The Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens will square off on Monday Night Football in what marks an important early-season test for Detroit as it attempts to build on the momentum from its dominant Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears.

Although it wouldn’t be far-fetched to say this matchup could turn into a potential Super Bowl preview if both teams meet expectations, Lions standout tight end Sam LaPorta appears more concerned with avoiding a repeat of history, since their last meeting ended in a lopsided 38-6 defeat for the Motor City squad.

During his availability with reporters on Thursday afternoon, the All-Pro cautioned his teammates about falling into the same trap they experienced in 2023 when Baltimore and Detroit last went head-to-head.

Sam LaPorta Urges Lions to Avoid Slow Start Against Ravens
For fans who may not recall the matchup as clearly as LaPorta, the Lions trailed by 21 points after running only six offensive plays.

While the veteran tight end knows comebacks are possible, especially versus Baltimore after its blown Week 1 lead, he emphasized the importance of starting faster this time. One solution would be keeping Jared Goff upright in the pocket.

In Detroit’s 2023 defeat, Baltimore sacked Goff five times and limited the Lions to just 5-of-16 on third down. As witnessed in the 2025 opener, constant pressure on Goff throughout a game rarely produces success.

Needless to say, a stronger start would prevent LaPorta and the Lions from again having to rally back from a three-touchdown deficit in this year’s clash with Baltimore.

Given the success the team has enjoyed since that defeat, Detroit should now be better equipped to maintain composure if, by chance, a similar scenario unfolds this Monday night at M&T Bank Stadium.

All things considered, LaPorta is making sure he does his part to help the Lions ensure the outcome is very different this time around

Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens will square off on Monday Night Football in what marks an important early-season test for Detroit as it attempts to build on the momentum from its dominant Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears.

Although it wouldn’t be far-fetched to say this matchup could turn into a potential Super Bowl preview if both teams meet expectations, Lions standout tight end Sam LaPorta appears more concerned with avoiding a repeat of history, since their last meeting ended in a lopsided 38-6 defeat for the Motor City squad.

During his availability with reporters on Thursday afternoon, the All-Pro cautioned his teammates about falling into the same trap they experienced in 2023 when Baltimore and Detroit last went head-to-head

For fans who may not recall the matchup as clearly as LaPorta, the Lions trailed by 21 points after running only six offensive plays. While the veteran tight end knows comebacks are possible, especially versus Baltimore after its blown Week 1 lead, he emphasized the importance of starting faster this time.

One solution would be keeping Jared Goff upright in the pocket. In Detroit’s 2023 defeat, Baltimore sacked Goff five times and limited the Lions to just 5-of-16 on third down. As witnessed in the 2025 opener, constant pressure on Goff throughout a game rarely produces success.

Needless to say, a stronger start would prevent LaPorta and the Lions from again having to rally back from a three-touchdown deficit in this year’s clash with Baltimore.

Given the success the team has enjoyed since that defeat, Detroit should now be better equipped to maintain composure if, by chance, a similar scenario unfolds this Monday night at M&T Bank Stadium.

All things considered, LaPorta is making sure he does his part to help the Lions ensure the outcome is very different this time around.