Detroit Lions vs. Baltimore Ravens Preview

August 17, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) runs during their preseason game against the Detroit Lions at M

Ravens Rushing Offense vs. Lions Run Defense

Ray Rice has been a workhorse for Baltimore over the past few years, but he’s struggled this season, averaging just 3.0 yards per carry. In fact, the Ravens are ranked 29th in the NFL in rushing yards per game. Backup Bernard Pierce has struggled to get anything going, averaging just 2.7 yards per carry. Combined, they have just three runs of over 20 yards this season.

A week ago, this paragraph was all about how the Lions run defense has been superb, not allowing any 100 yard rushers. This week, it’s a different story. The defensive line got pushed around as LeSean McCoy rushed for 217 yards and 2 touchdowns through the snow. How will the Lions defense respond?

Linebacker DeAndre Levy said Detroit played “soft” in the second half. Ndamukong Suh and company must play better. Perhaps most important, safeties Louis Delmas and Glover Quin must respond from an atrocious second half against the Eagles. I think Detroit responds at home on Monday night. Advantage – Detroit