The upcoming Monday Night Football showdown is shaping up as one of the early highlights of the NFL season, with the Detroit Lions traveling to face the Baltimore Ravens. Many see it as a potential Super Bowl preview, given the strength of both squads.
Both teams sit at 1-1 and are eager to set the tone in their ultra-competitive divisions. The Lions are navigating the NFC North, which includes a revitalized Green Bay Packers team and a dangerous Minnesota Vikings squad. Meanwhile, Baltimore must constantly fend off challenges from the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North.
The key to stopping Baltimore has always been slowing down Lamar Jackson — a task easier said than done. Detroit rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold highlighted why Jackson remains such a unique challenge when speaking with SportsBoom.
“His biggest trait is just how much of a competitor he is,” Arnold explained. “Whenever Lamar steps on the field, he changes the game. He can affect it in so many different ways.”
Jackson has been in top form the past few seasons. In 2024, he came close to securing his third MVP, setting career bests with 4,172 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and a 119.67 passer rating. Through two games this season, the 28-year-old has already thrown for 434 yards and six scores while adding 83 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown, showing why he’s still among the league’s most dynamic threats.
Arnold continued: “He can beat you through the air, he can beat you on the ground. Even when it comes to making decisions, he’s sharp. His edge is that competitive fire — when he’s out there, he’s relentless.”
The Ravens have bolstered their supporting cast around Jackson as well. Wide receiver Zay Flowers looks ready for a breakout year, while veteran DeAndre Hopkins has provided immediate impact, recording four catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns in just two games. Tight ends remain a mixed bag for Baltimore, with Isaiah Likely sidelined and Mark Andrews yet to find rhythm, but Derrick Henry has been a force on the ground, racking up 192 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries.
On the other side, Detroit rebounded in emphatic fashion after a disappointing Week 1 loss to Green Bay, torching the Chicago Bears 52-21. While the offense appears locked in, the defense still has question marks — something Jackson will be eager to exploit.
The last time these teams met came back in Week 7 of 2023, when Jackson torched the Lions for 357 passing yards, three touchdowns through the air, and another on the ground in a commanding 38-6 victory. Detroit will be determined to avoid a repeat, but containing Jackson will be the ultimate test.
