The Lions first team looked much better this week in a 27-12 preseason win over the Ravens Friday night from Baltimore.
Matthew Stafford looked very much like the dominant QB he was last season going 12 for 17 for 184 yards and two touchdowns. This included an impressive 18 yard connection with Calvin Johnson for the score. Less than five minutes later Stafford continued to look sharp through the air this time hooking up with Titus Young for a 24 yard touchdown.
However Detroit got themselves into penalty trouble early looking very much like the undisciplined team they were last season. As a whole the Lions combined for 11 penalties for 98 yards, a number they’ll definitely have to remedy before the start of the regular season. Unlike last season though Detroit’s defense was able to somewhat recover from their sloppy play holding the Ravens to a field goal or forcing them to punt the ball away.
Lions backups Shaun Hill was 7 of 13 for 61 yards while Kellen Moore who’s looking to earn a spot on the team went 10 for 15 for 96 yards.
Detroit’s final scoring play came very late in the fourth quarter after a Carmen Messina interception of Curtis Painter when Stephfon Green found a hole and took it 76 yards for the touchdown.
Running back Joique Bell, who is also currently looking for a spot on the team fumbled a carry on the one yard line after an impressive series.
Lions running back/return man Stefan Logan was carted off the field with an ankle injury. X-rays on the ankle after the game were negative but it’s unclear at this time if he’ll miss any time.
Ref: Associated Press
