NFL Turning Point is a television series that is exactly what you might expect, given its title. Each episode focuses on a pivotal moment, or critical series of events, ultimately decisive towards that specific game’s outcome. The turning point came early on Monday Night Football, where the Detroit Lions beat the Baltimore Ravens 38-30. The Lions went on an 18-play, 98-yard scoring drive in the second quarter, which consumed 10:48 off the clock. 

It culminated in a 1-yard touchdown run by David Montgomery which made the score 14-7. Obviously, a one possession game that hasn’t even reached halftime yet is not decided; not by any means. However, the Lions established the upper hand in this game with that drive, and also conveyed how they had the perfect game plan to get the victory. 

If you were a Ravens fan who felt a sense of dread when that drive was over, then you knew exactly what you were seeing unfold. In the 32-team NFL, the Ravens are 30th in time of possession. This is why they are 1-2, not 2-1 or 3-0. Former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson may have left Detroit to become the Chicago Bears head coach, but the Lions’ offensive coaching staff knows exactly what they’re doing. 

They got the message on how to beat the Ravens and then provided a blueprint to the rest of the league on how to do so. Basically, you stop the NFL’s all-time highest rated passer (Lamar Jackson) and his backfield running mate, deservedly nicknamed “The King” (Derrick Henry), by limiting their touches. You cut down the number of possessions they have. 

None of this is rocket science or brain surgery (or rocket surgery, for the snarkier readers out there). It’s cliche, as cliche as the phrase “we’re not reinventing the wheel here,” because it works. Henry’s fumble was all the more costly because Detroit reduced the number of drives that Baltimore was ultimately going to get. 

Now the formula for victory over the Ravens is obvious. The league knows, and the Ravens know that their opponents know. Now it’s up to head coach John Harbaugh, offensive coordinator Todd Monken, defensive coordinator Zach Orr, and the rest of the coaching staff to do something about it.Â