a grove with Goff at the helm. Goff also likes to throw the screen pass, and Swift and Williams are good pass-catching running backs.The Baltimore defense knows how to fly around the zone and pick off passes. They have an excellent defensive line and a good linebacking core. So don’t expect the Lions to put up huge numbers in this game. The Lion’s defense must come out and stop one of the best players in the league. You control Lamar Jackson; you control this game. So, the key to controlling Jackson is by getting constant pressure and forcing him into throws that he does not want to make, but if Jackson gets away from the blitz and gets a lane to run, you are in trouble.
The Lions can run and gun and score points, but they have been playing from behind in this season’s first two games, and I don’t see a change happening soon. I see the Ravens going into Detroit and again keeping the roar a meow yet again. Ravens win 31-17
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