Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh shared his thoughts on the Detroit Lions during his Thursday press conference, as the two teams prepare to square off on Monday Night Football.
On Detroit’s offensive firepower and how to contain it:
Harbaugh praised the Lions’ offensive scheme, noting its consistency over the past few years. He credited offensive coordinator Johnnie Morton for maintaining continuity while also leaving his mark on the system. According to Harbaugh, Detroit’s success comes from having a well-established system combined with talented players executing at a high level.
On what makes the Lions’ passing game effective, especially across the middle:
The Ravens coach explained that Detroit thrives on attacking the middle of the field with crossing and in-breaking routes. He pointed out that their offense relies heavily on play-action, which is effective because of a strong running game led by two productive backs and a solid offensive line. Harbaugh emphasized that Jared Goff is effective at getting the ball out on time in rhythm, which keeps defenses on edge and forces linebackers to respect both the run and the pass.
On comparisons to the Lions team Baltimore faced in 2023:
Harbaugh acknowledged there are still similarities, as Detroit continues under the same head coach and overall philosophy. While many of the schemes look familiar, he added that both teams have evolved since their last meeting two years ago, with some aspects staying the same and others changing.
On Detroit’s defensive front and the challenge of handling their pass rush:
Harbaugh revisited the concept of the “cage rush,” which Detroit tried against Baltimore in the past to limit Lamar Jackson’s mobility. He explained that the effectiveness of that approach depends on how much pressure collapses the pocket. With pass rushers like Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport on the edges and powerful interior linemen inside, Harbaugh said keeping the pocket intact will be critical. He also noted that Detroit mixes in blitz packages, particularly on third downs and early run situations, meaning Baltimore’s offensive line will need to be sharp.
Harbaugh closed by saying the Ravens respect Detroit’s strengths but feel confident in their ability to handle the challenge if they execute properly.
