Detroit Lions in action: One player races with the ball as a defender chases closely.
The Detroit Lions edged the Baltimore Ravens 38-30 in a high-octane Week 3 showdown. Fans got a glimpse of a Super Bowl 60 preview, complete with big plays, dramatic swings, and a relentless pace.
Detroit’s victory, following a Week 1 loss, reinforced confidence in its revamped coaching staff. Meanwhile, Baltimore now faces a 1-2 start for the second year in a row, though the Ravens and Lions both captured division titles in 2024.
Detroit’s Ball Control Dominates Early
The Lions controlled possession for nearly 20 minutes in the first half. Two touchdown drives before halftime consumed over 16 minutes. That strategy kept Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson on the sidelines, slowing the Ravens’ quick-strike offense.
Baltimore responded with big plays of its own. Derrick Henry sprinted 28 yards for a touchdown. On another drive, Jackson connected with Rashod Bateman for a 3-yard score in just 32 seconds. Explosive plays weren’t limited to Baltimore either. RB David Montgomery ripped off a 72-yard run in the third quarter. Overall, the teams combined for 744 total yards and 68 points in a game that felt like a track meet.
Lions Pass Rush Makes a Statement
Detroit’s defense shined despite the high-scoring affair. The Lions sacked Jackson seven times, tying the highest single-game total of his eight-year career. Jackson threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns, but Detroit held him to just 35 rushing yards—a rare moral victory for any defensive coordinator.
Mark Andrews Shines for Baltimore
Tight end Mark Andrews had only two catches prior to Monday. But he made a strong statement, hauling in six receptions for 91 yards and two touchdowns. One catch gave Baltimore the lead early in the third quarter, a 14-yard strike from Jackson. Andrews’ performance marked a clear bounce-back after his playoff struggles in Buffalo last January.
Metallica Moments Electrify the Stadium
Heavy metal legends Metallica took center stage for the Ravens’ pregame spectacle. “For Whom the Bell Tolls” introduced Jackson and the starters, while “Enter Sandman” blared in the fourth quarter as Baltimore closed in on Detroit’s lead.
Key Plays by Jake Bates
Detroit’s Jake Bates made a crucial tackle after a 43-yard Ravens kickoff return, preserving a touchdown advantage. However, he also missed a 67-yard field goal attempt before halftime, which would have set a new NFL record.
Ravens’ Struggles Highlighted
Derrick Henry’s fumble in the fourth quarter allowed Detroit to extend its lead. This marked the second time in three games he lost a late fumble—an unprecedented career first.
Baltimore’s defense also suffered without Pro Bowl LB Kyle Van Noy and DL Nnamdi Madubuike. The Ravens allowed 224 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Their secondary was repeatedly exposed by Jared Goff’s pinpoint passing. Two of Detroit’s touchdown drives covered at least 96 yards.
M&T Bank Stadium operations faltered as well. Scoreboards malfunctioned for over a quarter, leaving 70,000 fans without down-and-distance information.
Looking Ahead
The Ravens fall further behind the undefeated Buffalo Bills in the AFC East. Meanwhile, Baltimore drops to 20-7 in black uniforms, while Jackson now holds a 24-3 record against NFC teams.
Detroit, on the other hand, looks like a legitimate contender. With a high-powered offense and relentless pass rush, the Lions’ Week 3 win sets the tone for a promising season.
