Sam LaPorta Confident Offense Could Stage Comeback Against Ravens
The Detroit Lions remember their last trip to M&T Bank Stadium well.
In that game, which occurred during the 2023 season, they were beaten soundly over the course of four quarters. The Ravens pounced early while the Lions' offense sputtered, with Lamar Jackson leading four touchdown drives to open the game.
Before the Lions got a first down, they were in a 28-0 hole. Ultimately, the Lions were trailed 35-0 after three quarters and lost 38-6.
This isn't something that's easily forgotten, and tight end Sam LaPorta is eager to avoid such a disastrous start when they travel to Baltimore for Monday Night Football.
“Reflecting back on the 2023 loss with the Ravens, yes, I felt like we were outperformed. We were out (performed physically), we definitely didn’t play complimentary football," LaPorta said. "We had two three-and-outs on offense to start the game on offense, so we’d touched the ball six times on offense. We looked up and we were down 21-0. So definitely not complimentary football at the end of the day.”
A better start is undoubtedly key for the Lions' offense, which has had two very different performances in their first two games this season.
Along with a fast start, LaPorta wants the team to weather the storm should they encounter a flurry of early points from Lamar Jackson and the explosive Ravens offense.
The Buffalo Bills proved that a comeback is possible even late in the game, as evidenced by their late rally to beat the Ravens in Week 1 of this season. As a result, LaPorta is confident that the team could do a similar maneuver if they in fact find themselves in an early drought.
“We have to start faster. And I don’t want to say we hit the panic button too early, but we definitely were a little frantic. We know that we’re a great team. We were a good team back then too," LaPorta said. "A 21-point deficit isn’t the end of the world. You saw the Bills come back with, what was it, like 15 points in 10 minutes against them? It can be done against great teams, and we know that we can do that if we find ourselves in that position, which we definitely won’t.”
Selfless culture
The Lions' offense exploded for 52 points last week in a performance that has been somewhat of a norm over the last three seasons. Several skill players had big days, but the overall improvement of their pass protection was also a major factor.
LaPorta caught three passes for 26 yards, but also had some impressive pass protection moments that allowed him to make a strong impact even when not being featured in the passing game.
This mindset of embracing doing the dirty work as a run-blocker is shared throughout Detroit's receiver and tight end room, with the Iowa product praising the selflessness of the group. He cited a big block from wide receiver Kalif Raymond as a key example from Sunday's game.
“Absolutely, there’s a lot of selfless individuals on this team. I say this frequently, but there’s a lot of mouths to feed. You see a lot of wideouts getting involved in the run game," LaPorta said. "Kalif Raymond, coach Campbell reflected on the game the other day, and on the trap block that Jahmyr ran down our sideline for like 40 yards, Kalif had a fantastic block that you’d probably never hear about unless you sat down and really watched the tape and reflected on it with the entire team. So yeah, we expect everybody to block that’s out there touching the field.”
In addition to the performance of the skill players in the run game, LaPorta credited the improvements made by the offensive line. Additionally, he spoke highly of tight end Brock Wright's performance as a pass protector.
“I think a lot of guys took a great jump from Week 1 to Week 2, starting with the offensive line," LaPorta explained. "They played outstanding last week. You saw 180 yards on the ground, protecting the quarterback the entire game. Again, Brock and I were involved in with protection a lot. We thought we did a great job, too.”
Mike Vrabel FIRES BACK at Julian Edelman’s Critique: “I Don’t Need His Validation—We’re Focused on Our Own Path”
In a heated exchange that’s making waves in the NFL, Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel has responded firmly to Julian Edelman’s recent comments about the team. Edelman, inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame, didn’t hold back when assessing Vrabel’s squad, but Vrabel made it clear that he doesn’t need the validation from the legendary wide receiver to know where his team stands.
“I respect Julian’s career, but this is my team, and we’re focused on what matters—winning,” Vrabel said sharply, brushing off Edelman’s critique. “I’m not here to prove anything to anyone. We’re doing things our way, and that’s been working just fine.”
Edelman, speaking candidly about the Patriots and their current state under Bill Belichick, expressed his doubts about the Titans' ability to compete at a high level this season. But Vrabel, never one to shy away from criticism, fired back with confidence, insisting that his focus remains on preparing his team for success, not engaging in public debates.
“We’re not worried about what people say outside the building,” Vrabel continued. “I’m not here for anyone’s approval, especially not from someone who’s looking back at their career. I’m focused on what’s in front of us and how we improve every day.”
The exchange between the two former teammates has sparked a debate about the relationship between current and past NFL stars. While Vrabel’s words show a sense of pride and resolve, it also underscores his commitment to his own vision for the Titans' future, regardless of outside opinions.
