The Detroit Lions made a major statement on Monday night, defeating the Baltimore Ravens 38-30 in a game defined by relentless defensive pressure. While Lamar Jackson showed flashes of his MVP-level talent through the air, Detroit’s defense prevented him from taking over with his legs — a key factor in the outcome.
Jackson finished with three touchdown passes and averaged 10.7 yards per attempt without throwing an interception. However, Detroit’s defensive front overwhelmed him in the pocket, bringing him down seven times. That total tied the most sacks Jackson has ever taken in a single game, a mark he last hit in 2020 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. On the ground, he was held to just 35 rushing yards.
Head coach Dan Campbell praised the discipline and execution of his defenders.
“Those guys were disciplined, played off each other, and never gave him room,” Campbell said. “They didn’t overcommit or make reckless plays. They closed the net around him, and that was the difference.”
Pro Bowl edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson collected his second sack of the season, but the standout performance came from the collective unit. Detroit played without starting defensive end Marcus Davenport, who was placed on injured reserve before kickoff, yet the group delivered its best pass-rushing display since Campbell took over in 2021.
Al-Quadin Muhammad, stepping in for Davenport, shined with a career-high 2.5 sacks — his first multi-sack game since 2021. In all, six different Lions defenders contributed at least half a sack, illustrating the depth and balance Campbell emphasized after the game.
Detroit’s defense was coming off a solid effort against the Chicago Bears in Week 2, when they notched four sacks. But Monday night took things to another level. The seven sacks were the most ever allowed by the Ravens in a single game in franchise history, matching only a performance against Pittsburgh three years ago.
The Lions didn’t just neutralize Jackson. They also kept star running back Derrick Henry under wraps. Known for punishing defenses that overcommit to stopping Jackson, Henry was limited to 50 yards on 12 carries, averaging just 4.2 yards per attempt. By shutting down both threats, Detroit set the tone and controlled the tempo.
Campbell credited the success to every defender doing his job and trusting the system. With Davenport sidelined for at least three more games due to a chest injury, the Lions will need to continue leaning on a group-oriented approach to maintain their pass rush.
Detroit now shifts its focus to Week 4, when the team returns home to face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 28. After proving they can pressure one of the league’s most elusive quarterbacks, the Lions will look to build momentum and further establish themselves as a contender in the NFC.
