Sam LaPorta Aims to Rewrite History Against Ravens
The Detroit Lions are gearing up for a pivotal showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, and tight end Sam LaPorta is determined to lead a fierce comeback this time around. The last encounter at M&T Bank Stadium ended in a disheartening defeat, and the scars from that game are still fresh in the minds of the players.
A Painful Memory
In the 2023 season, the Lions faced a brutal challenge in Baltimore. They were overwhelmed from the start, with Lamar Jackson orchestrating an impressive offensive onslaught that saw the Ravens score four touchdowns before the Lions could even register a first down. By the end of the third quarter, Detroit found themselves trailing 35-0, ultimately succumbing to a 38-6 loss.
Reflecting on that experience, LaPorta acknowledged the team’s struggles. “We were outperformed physically, and we definitely didn’t play complimentary football,” he said. He recalled the frustration of two consecutive three-and-outs to kick off the game, leading to a quick 21-0 deficit. For LaPorta, the emphasis is clear: the Lions must avoid a repeat of that disastrous start when they take the field on Monday Night Football.
Starting Strong
A fast start is crucial for Detroit’s offense, which has shown two contrasting faces in their early season performances. LaPorta is not only focused on getting out of the gate quickly but also on maintaining composure in the face of adversity. He pointed to the Buffalo Bills’ remarkable comeback in Week 1 as evidence that the Lions can overcome early setbacks. “A 21-point deficit isn’t the end of the world,” he stated. “We know that we can do that if we find ourselves in that position, which we definitely won’t.”
Embracing a Selfless Culture
Last week’s offensive explosion, where the Lions scored 52 points, is a testament to their evolving team culture. LaPorta’s contributions included three receptions for 26 yards, but his impact extended beyond just receiving. He highlighted the importance of selflessness within the team, particularly among skill players.
LaPorta praised wide receiver Kalif Raymond for a pivotal block that exemplified the team’s collective mentality. “There are a lot of selfless individuals on this team,” he noted. “Kalif had a fantastic block that you’d probably never hear about unless you sat down and really watched the tape.” This ethos of hard work and teamwork is a cornerstone of the Lions’ offensive strategy.
Strong Offensive Line Play
In addition to the skill players’ efforts, LaPorta credited the offensive line for their significant improvements. He expressed confidence in their performance, particularly in the run game, which saw the Lions rack up 180 rushing yards against their last opponent. “I think a lot of guys took a great jump from Week 1 to Week 2, starting with the offensive line,” LaPorta explained. He emphasized the importance of the entire unit working cohesively, noting that both he and tight end Brock Wright were actively involved in protecting the quarterback.
As the Lions prepare for their upcoming clash against the Ravens, LaPorta’s determination serves as a rallying cry for his teammates. With lessons learned from past encounters, this time they aim to write a new chapter in their history against a formidable opponent.
