October 9th, 2005, that’s the last time the Lions managed to claw out a win against the Ravens, a staggering 20-year streak of futility that hangs over this primetime Monday night clash. For Baltimore, it’s about protecting a legacy and, more importantly, protecting their MVA (most valuable player): Lamar Jackson.

After a Week 1 heartbreaker against the Bills, the Ravens righted the ship with a 41-17 win over the Browns. The offense put up: 242 total yards, a paltry 45 on the ground, yet 41 points. Lamar’s 4 TD passes and a PFF grade of 64.6 papered over concerning cracks. Yet the O-line got manhandled by the Browns’ defensive front (Garrett had something to say). The revered rushing attack was absolutely nonexistent. It was a win, but it had glimmers of cracks.

They’ve been struggling to protect Jackson in the pocket for the last few match-ups (5 sacks allowed with an average of 2.5 per game). Which is why Harbaugh’s move is so telling; The Ravens decided to work out with two O-linemen, center Sam Mustipher and guard Lecitus Smith. Mustipher, an Owings Mills native, is again a familiar face.

He appeared in 9 games and made 2 starts for Baltimore in 2023. He’s a journeyman, a grinder with 64 career games and 43 starts under his belt, the kind of depth piece a coach brings in when he knows the match-up is about to intensify. Smith, on the other hand, is less seasoned, with 18 games played and 3 starts, and represents another potential body to bolster the interior. This is the essence of the “Ravens Way.”

The Lions, on the other side, fresh off a 52-point explosion against Chicago, represent a unique threat. Their offense is dangerous. But Harbaugh’s primary focus is on fixing what broke last Sunday, and the workout represents a clearer signal that shoring up the O-line is their priority.

Harbaugh’s moves to protect Jackson

The injury report is again something to be worried about, and Harbaugh is prepping for that. Key pieces like LB Kyle Van Noy (hamstring) are already out, and Harbaugh has moved on. The status of others, like FB Patrick Ricard, is being handled with patience.

Harbaugh provided a candid update, noting, “I’m not sure what you want to call it, but [his recovery] hasn’t been as quick as we thought. It’s been slower than we hoped, and we’re kind of in that week-to-week mode with Pat right now.” It all circles back to Jackson. The 2x MVP is already playing at an elite level, tied for the league lead with 6 TD passes.

But his brilliance is often born from chaos, from escaping pressure that would sack mere QBs, a team that allowed 3 sacks in the last match-up. Harbaugh knows that relying on that every single down is unsustainable. Their goal is to minimize the chaos before it begins, even though Lion’s greatest strength remains their offense.

Goff is tied with Jackson with 6 passing TDs (most in the NFL). Ravens gotta be prepared for anything and everything. Bringing in familiar, reliable linemen for a look is the mark of a Harbaugh’s genius, thinking three moves ahead.

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So as they prep for Monday Night Football at M&T Bank Stadium, the standard is set. It’s the high-flying Lions, desperate to break a 2-decade curse, against the meticulously prepared Ravens.