In a heated discussion on First Take, Stephen A. Smith made a bold claim: the Detroit Lions are currently a more dangerous team than the Baltimore Ravens. This assertion comes after a thrilling matchup where the Ravens edged out the Washington Commanders, but Smith believes the Lions’ overall balance and talent give them the edge in the NFL landscape.

Strength in Balance

Smith pointed to the Lions’ impressive offensive depth, highlighting that they are the only team in the league with two running backs—David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs—each surpassing 300 rushing yards this season. This dual-threat approach allows the Lions to diversify their attack, making them unpredictable on the field.

Additionally, the Lions boast a potent receiving corps, including Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, which complements their rushing attack. Smith emphasized that the combination of a strong ground game and capable receivers makes Detroit’s offense hard to stop.

Physicality and Toughness

One of the critical aspects that set the Lions apart, according to Smith, is their physicality. He noted that under head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions play with a level of toughness that has been a hallmark of their recent success. This physical approach not only wears down opposing defenses but also allows the Lions to impose their will during games.

In contrast, while the Ravens have a dynamic quarterback in Lamar Jackson and a solid running game led by Derrick Henry, Smith argued that Baltimore hasn’t shown the same level of physical dominance as Detroit. He believes that the Lions’ commitment to a gritty, hard-nosed style of play gives them an advantage in high-pressure situations.

Quarterback Play

While acknowledging Jackson’s elite skills, Smith pointed out that Jared Goff has been performing exceptionally well, distributing the ball effectively and making critical plays when needed. He argued that while Jackson’s playmaking ability is undeniable, Goff’s current form should not be underestimated, especially when coupled with the weapons at his disposal.

Defensive Considerations

Defensively, Smith raised concerns about the Lions, particularly following the injury to star player Aidan Hutchinson. However, he maintained that their overall defensive scheme and execution have been strong enough to keep them competitive against top-tier teams.

Sharpe, his co-host, countered by mentioning the Ravens’ versatility and the impact of Jackson, but Smith remained firm, emphasizing that the Lions’ overall balance and competitive edge in both the running and passing games set them apart.

Conclusion

As the NFL season progresses, the debate over which team is more dangerous will likely intensify. While the Ravens have shown flashes of brilliance, Stephen A. Smith’s argument for the Detroit Lions as the more dangerous team is rooted in their balance, physicality, and the quality of their roster. As both teams strive for playoff contention, fans can expect thrilling matchups that will ultimately determine which of these formidable contenders will emerge on top.