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What Does the Detroit Lions’ Loss to the Ravens Really Mean? Benjamin Raven on ‘The Squad’

That was not a pretty game. Wow. But, you have to give a lot of credit to Lamar Jackson. I knew he was good, but I didn’t know he was…

Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens rushes with the ball against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 22: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens rushes with the ball against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

That was not a pretty game. Wow. But, you have to give a lot of credit to Lamar Jackson. I knew he was good, but I didn't know he was that good. The quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens had an incredible game, and it showed with that score. The Detroit Lions fell to the Ravens, 38-6, giving Lions fans a little reminder of what it's like to lose again. So, what does the Detroit Lions' loss to the Ravens really mean?

Benjamin Raven, a Detroit Lions beat writer for MLive, is on "The Squad with Anne Erickson" to talk all about the big Ravens win and what it means for the Lions. Is this indicative of a larger problem? Did Lamar Jackson just have a really good night? He really hammered the Detroit Lions, as Dan Campbell put it. Are the Lions still one of the best teams in the NFL? Also, perhaps most importantly, will Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson leave for a head coach position soon?

What Does the Detroit Lions' Loss to the Ravens Really Mean?

"Lamar Jackson, his game was incredible," Anne Erickson said. "How do you go up against that?"

"When Lamar Jackson is operating at that level, it's really hard to plan for what's coming at you," Benjamin Raven said. "The defense was playing in its heels all game, and he was either sitting in the pocket all day to throw or he was scrambling and creating more time for his receivers to get open. It really was the perfect Lamar Jackson game." He added, "I'm not down on the long-term picture (for the Lions), but I do think this was a reality check that this can happen." Listen to "The Squad with Anne Erickson" below, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Reach out to Anne Erickson here if you want to talk football.

We can talk about the best quarterbacks or coaches or running backs in the NFL until we're blue in the face. But, what makes the game really exciting to watch are the personalities behind those players and staffers. Of course, having a fun personality isn't all there is in the NFL. We love watching these guys go at it on the field and witnessing their athleticism. We also love seeing expert coaches leading their teams to victories. But, having a really cool, larger-than-life personality certainly helps. So, what players have the best personalities in the NFL right now?

Before we get to our current list, let's look at some of the most best personalities in the NFL of all time. Bleacherreport.com has a listicle out of the players with the most colorful personalities of all time. Topping that list is Terrell Owens. "Love him or hate him, T.O. has the most colorful personality," they state in the article. "Over his career, he's shown all the qualities: arrogance/confidence, drama (all of 2005 in Philadelphia), excitement, unpredictably, crying (that Tony Romo press conference) and humor." That's a good call. Coming in at No. 2 is the legendary Joe Namath. "Who else could get away with wearing sunglasses on the sideline?" they exclaim. "With the long hair, the occasional Fu Manchu and the playboy attitude, he was the most compelling figure in sports during the late 1960s and early 1970s."

So, what about right now? I looked at the current season and picked a range of roles, from quarterback to coach to tight end. These guys have stood out this season for either their larger-than-life personalities or situations. Also, we discuss the current NFL in the latest episode of my podcast, "The Squad with Anne Erickson," which you can listen to below. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes, of course, is the star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs. He's considered the best quarterback of his era and possibly the next Tom Brady. But, aside from his skills, he also has a big personality. He has more than 6 million Instagram followers, and he posts a bunch of stuff up there, from football material to family photos.

Travis Kelce

Travis Kelce, the celebrated tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is pretty much the most famous guy in football this season. Yes, it's because of his relationship with Taylor Swift. I hate to make that a reason to have him named one of the best personalities in the NFL, but heck, even without the Taylor factor, Kelce has a huge personality that people love.

Dan Campbell

All eyes are on Dan Campbell this season, as the Lions all pulling off some incredible things. That's not common for the Detroit Lions, either. But, Campbell has some of the wackiest ideas and quotes, and that makes him loveable. Remember that time he wanted a pet Lion at practices? I love this dude.

Bill Belichick

Bill Belichick needs no introduction, but we'll introduce him anyway. He's the former head coach and general manager of the New England Patriots. He's had some rough years as of late, but nothing can take away his glimmering record. Belichick just tells it like it is. He's incredible with strategies, and that really stands out with his coaching.

Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts, the star quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, is something of a hero on the field. But, off the field, he's known for his deep, insightful comments that show he has wisdom beyond his years. He's a major contender and personality.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.