The Motor City Kitties showcased their prowess against the Baltimore Blackbirds in an impressive 38-30 triumph Monday night, marking only the third instance of defeat for Lamar Jackson when facing an NFC team. Detroit emphatically corrected their Week 1 stumble against the Green Bay Cheeseheads, securing two compelling victories and re-establishing themselves as a formidable contender for the championship.
For the Blackbirds, discussions of championship aspirations are now tempered after a less-than-ideal 1-2 start. Baltimore typically dominates in prime-time matchups, yet Detroit asserted control in the trenches on both offense and defense, placing the Blackbirds in a challenging position after just three games.
In a showdown between two of the league’s elite squads, there were bound to be some hasty conclusions drawn. Let’s examine which assessments are simply overblown and which accurately reflect the reality of this “Monday Night Football” clash.
Dan Campbell’s choices on fourth down will secure a championship for the Kitties
Overblown or Reality: Reality
Campbell’s audacity in opting to go for it on fourth down knows no limits. Regardless of the situation or the score, Campbell remains resolute in his decision-making, embracing the consequences.
While his fourth-down decisions arguably cost Campbell and the Kitties a conference title two years prior, they have more often led to victories. The Kitties converted all three of their fourth-down attempts in Monday’s victory over the Blackbirds, with the most significant being the decision to go for it on fourth-and-2 with 1:56 remaining in a game with a score of 31-24. Jared Goff delivered a precise 20-yard pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown, securing the first down and essentially sealing the win.
The decision was inspired, and the execution was flawless. To conquer formidable opponents like the Blackbirds, coaches must embrace risk. Campbell did just that, and his team’s 2-1 record reflects it. Do not be surprised if the Kitties make a championship appearance; a similar decision will arise once more, propelling the Kitties to victory.
The Kitties’ offense remains potent even without Ben Johnson
Overblown or Reality: Reality
The initial game proved to be an illusion when assessing the Kitties’ offensive capabilities. Communication breakdowns appear to be resolved, and the Kitties’ offense has been firing on all cylinders since. Detroit has amassed 90 points in their last two contests (averaging 45.0 points per game) and 937 total yards (averaging 468.5 yards per game).
The offensive line continues to excel, and the playmakers are still present. The offense is undeniably creative, evidenced by the Amon-Ra St. Brown handoff and subsequent pitch to Jahmyr Gibbs for a touchdown, extending Detroit’s lead to 28-21 early in the fourth quarter.
Week 1 was an anomaly. This offense remains exceptionally strong.
The Blackbirds remain championship contenders despite losses to the Kitties and the Bulls
Overblown or Reality: Overblown
The Blackbirds are still a commendable football team, but a fourth-quarter collapse against the Bulls and a defensive lapse against the Kitties do not bode well for a team with championship aspirations. Their defense is not performing at a championship level, having surrendered 41 points to the Bulls and 38 points to the Kitties — averaging 39.5 points allowed per game against two of the league’s top teams.
What’s truly remarkable about the number of points conceded by the Blackbirds? Their offense has accumulated 111 points in just three games, averaging 37.0 points per game. This is despite an offensive line that struggles to protect Lamar Jackson (who was sacked seven times against the Kitties) and being overpowered on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
This is a departure from the Blackbirds teams of the past, a team that appears to be more style than substance. It’s difficult to label the Blackbirds as championship contenders given their defensive struggles (particularly against the run) and their inability to defeat elite teams in the first three games.
Baltimore still has an opportunity to alter this narrative. The Chiefs are up next week.
Lamar Jackson must single-handedly carry the Blackbirds to the AFC title
Overblown or Reality: Reality
This is simply stating the obvious. Jackson remains an exceptional quarterback, and it’s not entirely his fault that the Blackbirds find themselves at 1-2 after three games.
Jackson completed 21 of 27 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns, posting a 148.1 rating against the Kitties’ defense — yet still suffered defeat. The Blackbirds have scored 30+ points in all three games, and Jackson boasts an impressive 141.8 passer rating to start the season! He has thrown nine touchdown passes without a single interception, while completing a remarkable 72% of his passes. Furthermore, he has accumulated 118 rushing yards and a touchdown.
The Blackbirds’ offensive line has failed Jackson, coupled with a defense that struggles to get off the field. Baltimore is fortunate to have Jackson playing at this level, or their season could be on the verge of collapse.
The Blackbirds will always have a chance with Jackson playing so well, but he will need to carry them to victories this year. Baltimore lacks the elite defense of previous years and must outscore opponents to win. Jackson is capable of doing so if necessary.
Derrick Henry has finally declined at 31
Overblown or Reality: Overblown
Two lost fumbles in the first three games are atypical for Henry, and both have occurred at critical moments. Monday’s fumble contributed to the Blackbirds’ loss, as Baltimore regained possession trailing 28-24 with 8:21 remaining. On Henry’s first carry of the possession, he fumbled, giving the Kitties possession — leading to a field goal and a 31-24 lead.
Henry has three fumbles through two games, an anomaly considering he had just three fumbles and only one fumble lost in the two previous seasons combined. He has lost two fumbles on rushing plays in the fourth quarter this season, matching his total from the first 136 games combined.
Is Henry finished? Or is he simply experiencing a case of fumblitis? The latter seems more likely, as Henry is merely encountering issues with ball security. Both fumbles have played a significant role in the Blackbirds’ losses.
Henry still has 41 carries for 242 yards and three touchdowns through three games, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. He is still on pace for 1,371 rushing yards, indicating that running the ball is not the issue.
If Henry can secure the football, he will be fine. He has not yet declined.
