By Sunday 
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta hasn’t forgotten what happened the last time the team traveled to Baltimore. It was rough, it was lopsided, and it left a mark. But for LaPorta, that memory isn’t weighing him down—it’s fueling him.
Learning From the Past
“We didn’t play our style of football that day,” LaPorta admitted. “Two quick three-and-outs, next thing you know it’s 21-0. We were chasing the game instead of controlling it. That’s not who we are now.”
Back in 2023, Detroit panicked early and never recovered. This time around, LaPorta insists the Lions are more composed, better equipped, and far more dangerous on offense.
A New-Look Offense
Fast forward to 2025, and the Lions’ offense looks very different. Jared Goff is playing some of the best football of his career, Amon-Ra St. Brown has cemented himself as one of the NFL’s elite receivers, and new faces like Isaac TeSlaa are delivering highlight-reel plays.
LaPorta knows what needs to change: start strong, stay calm, and trust the talent. “We can’t let the moment get too big,” he said. “Back then, we were frantic. Now, even if we take a punch early, we know how to respond.”
The Buffalo Blueprint
If Baltimore seemed untouchable two years ago, cracks are already showing. In Week 1, the Buffalo Bills stormed back late to shock the Ravens, proving their defense can be beaten.
“You saw what Buffalo did — they put up points fast against one of the toughest defenses out there,” LaPorta pointed out. “That just shows it can be done. And we’ve got the guys to do it.”
Why This Game Matters
For Detroit, this Monday Night Football matchup isn’t just another Week 3 game. It’s a chance to prove they’ve grown past the mistakes of 2023 and can hang with one of the league’s toughest teams.
“It’s a chance to prove how far we’ve come,” LaPorta said. “We’re not the same team we were in 2023. We’re smarter, stronger, and ready for whatever they throw at us.”