Lions’ Jared Goff looking to join Dan Marino in history books vs Ravens
On Sunday afternoon, the Detroit Lions bounced back from their Week 1 dud vs the Green Bay Packers to pick up a huge win over the Chicago Bears in their home opener, scoring 52 points in the process. The offense looked much more like the 2024 elite offense that Lions fans are used to seeing as compared to the Week 1 flop.
Up next for the Ravens is a highly anticipated nighttime matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, and in that game, quarterback Jared Goff will have a chance to tie an NFL legend in the history books.
If Goff throws for 300 or more yards in that contest, he will tie Drew Brees and Dan Marino for the most 300-yard passing games through the first ten years of a career, at 44. Goff threw for 334 yards in the Lions’ Week 2 win over Chicago.
Making matters even more optimistic for Goff on this front is that the one good offense that the Ravens played this year, in Week 1 vs the Buffalo Bills, absolutely shredded their defense, scoring 41 points, which could make Goff hitting the 300-yard mark this week a probable outcome.
A good bounce back for the Lions
Coming off of their Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers, there was considerable doubt as to whether the Detroit Lions truly had lost their offensive magic when offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left to be the new coach of the Chicago Bears.
However, last week, in Johnson’s return to Chicago, the Lions’ offense looked much more like its old self, with Goff eviscerating a listless Bears defense throughout the afternoon.
While the Ravens’ defense certainly has much more talent than Chicago’s, Baltimore has garnered a reputation over the last two years for being soft on that end of the field, so it’s not outside the realm of possibility that Goff finds similar success against them, albeit in a hostile road environment.
In any case, the Ravens and Lions are slated to kick things off on Monday at 8:15 PM ET from Baltimore. The game will be carried nationally by ESPN.
Dolphins’ Morale Struggles Prompt Jalen Ramsey’s Departure in Blockbuster Trade
The Miami Dolphins could have potentially clinched a playoff berth for a third consecutive year if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa did not miss time with another concussion during the 2024-25 campaign. Even so, it was difficult for fans to err on the side of optimism heading into the offseason. The signs were present that a full-blown implosion could be coming, something the organization has tried to prevent in recent months. Trading star cornerback Jalen Ramsey was apparently part of that process.
The three-time All-Pro was no longer on great terms with the Dolphins, resulting in a blockbuster trade that saw him, Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick head to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-rounder. Fans already knew there was tension brewing, but more information is coming out regarding Ramsey’s last season in Miami. And it does not paint the Super Bowl 56 champion in a positive light.
“Ramsey’s behavior, meanwhile, became a drain on team morale, according to multiple sources, including current and former players, who said his actions varied from being late to team activities to outright leaving practice,” ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques writes.
Can Dolphins find a path forward?
There are always two sides to a story, but this report obviously reflects poorly on the polarizing CB. It is also not the first time his attitude has been under the microscope. Jacksonville Jaguars fans have their own gripes with the man. Ramsey, along with the highly volatile Tyreek Hill, both stirred controversy last season. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is said to be changing the lenient approach he took with both of those decorated talents in the past.
He cannot discipline Jalen Ramsey now, however. The 30-year-old is focused on helping Pittsburgh take the next step in the AFC. He has one interception, four pass breakups and six solo tackles through two games, while also posting a 77.2 coverage grade, according to Pro Football Focus. Steelers fans desperately hope “morale” issues do not occur in the land of Black and Gold.
The Dolphins must move forward and forge a new culture. Following an 0-2 start, skepticism is higher than ever during the McDaniel era. They are currently showing life in a Thursday night face-off with the Buffalo Bills, however. Perhaps the vibes are finally changing in Miami Gardens.
