By Sunday 
There’s something special about a win that feels like redemption — and that’s exactly what the Detroit Lions pulled off in Baltimore. After tough losses in 2021 and 2023, Dan Campbell’s squad exorcised some serious Ravens demons. Beating Lamar Jackson on the road, under the bright lights of Monday Night Football, was no small feat. Jackson had been a nightmare for NFC teams, entering Monday at 24-2 versus the conference, yet the Lions flipped the script in emphatic style.
Heroes of the Night
Al-Quadin Muhammad, DE — The edge opposite Hutchinson was a big question mark, but Muhammad answered in style. Despite missing the early snaps, he tallied 4 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a crucial third-down stop on a scrambling Jackson. His pressure rate now sits at a striking 20.8% — a stat that has everyone buzzing about Detroit’s pass rush.
David Montgomery, RB — Detroit’s enforcer set the tone on the 98-yard, 18-play touchdown drive. North-south running, a career-high 151 yards on just 12 carries, plus a 13-yard catch-and-run — Montgomery reminded everyone why he’s one of the league’s most underrated backs.
Penei Sewell & Tate Ratledge, OL — Sewell, after a rocky start to the season, dominated the line like a generational talent, swallowing defenders whole. Ratledge, the rookie, wasn’t just tagging along — he was tilting the line alongside Sewell and showing why he could be a mainstay at right guard for years to come.
Dan Campbell, HC — Sometimes, the coach is the story. Campbell rode with his hand-picked coordinators, made gutsy calls, and instilled a physical, precise game plan. The result? 224 rushing yards, seven sacks on Jackson (tying the most Baltimore has ever surrendered), and a statement that the Lions are serious contenders under primetime pressure.
Old Concerns Still Linger
Not everything was perfect. Brock Wright, TE, struggled as both a receiver and a blocker. And while the pass defense largely shined, Brian Branch and Amik Robertson, DBs, allowed 7 of Jackson’s 15 passing first downs and showed room to improve.
Even so, the positives far outweighed the negatives. Aidan Hutchinson terrorized the Ravens’ backfield, D.J. Reed erased key plays, and the offensive line kept Jared Goff comfortable enough to work his magic in critical moments.
Stock Up / Stock Down
Stock Up:
- Al-Quadin Muhammad, DE — Game-changing pressures and sacks.
- David Montgomery, RB — Career-high performance and clutch play.
- Penei Sewell, RT & Tate Ratledge, RG — Offensive line dominance.
- Dan Campbell, HC — Smart game plan and execution.
- Aidan Hutchinson, DE — Key sacks and defensive disruption.
- D.J. Reed, CB — Impact plays in coverage and on turnovers.
Stock Down:
- Brock Wright, TE — Needs improvement as a blocker and receiver.
- Brian Branch & Amik Robertson, DBs — Allowed critical first downs.
- Patrick O’Connor, DL — Defensive performance less dynamic when on the field.
The Takeaway
This wasn’t just a win; it was a message. Detroit has new heroes stepping up and old concerns to address — the perfect mix for a team on the rise. With primetime performances like this, the Lions are sending a signal to the league: they’re not just here to play; they’re here to dominate.