After bouncing back with a dominant win in Week 2, the Detroit Lions will now try to prove they can keep that momentum alive in one of the NFL’s toughest environments.
Detroit sits at 1-1 following their decisive victory at home, but the schedule doesn’t ease up as they prepare for a Monday Night Football matchup against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
Much like their opener at Lambeau Field, the Lions will once again face the challenge of a loud, high-pressure road crowd. In Week 1, poor communication played a major role in Detroit’s loss to the Green Bay Packers, but the team made clear improvements against the Chicago Bears. The real test is whether they can carry that discipline into another hostile setting.
Quarterback Jared Goff addressed the situation during an interview on 97.1 The Ticket’s Karsch & Anderson. He acknowledged the intensity of Baltimore’s home-field advantage but expressed confidence in the Lions’ ability to stay composed.
“That place is loud. They’ll be going. But part of my job is communication. I’ve been doing this for a decade, and I’ve dealt with plenty of hostile environments. We should be able to handle the noise and keep things clean if we are who we believe we are,” Goff said.
The numbers back up Goff’s optimism—since 2023, Detroit has been one of the NFL’s top road teams with a 14-4 record away from Ford Field. That success gives the Lions plenty of reason to believe they can thrive under pressure, especially coming off a disappointing season-opening loss.
The Challenge of Baltimore’s Defense
While the atmosphere will be difficult, Goff emphasized that the bigger obstacle may be Baltimore’s defense. For more than two decades, the Ravens have consistently fielded one of the league’s toughest units, and early signs suggest that hasn’t changed this season regardless of personnel.
Goff stressed the importance of attention to detail in preparation for Monday night.
“They’re a great unit and always seem to be, as long as those coaches and players are there. We’ll have our hands full. It’s Monday Night Football—everyone will be watching. It’ll be loud, it’ll be chaotic, and we’ll have to be sharp to win. We’ll need to play really well,” he explained.
The matchup between Detroit’s offense and Baltimore’s defense could decide the outcome. If the Lions can move the ball effectively, it will not only give them a chance to score but also allow their defense to regroup and play with confidence.
Detroit’s first road test ended in disappointment, but they’ll have an immediate opportunity to prove they’ve learned from it. Goff’s experience in difficult environments will be central to whether the Lions can leave Baltimore with a statement victory.
