Normally we do a “By the Numbers” breakdown of all the key figures that led to the final score of the Lions game. Good or bad, the various numbers and statistical figures typically do a fine job of fleshing out how the game was played.
This week, in the 38-6 blowout loss to the Ravens, there was only one number that stood out as the most emblematic of the game. That number is one.
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As in, 1 – the number of QB hits the Lions defense registered on Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
That number could go up once the official statisticians review the game (adjustments on the next day are not uncommon). But the official game log on Sunday night recorded exactly one QB hit by Detroit, from EDGE Julian Okwara. It doesn’t count the Aidan Hutchinson hit on Jackson that was penalized on a very suspect roughing the passer foul.
The number zero was also prominent, including the related “number of sacks by the Lions defense.” That was also the number of Jackson passes that the Lions defense touched in the air.
One QB hit is not going to win many football games at any level. It’s not even giving your team a chance when it’s facing an MVP candidate like Lamar Jackson. By way of comparison, Baltimore’s defense hit Lions QB Jared Goff nine times, including four sacks.