Ravens vs. Lions: How Detroit Pulled Off a 38‑30 Monday Night Upset

by Jameson Fairmont 0 Comments

Game overview and turning points

From the first snap, the Ravens vs Lions matchup promised fireworks. Detroit entered the night as clear underdogs after a shaky start to the season, but the Lions rewrote the script with a balanced attack that kept Baltimore guessing. Early on, quarterback Jared Goff found his rhythm, threading passes to Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jermar Jefferson, while the running game exploded with a 72‑yard dash that left the crowd roaring.

The pivotal moment arrived midway through the second quarter. After a short drive that stalled, the Lions handed the ball to running back David Montgomery. He burst through a gap created by rookie right guard Tate Ratledge and veteran center Sam Porter, sprinting 72 yards for a touchdown that snapped the Ravens' early lead. That play not only put Detroit ahead but also highlighted the impact of the freshly shuffled offensive line.

Defensively, Detroit seized control by relentless pressure on Lamar Jackson. Seven sacks—four from rookie pass‑rusher Aidan Hutchinson and three from seasoned linebacker Alex Singleton—saw the Ravens scrambling, disrupting their rhythm and turning the game into a high‑scoring duel.

Key performances and what they mean for the rest of the season

David Montgomery finished with 151 rushing yards on just 12 carries, averaging over 12 yards per attempt and scoring twice. His efficiency reminded fans why he’s considered one of the league’s most explosive backs when given space.

Jared Goff: 312 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT.
Amon‑Ra St. Brown: 9 receptions, 124 yards, 1 TD.
Lamar Jackson: 295 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 7 sacks taken.
Defensive line: 7 total sacks, 3 forced fumbles.

Off the field, the win validates the coaching shuffle that saw John Morton return from Denver to guide the Lions’ offense after Ben Johnson’s departure. Morton’s play‑calling blended power runs with play‑action passes, exploiting Baltimore’s over‑aggressive blitzes.

For the Ravens, the loss raises questions about their offensive line’s ability to protect Jackson against a hostile front. Baltimore’s coordinators will likely adjust protection schemes, but the damage to their confidence is evident.

Looking ahead, Detroit’s performance suggests they can compete in hostile venues. Their blend of a bruising run game, a revitalized line, and a defense that can pressure the quarterback makes them a legitimate contender in the NFC North. The Lions now sit at 2‑1, while the Ravens drop to 1‑2, setting up a potential swing in the early division race.