Detroit Lions too little, too late; lose to Ravens 44-20
After a scoreless first half, the Detroit Lions finally came alive in the third quarter only to be thwarted in the final frame, losing the game 44-20.
In the upcoming offseason, when the Detroit Lions review what went wrong in 2017, slow starts will likely be a key element of those discussions. And Sunday’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens was the perfect example.
Despite possessing ample offensive firepower, the Lions were held scoreless through the first half of their pivotal Week 13 matchup. And the Ravens took a decisive 20-0 lead into halftime.
Detroit did explode for 20 points in the second half, but unfortunately Baltimore posted a whopping 24 points in the final frame, winning the lopsided contest 44-20.
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 24 his 29 passes for 292 yards, one touchdown and one interception. At one point, Stafford completed 20 straight passes prior to his lone interception. And it was also on that pick play, late in the fourth quarter, that the 29-year old passer injured his hand. Stafford did not return to the game and his injury status is unknown. But it’s certainly something every Lions’ fan will be watching closely.
With starting running back Ameer Abdullah out due to a neck injury, rookie Tion Green stepped up and rushed for 51 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. A majority of that yardage coming from a 33-yard run. Veteran running back Theo Riddick posted 21 yards and a score on nine carries. Riddick also had five receptions for 41 yards.
Wide receiver Marvin Jones had four catches for a team-leading 90 receiving yards. Wide out Golden Tate had eight receptions for 69 yards.
The Lions defense struggled in the defeat. The unit was unable to record a single sack or interception against quarterback Joe Flacco and company. Defensive end Ziggy Ansah and cornerback Quandre Diggs led the defense with five solo tackles each.
Next: Fire Jim Caldwell or waste Matthew Stafford?
With their playoff hopes on the line, the 6-6 Detroit Lions must win out. Their next stop, Raymond James Stadium in Florida to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That game is scheduled for next Sunday, December 10th with a 1:00 p.m. ET start time.