ALLEN PARK — While there’s extra pressure playing on the road, the Detroit Lions (5-1) have excelled in hostile environments so far with a 3-0 record away from Ford Field.
The next big test is Sunday at the Baltimore Ravens (4-2).
Coach Dan Campbell said they’ve been talking about maintaining poise for three years. Now it’s starting to pay off.
“We talk about it, we’ve preached it, we’ve lived it and we constantly try to put ourselves in those types of situations. We talk about it. That’s when your heart rate should start to level out when everybody – the perceived pressure goes up and it’s high stress, your stress levels should go down and focus on the moment,’’ Campbell said.
The coach said the guys believe in that. “It’s built to handle adversity and anything that comes. And look, this season isn’t over. I mean we know that. We’re going to hit a tough patch at some point here. I don’t know when it’s going to be, but we’re going to hit one and we’re going to have to get back through and get back on our feet and that’s fine,’’ Campbell said. “We’ll be ready for that.”
Five things to watch against the Ravens:
1. The Lions defense has faced its share of mobile quarterbacks this season. That continues with the Ravens’ Lamar Jackson who may not carry the ball as often, but the quarterback is still a force and leads the Ravens in rushing averaging 5.5 yards per carry with four rushing touchdowns and 327 rushing yards. He’s been sacked 16 times. “He is dangerous. And like I say, they don’t ask him to do as much as he did before with his legs, but there’s plenty of it still in there and he’s throwing it pretty good,’’ Campbell said. “They’ve made a concerted effort to do a little more drop back with him and he is, he’s throwing the ball well.’’
2. Somehow, despite injuries, the Lions have found a way to keep the run game going enough to run the clock down late in games and get the win. David Montgomery (ribs) will be out. Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) will return and he’ll be busy. “Certainly I think he’s going to need to take the load of (the work). We’re just going to have to see where he’s at. I’d like to say we’re going to be careful with him, but the reality is we need him,’’ Campbell said. Craig Reynolds carried the load in the win at Tampa Bay and likely will get his share of carries. Devine Ozigbo could see action and if a wide receiver gets the nod to help in the run game, it could be Kalif Raymond. “If it comes to that situation to where he needs to be back there, if that’s what happens, then we’ve got things ready for him and he’ll be ready to go,’’ Lions passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand said.
3. The Ravens have the second-ranked total defense allowing 260.8 yards per game. But it’s nothing the Lions haven’t seen. Jared Goff, the NFC’s offensive player of the week, should have a full complement of targets with wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams along with tight end Sam LaPorta. “It’s kind of similar to last week and how good they are defensively and two elite linebackers again. Really good backend and obviously good pass rush leading the League in sacks, or however many they have, they’ve got a bunch,’’ Goff said. “So yeah, it’s a challenge on every level. I wish I could tell you what a weakness was, but I don’t know if there is one. We’ve got to come ready to play. It’ll be a challenge.”
4. Jameson Williams is trending up. It may seem slow but it’s the plan for the wide receiver who will be playing in just his ninth NFL game. His 45-yard touchdown reception at Tampa Bay could just be the start of something much bigger. “JMo’s speed is there, you see it and we were able to take advantage of it last week. It does add another element to the pass game that maybe – somebody would say (we were) lacking – it allows us to help with the vertical game and of course it’s going to open up some things underneath,’’ Engstrand said. “As he keeps coming along we’re going to press him to be detailed and do everything the way it needs to be done, we’re going to continue to see him rise and get his game to the level he wants it to be and we feel it can be.’’
5. Can the Lions keep their perfect road win (3-0) streak alive? And, going back to last season they are 8-1 in their last nine road games. Baltimore is a tough place to win, but Campbell has built a team that has stepped up on most every occasion.
PREDICTION: Lions 21, Ravens 20. Ravens are 3-point favorites. Expect a close game. Lions healthier than they have been so giving them the edge.
Lions Lowdown 