Bird Is The Word

By: Mike Rifkin

The Detroit Lions will face another test on Sunday as they visit the Baltimore Ravens. The Lions (5-1) are coming off their most impressive win on Sunday, a 20-6 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jared Goff continued to play at an MVP level, going 30-44 for 353 yards and two touchdowns. Amon-Ra St. Brown returned to the lineup with 12 receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown. The Lions will get rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs back this week, but David Montgomery will be out. The Ravens are coming off a 24-16 win over the Titans in London last week. Lamar Jackson was 21-30 for 282 total yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Rookie receiver Zay Flowers had six catches for 50 yards and his first career touchdown. Mark Andrews chipped in with four catches for 69 yards. That vaunted Ravens defense had six sacks of Ryan Tannehill and Malik Willis and had 10 QB hits. They also forced two turnovers. 

There are a few keys to this game. The first is the Lions’ offensive line. In six games played, Jared Goff has been sacked ten times; meanwhile, the Ravens are tied for first with 24 sacks. Another key is making the Ravens one-dimensional. The Ravens are fifth in the NFL, averaging 144.8 rushing yards per game, while the Lions give up just under 65 rushing yards per game. If the Lions stop the run and make the Ravens one-dimensional, that should undoubtedly benefit the Lions. A big part of that would have someone spy on Lamar Jackson; don’t let his legs beat you. The other thing for the defense is to take away Mark Andrews, one of the best tight ends in the league. If you take him away, you’re taking away Lamar’s safety net and will make Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham beat you.