BALTIMORE DEVOURS LIONS IN WIN
BALTIMORE, MD. - With both teams at (6-5) desperately need a win to keep pace for the playoffs. Detroit after coming off their loss vs Minnesota 30-23 comes to Baltimore with one thing in mind, "WIN". QB Matt Stafford needs to continue playing well and the Lions defense must play aggressive in order for that to happen.
Baltimore is in a groove after defeating Houston 23-16 under the Monday night lights looks to make it two in a roll QB Joe Flacco continues to keep opponents defenses in check with mixing up plays and allow the run game to flurish. The Ravens defense led by LB Terrell Suggs want to shut Stafford and Detroit's offense down on Sunday afternoon at M&T Stadium.
First Quarter - With both teams struggling to get anything going and playing tight defense, the Ravens get on the board first on a 38 yard FG by K #9 Justin Tucker capping off a 8 play 57 yard drive set up by QB #5 Joe Flacco, giving Baltimore a 3-0 with 5:57 remaining.
Detroit get the ball right back, driving deep in Ravens territory on a 3rd & 3 QB Matthew Stafford fumbles the snap and just like that the Lions squandered an opportunity for a score, Baltimore leads 3-0 at the end of quarter 1.
Second Quarter - On the Lions first play of the quarter RB #38 Tion Green turns the corner for gain of 35 yards deep into Ravens territory down to the 31 yard line only to settle for a FG that went wide left by #5 Matt Prater keeping the 3-0 Baltimore lead with 12:50 remaining.
Baltimore open the playbook on Detroit as Flacco connects with the wide out #17 Mike Wallace for 66 yards and capped it off with a 1 yard TD pass to the big TE #82 Benjamin Watson, Ravens go up 10-0 in the quarter.
Baltimore defense is showing signs of life as they put the pressure on the Lions QB forcing a sack fumble and recovery by the safety #32 Eric Weddle with 9:35 to go. Baltimore wins a crucial challenge on a pass from Flacco to Wallace giving the Ravens a first down at the Lions 13 yard line they capitalized in the scoring department on a 1st & goal TD pass from the 3 yard line to FB #42 Patrick Ricard. Baltimore now lead 17-0 over Detroit with 6:54 remaining.
Baltimore's defense was savaged as they come thru again forcing the Lions QB out of the pocket from the 29 yard line for the sack by LB #99 Matt Judon. Baltimore added to their lead on a 46 yard FG by Tucker, Ravens closed the half in grand style shutting down Detroit scoring (First time all season) Baltimore leads 20-0 at the half.
Halftime summary :
Detroit (6-5) has been pressured they can't find anything to click the offense is not there. QB Stafford is under constant pressure, they have no running game, and the recievers are being shut down, Detroit has to find a way to get it going if they want to win this game.
Baltimore (6-5) is rolling on both sides of the line QB Flacco is hot going 15/22 192 yds ( most in the first half since 2014 vs MIA) 2 TDs, everyone has their hands in the ball. Defense, beastly attacking and penetrating the line, getting to the QB, and stop the run. They must not let up in order to win.
Third Quarter - Lions started the opening drive on the right track as they marched down the field QB Stafford showed poise and as he hooked up with the WRs# 15 Golden Tate (14 yards) and # 11 Marvin Jones Jr. (42 yards ) down to Baltimore's 4 yard line and finally punched it in capping off a 7 play 75 yard drive by RB # 25 Theo Riddick making it a 20-7 Baltimore lead with 12:11 remaining.
Detroit's looking for life thanks to a roughing the passer call and a big throws by Stafford put the Lions in position for the score, a 5 yard TD run by Green making it a one possession lead 20-13 Ravens with 2:15 remaining.
Fourth Quarter - Baltimore is on the move with Flacco mixing up plays and the ground and pound attack they come right back on 7 yard TD by RB #34 Alex Collins putting Baltimore up 27-13 with 12:39 remaining.
Detroit fighting back as Stafford connects with Jones Jr. for a 45 yard strikedown to the Ravens 28 capped off a 7 play 75 yard drive a 1 yard TD hookup from Stafford to the LB #43 Nick Bellore, Baltimore still leads 27-20 with 10:20 remaining.
Flacco continues to torch the Lions defense keeping drives alive but Detroit shows tenacity as Baltimore settles for a 51 yard FG by Tucker giving the Ravens a 10 pt lead, 30-20 with 6:54 to go.
Baltimore stingy defense come thru again a sack by LB #55 Terrell Suggs and being picked off by CB #29 Marlon Humphrey Baltimore continues to embarrass Detroit as they add to their lead on a 6 yard TD run by Collins (second of the game) Ravens increase their lead 37-20 with 4:00 to go.
Detroit rookie QB in place of Stafford was picked 6'd by Weddle a 45 yard TD . Ravens win 44-20.
Final Toughts:
Detroit (6-6) needed this game to stay in contention; there style of play has been questioned all season from the defense with pass rushers to being able to stop their opponents running attack to the offense led by head coach Jim Caldwell's play calling and the o-line ability to protect Stafford which keys to their loss. Changes are going to made in Detroit if this continues.
Baltimore (7-5) played outstanding they did everything right vs Detriot, Flacco and Collins demolished Detroit's d-line Which was key to their win. The Ravens stay alive and looks to keep this momentum going in their chase for the postseason.
Article written by Shawn L. Harris
