5 Duds from Lions' Underwhelming Loss to Ravens
After the Baltimore Ravens marched down the field for a touchdown on their opening drive, the Detroit Lions went three-and-out. On their first punt, Chase Lucas was flagged for catch interference.
That sequence of events set the tone for what was ultimately a gloomy day at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens pummeled the Lions in all three phases of the game, ending their four-game win streak with a 38-6 beatdown.
With the loss, Detroit falls to 5-2 on the season. The loss to Baltimore is the team's worst margin of defeat since a 44-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021.
Here are five duds from Sunday's loss.
QB Jared Goff
Goff was uncomfortable for much of Sunday's game, facing plenty of pressure from the Ravens' vaunted pass rush. The Lions went three-and-out on their first three possessions, before finally moving the chains on the fourth.
The veteran passer, who had been playing at a high level throughout the beginning of the season, couldn't get into a groove throughout the contest. He was forced to throw multiple passes into the turf, in an effort to avoid a sack.
He attempted 53 passes, the most in one game for him since he threw 57 in his first game as a member of the Lions in 2021. Goff was held without a touchdown pass for the first time this season.
A combined 22 of his 33 completions went to the tandem of Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown, as he failed to generate much in the way of a downfield passing game.
Also, Goff was intercepted in the third quarter, for the first time since Week 4, on a deep pass intended for Jameson Williams.
Despite the poor performance of the offense, one bright spot was the play of running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who recorded his first career touchdown.
WR Jameson Williams
After showing glimpses of his potential last week against Tampa Bay, Williams was a non-factor in Sunday's game. He failed to record a reception on six targets, including a pair of drops in the fourth quarter that could've gone for touchdowns.
There was also the interception thrown by Goff on what appeared to be a miscommunication between the quarterback and the young wideout.
Williams also stopped running early on a swing pass thrown his way in the fourth quarter. The second-year wideout will be in search of a bounce-back game next week against the Raiders.
OT Penei Sewell
Sewell seemed to be struggling the most with the Ravens' pass rush. He was flagged for holding twice in the first half.
One of those penalties negated a key fourth-down conversion in the second quarter, forcing the team to punt while trailing, 28-0. The offensive line surrendered five total sacks, as the Ravens punished Goff.
CB Will Harris
Starting for the injured Jerry Jacobs, Harris struggled in his first extended action on the outside this season. After spending the last two games as the primary nickel cornerback, he had difficulties working as a boundary corner.
The difficulties started early, as there was a coverage breakdown between him and Kerby Joseph. It resulted in a 46-yard gain by Zay Flowers. Ultimately, Harris would finish just one tackle.
The Lions' passing defense was exposed, allowing 255 first-half passing yards to Lamar Jackson. The Ravens marched for touchdowns on each of their first four offensive drives.
LB Jack Campbell
With Charles Harris deemed a healthy scratch, the Lions elected to start Campbell at the SAM linebacker position. He struggled in his extended opportunity.
Despite finishing with four tackles, he had routine difficulties in zone coverage, and made a critical mistake that directly led to Baltimore's first touchdown. On Lamar Jackson's rushing touchdown, he overcommitted on a run fake that allowed the quarterback to run free off the edge.
The Lions' linebackers struggled to control the middle of the field, as tight end Mark Andrews had a field day. The talented tight end finished with 63 yards and two scores, on four catches.
In total, the Ravens amassed 503 yards of offense. Jackson threw for a season-high 357 yards and three scores, while rushing for a touchdown and 26 yards total.
