Detroit’s brutal defensive strategy that left Jackson helpless under the lights

The Detroit Lions managed to contain Lamar Jackson and steamrolled the Baltimore Ravens’ defense, earning a 38-30 win on Monday Night Football in Week 3. The AFC North quarterback was sacked seven times, while Detroit’s offense piled up 426 yards and five touchdowns.

Detroit’s game plan was clear: long drives to wear down Baltimore’s defense. Their first possession lasted 11 plays and ended with a rushing touchdown by Jahmyr Gibbs. The Ravens answered quickly, with Derrick Henry breaking loose for a 28-yard score.

The Lions stuck to their methodical approach on their third drive, moving 98 yards in more than 10 minutes on 18 plays. David Montgomery powered through the middle to extend the lead. Baltimore tried to punch back on fourth-and-goal, but Jack Campbell stripped Jackson and recovered the fumble at the Lions’ 21. Detroit couldn’t capitalize, and Baltimore leveled the game just before halftime when Jackson connected with Rashod Bateman after only 32 seconds of possession.

Before the break, Detroit attempted to break the NFL record for the longest field goal – 66 yards, still held by former Raven Justin Tucker – but Jake Bates’ kick, though long enough, went wide left.

Baltimore tries but can’t keep pace

The Ravens started the second half strongly, with Jackson hitting Mark Andrews on a post route for their second touchdown connection. But Detroit responded immediately – Jared Goff found Amon-Ra St. Brown twice in a row, the second completion good for a touchdown that tied it at 21-21.

The Lions’ defense forced a three-and-out, and the offense surged again, covering 96 yards in less than four minutes. A 72-yard burst from Montgomery set up Gibbs’ second touchdown, this time on fourth-and-goal from the 4-yard line.

After a 41-yard field goal by Tyler Loop cut the deficit, Henry handed the game away. Running left, the Ravens back was stripped by Aidan Hutchinson, coughing up the ball. Detroit turned the turnover into three more points with a 45-yard kick.

Baltimore’s next chance fizzled when Hutchinson sacked Jackson – his first of the game, but Detroit’s sixth overall. Forced to punt, the Ravens watched as Goff and head coach Dan Campbell closed the door. Goff converted a key fourth-and-2 with a 20-yard pass to St. Brown, then Montgomery dashed 31 yards for the touchdown that sealed a 14-point lead.

Baltimore made the score more respectable with another Jackson-Andrews touchdown late, but their two-point try failed. The onside kick attempt was safely recovered by Detroit.

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