We all know what happened to the Lions Sunday at Baltimore. What a beating.
What is less discernible is why.
Was it injuries? The Lions’ running back corps is alarmingly thin with David Montgomery out, forcing rookie Jahmyr Gibbs into a less-than-ideal role as an every down back. He is also a poor pass protector, putting quarterback Jared Goff in a precarious position.
Cornerback Jerry Jacobs missed the start. So did guard Jonah Jackson.
But starters, cornerback Brian Branch and guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai, returned. Seems like a wash.
OK, was it because the Lions are getting too big for their britches and took the Ravens lightly? Human nature, undoubtedly, is a factor, and there are endless sound bites hailing the Lions as one of the best NFL’s best teams.
Yet, such letdowns haven’t been part of the Lions’ DNA under Dan Campbell, who is a master motivator.
Maybe the Ravens are just really good. Lamar Jackson is re-establishing himself as an elite QB with crisp pocket passing, in addition to efficiently utilizing his legendary wheels. However, the Steelers and the Colts each held the Ravens under 20 points.
Perhaps it was just inevitable the Lions, 13-3 in their previous 16 games, were due for a stinker. You know, this season’s version of 2022’s game at Carolina.
Most likely, it was all of the above to varying degrees.
A mistake would be reading too much into one game.
It isn’t what happened to the Lions Sunday that matters as much how they react to it.
The NFC North is woeful, and Detroit faces division foes five more times, three at Ford Field. The Denver and Raiders tilts will be at home. Seems like a layup to 12 wins for the 5-2 Lions.
The most concerning aspect of Sunday’s loss was how open the middle of the field was for Jackson and his receivers to exploit. Whatever the Ravens did will undoubtedly serve as a blueprint for future opponents. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn will need to adjust accordingly.
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Hopefully, Sunday’s loss doesn’t mean general manager Brad Holmes will be less aggressive at the NFL’s trade deadline, which is Oct. 30.
This team is still capable of winning 14 games and having the NFC’s top-seed in the postseason, but Holmes needs to augment the lineup at running back and in the secondary with high-end talent.
The trade deadline represents the last real chance for that to occur.
The Lions simply need to get up, collectively dust themselves off and get to work. The sooner they forget about this loss, the better.
It was most likely an aberration, not a trend.