The Detroit Lions showcased a remarkable performance in their recent matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football. The game ended in a thrilling 38-30 win for the Lions, highlighting their potent rushing attack that has quickly become one of the most formidable in the league.
The Lions' dual running back threat, featuring Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, was instrumental in this victory. The dynamic duo combined for an astonishing 218 rushing yards and four touchdowns, each scoring two times. Their performance not only secured the win but also solidified their status as the best backfield duo in the NFL, affectionately nicknamed Sonic and Knuckles due to Gibbs' lightning speed and Montgomery's powerful running style.
This game marked a historic moment as it became the 11th time that both running backs scored touchdowns in the same game, setting an NFL record. Montgomery had an exceptional outing, carrying the ball 12 times for a career-high 151 yards, with key plays including a 72-yard run and a crucial 31-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Gibbs contributed with 22 carries for 67 yards, two touchdowns, and five receptions for an additional 32 yards.
According to NFL statistics, Gibbs and Montgomery are the first Lions teammates to achieve multiple rushing touchdowns in a game since Dutch Clark and Ernie Caddell in November 1936. After the game, Lions quarterback Jared Goff praised his running back tandem, saying, “Pick your poison. It’s hard, man. It really is. Their freshness is kind of the secret sauce.” Goff emphasized their versatility, stating, “They both do everything right, they both block well, they both can catch, and they both can run, obviously.”
Detroit's rushing attack played a crucial role in keeping pace with the Ravens, a team renowned for its own ground game. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams tied at 21-21 as they entered the final quarter. The Lions executed a nine-play, 96-yard drive early in the fourth, establishing a 28-21 lead, to which the Ravens could only respond with a field goal.
Although the Lions were forced to punt on their next possession, a critical fumble by Ravens running back Derrick Henry severely impacted Baltimore's comeback efforts. This marked Henry’s third fumble in as many games, a concerning trend given his typically strong ball security. To highlight this, Henry fumbled just three times over 683 touches between Week 18 of the 2022 season and the end of the 2024 season. However, in his last 43 touches, he has fumbled three times, raising alarms.
Henry’s turnover seemed to deflate the Ravens' momentum, allowing the Lions to extend their lead with a field goal and a long touchdown drive, ultimately building a 14-point advantage. Although Baltimore managed a quick 10-play, 65-yard touchdown drive to cut the lead to eight with only 29 seconds left, the Lions successfully ran out the clock to secure their impressive victory.
This win was significant for the Lions as they aim for their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. In contrast, the Ravens faced yet another setback against a top NFL team, having already lost to the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. Despite quarterback Lamar Jackson throwing three touchdowns—two to Mark Andrews and one to Rashod Bateman—Baltimore's usually efficient rushing attack was limited to just 85 yards on 19 attempts.
With the loss, the Ravens drop to a 1-2 record, prompting questions about their performance as they prepare for a challenging matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4. Head coach John Harbaugh addressed the media, stating, “We’ve had that conversation here, but right now, I think we just have to go to work on the things we need to get better at and get ready to play Kansas City.”
