Yardbarker
x
Monday night could be a big highlight reel game for Lions edge rushers Aidan Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad, here's why
Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

There is no doubt that the Detroit Lions have a tough task on Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson. The thing we've heard over and over for years is that the Lions struggled ot stop the mobile quarterback. One thing we know is that it's pretty hard for just about everyone to do. The other thing we know is that it's nowhere near as bad as it seems.

There's a tiny bit of nuance here that Nolan is missing because one of the big concerns is that mobile quarterbacks are able to extend the plays with their running ability by escaping the pocket. Still, Nolan's graphic shows that we're probably not seeing that as much as you think we are, and it's more of a Baader–Meinhof frequency illusion. Where you've convinced yourself you see things more than you actually do. Still, that's not the big reason why the Lions could do some work against the Ravens.

Aidan Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhaamad could be in for big games against a struggling Ravens offensive line

The Ravens currently have one of the worst pass-blocking offensive lines in the NFL after two weeks. The 30th is no joke, and it could be an issue for the Ravens. Let's dig into a little bit more. For starters, this is the worst offensive line the Lions have faced this year. The Packers are eighth and the Bears are 18th. In two games, the Ravens have allowed 13 pressures and three sacks. Last week alone was 10 pressures and two sacks.

Pro Football Focus Pass-blocking grades for the Ravens:

The right side of the line seems to be the strength here. You would think that Jackson would run in that direction more, but he's only done it once this year for two yards. He's had five runs for 51 yards to the left side. The side that's coincidentally a better run blocking side.

The point here is that if the Lions can continue to do what the Browns did and close that pocket on Jackson, they could rack up pressure and sacks. Of course, they have to do all the other things that the Browns didn't do and score points, stop the run, and not turn the ball over twice, with one of those allowing a fumble six and the other setting the Ravens up in your own territory. You also have to score points.

The Lions are pretty well equipped to win this game as long as they execute. They have the ability to get pressure, and we know they can score. Let's see what happens Monday night.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!