Ravens Loss to the Lions Raises More Questions Than Answers

Monday night’s prime‑time showdown at M&T Bank Stadium delivered heartbreak for the Baltimore Ravens, as they fell 38–30 to the Detroit Lions in a loss that exposed glaring flaws on both sides of the ball. Detroit imposed its will on the ground — racking up 224 rushing yards — and sacked Lamar Jackson seven times, while Baltimore’s defense looked overmatched and disoriented.

For Baltimore, the damage was self‑inflicted in key moments. Derrick Henry coughed up a costly fumble in the fourth quarter — his third in as many games — that set up a Lions field goal and swung momentum decisively. The Ravens attempted a late comeback, but a failed onside kick and inability to sustain drives sealed their fate. Now, sitting at 1–2, Baltimore must reckon with a bruising reality: its vaunted offense may be potent, but without defensive resilience and better ball security, even high expectations can unravel quickly.

Offense

The offensive line is a problem for this Ravens team, and I am sick and tired of it. They do not look in sync; there is more confusion than anything about who is supposed to block whom. There needs to be an overhaul, especially in the interior guard positions. Lamar Jackson was sacked a total of 7 times, unheard of against a guy like him. Lamar is a great pocket passer as well, but when you're scrambling away from pressure every second on offense, it gets a little hard to be able to look down the field for an open receiver. Derrick Henry had another costly fumble, and now it has become an eyebrow-raiser. His ball handling needs to be looked at, and he knows it. Nevertheless, Tight End Mark Andrews had a fantastic game, with 91 yards receiving and two touchdown receptions. I am still skeptical about him in clutch moment situations, but this game has to be a huge confidence boost for Money Mark.

Offensive Player of the Game: Mark Andrews

Defense

There is no defensive player of the game. This defense needs to do some soul-searching and figure it out quickly. Mind you, the Lions are a great football team, and a possible Super Bowl contender, but the Ravens' defense letting up 17 points in the 4th quarter was just unacceptable. Corner Marlon Humphrey was beaten out multiple times on routes, and the Ravens' interior defensive line was non-existent. Letting Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery run all over the field, finding very open holes, was just a complete letdown. Letting Jared Goff have so much time to throw in the pocket is just not acceptable as well. I understand, with star Defensive Tackle Nnamdi Madubuike most likely out for the season (and possibly career) with a neck injury, the Ravens did not have time to adjust for this game. Still, it raises many questions that need answering now, as we still have a long season ahead.

My Thoughts

Coaching seats should be hot. Harbaugh and Orr's status as coaches needs to be discussed. I am sorry to say, but it may be time to start looking elsewhere if this is the only option to save the season. The first three games have been painful to watch, as the offense is not in rhythm and the defense is in shambles. Not to mention Lamar Jackson is still having a great season, regardless of the struggles. But it does raise the question: if I am in contract year next season, why would I want to stay on a team that does not address the same problems it keeps having every year? Mind you, there is a lot of season left, but these doubts need to be put to bed sooner rather than later.

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