The Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens haven’t faced each other many times since the Ravens joined the league in 1996. In fact, the Lions have yet to win in their four visits to Baltimore. With their next matchup coming up, here are some keys for the Lions to consider for a potential victory.
Lions coach Dan Campbell expressed enthusiasm about the challenge. “We respect this opponent, and we’re looking forward to it. Going into their place will be fun,” he said.
Key 1: Strong Pass Protection
The Lions have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. They’ve been effective at protecting the quarterback, allowing only 18 pressures this season, ranking them third in the league. Jared Goff thrives when he has time to throw, showcasing notable stats: six touchdowns and an impressive 80.6% completion rate.
While the Ravens’ defensive front is tough, they have struggled with getting consistent pressure, ranking among the bottom teams in pressure success rate.
Key 2: Attack Intermediate Passes
In their first game, the Lions had trouble utilizing the intermediate passing game, which threw off their offense. But in Week 2, they shifted gears and became the second-most efficient team in the NFL for these types of throws. The Ravens, meanwhile, have been vulnerable in defending against mid-range passes.
The Lions excel in gaining additional yards after a catch, racking up 292 yards this season, while the Ravens have permitted 254 yards after catches. Focusing on maintaining ball possession will also benefit the Lions; they average nearly 33 minutes of possession time, which is significantly better than the Ravens’ 26 minutes.
Key 3: Win the Turnover Battle
Both teams are currently even in the turnover battle, with a +1 ratio. Each team’s performance in this area has been crucial, as evidenced by how both improved in Week 2 by forcing turnovers.
Key 4: Limit YAC and Explosive Plays
Coach Campbell has emphasized the need for limiting yardage after catches. The Ravens thrive on creating big plays, so gang tackling and maintaining discipline on defense is vital. The Lions will have to balance aggression against the run while keeping their secondary alert for potential deep passes.
Recent Trends
According to a recent report from the NFL Network, the Ravens have been more efficient with outside runs, primarily due to their dynamic run game led by Derrick Henry, who has shown explosive potential. However, the Lions rank highly in defending outside runs, providing a solid matchup.
Conclusion
Given the teams’ stats and past performance, the Lions have an opportunity to break their losing streak against the Ravens. They need to capitalize on their strengths, maintain a consistent offensive strategy, and stay disciplined defensively. Engaging in both disciplined tackling and limiting big plays will be crucial as they face off in Baltimore.
For more detailed team stats and analysis, check out this summary on NFL Play.
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