The Baltimore Ravens’ Week 3 matchup with the Detroit Lions is set to be the game of the week. Both teams have high-powered offenses and formidable defenses, with the Ravens holding the highest-scoring offense in the NFL and the Lions possessing the third.
Baltimore is fortunate to have two-time MVP Lamar Jackson leading the way. Two games into his eighth season, he is still an unstoppable force, and the Lions are doing everything they can to prepare their defense for what is to come on Monday Night Football.
Detroit signed former Ravens wide receiver Malik Cunningham to their practice squad on Tuesday. The 26-year-old is a former quarterback, and it is expected that he will simulate Jackson during practices leading up to the game.
They could also look to get insight from Cunningham on the intricacies of the Ravens’ offense to help game-plan for their matchup.
Lions bring in ex-Raven in hopeless attempt to simulate Lamar Jackson ahead of Week 3
In terms of athleticism, Cunningham might be the best option to try and replicate Jackson. Like Jackson, Cunningham played his college career at Louisville and was a dynamic dual-threat quarterback for four seasons. The two were even teammates in 2017 before Jackson was drafted by the Ravens in the 2018 NFL Draft. Not many know Jackson better than Cunningham, but where Cunningham falls far short is his passing ability.
While Cunningham has always been electric with the ball in his hands, he never developed the arm that has made Jackson one of the most dangerous passers in the league. The Ravens’ quarterback is explosive from outside the pocket and has become known for making splash plays from nothing. The Lions will hope Cunningham can provide something similar, but the attempt will almost certainly prove to be futile.
You cannot stop Jackson. After a 5,000 total yard, 45-touchdown 2024 campaign, he is off to an exceptional start this year with over 500 yards and seven touchdowns through two games. He is also coming off an unbelievable start the last time he played Detroit.
In a 38-6 win over the Lions in 2023, Jackson trounced the opposing defense for 357 passing yards, three touchdown passes, and an additional score on the ground.
With Cunningham, Detroit will hope to be more prepared for Jackson this time around, but regardless, they will have their hands full in what many expect to be one of the best games of the season.