In Week 2, the Ravens dominated the Browns from both sides of football on their way towards a 41-17 win. The Ravens’ offense responded to Cleveland’s strong run defense by scoring four touchdowns in the air. Roquan earned AFC Defensive player of the Week for one of his most impressive performances as a purple and black.
The Ravens will face the Lions next, who they thrashed in Baltimore two seasons ago. John Harbaugh, his staff, and the Ravens should have the same basic blueprint as the matchup from two years ago, but the personnel and coaching change on both sides could bring new and exciting dynamics to the field. Here are some ways the Ravens could improve their record on Monday night.
In this game, the Ravens will be without two of their best players, Kyle Van Noy, and Nnamdi, Madubuike, who is the best pass rusher in the team. The Ravens will be severely hampered by the absence of both players, especially since Nnamdi Madubuike is the best pass rusher on the team. This is not the best way to win against Jahmyr gibbs.
The Ravens must start quickly and score early unlike last week when they played Cleveland. The Lions will be in chase mode, which helps Odafe Oweh and Mike Green to pin their ears and go after Jared Goff. Goff isn’t very mobile and gets easily rattled by being hit.
After a disappointing week 2, the Ravens are likely to try and get Derrick Henry’s run game back on track. It is likely that they will be able to do so as well. The Ravens can send Zay Flowers on crosses, as he is a dominant player against coverage one and three. This will generate explosive plays. When they run single-high safety, the Lions are 25th on EPA. Flowers should run with the ball in hand over the middle field early and often.
Lamar Jackson had thrown for 375 yard when Detroit played in 2023, and Flowers himself went for 75 yards. Detroit’s game plan hasn’t really changed since then, and DJ Reed and Terrion Arnold are not having a great start to the season. Jackson’s arm should be able shave the Lions if they stick to their plan and do not make any drastic changes for this matchup.
Jared Goff, like Joe Flacco last week, is the Ravens’ least mobile quarterback this season. If the Ravens do not want to be in a shootout, they must win the pass rush today even with Madubuike down and Van Noy out. Goff is a quarterback that has a tendency to get rattled when he’s hit. This can ruin an offensive strategy, especially if it is done early by the Ravens.
The Lions’ interior offensive line is young. Although Oweh and Green putting pressure on the quarterback would be great, you can’t count this tackle pair to do it. Travis Jones and Peebles need to cause havoc inside to get Goff.
The topic has been discussed all offseason long and during training camp. This Ravens’ defense wants to be a sword, not a shield. They do not want to just let Jackson and the offensive make all of the plays. They were passive in Buffalo and did not make any plays. They didn’t attack Josh Allen in Week 1.
In Week 2, the team changed their strategy. Baltimore was aggressive, and tried to make plays using disguised coverages or blitzes. The team made two turnovers, and they didn’t seem to be afraid of taking chances. This is the formula. To play complementary football with Lamar Jackson’s offense, you need a defensive unit that is aggressive and tries to create turnovers. They know if they are burned occasionally, their quarterback will be there to score points.
It’s going be a close game in the fourth quarter if the Ravens do not blow this out – a scenario that could happen if Jackson is surgical and Goff becomes rattled. I have a feeling that the defense will make a crucial, late game-changing turnover. This moment could be the difference between a Ravens win and a loss if the game is tight.