Ravens Offense Lays An Egg: Lose To Lions 27-12

After looking pretty solid in their preseason opening 31-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons last week, the Baltimore Ravens laid an egg in losing to the Detroit Lions 27-12 earlier tonight. The Ravens came into their first home game of the exhibition season looking to build off of their first one, but not being able to put the ball into the end zone prevented the team from continuing the streak.

Baltimore managed but four field goals and while QB Joe Flacco drove the team downfield and looked sharp, they had to settle for a pair of field goals from both Billy Cundiff and Justin Tucker. More than one accurate Flacco throw was not handled by his receivers, thereby releasing him from the blame for the team's performance.

Defensively, although the Ravens knew that Lions QB Matthew Stafford would be looking for the best wide receiver in the game, Calvin Johnson, they inexplicably did not double-cover him and he finished with five receptions for over 100 yards and a typical Megatron TD grab.

(More on the game after the 'Jump')

Special Teams had a hit and miss day, with the returns looking good for the Ravens except for so many penalties calling back solid returns by Deonte Thompson and Asa Jackson. Speaking of penalties, the replacement refs continue to stink up the field, making it even more obvious that the NFL and the referee's union need to resolve their differences as soon as possible.

Remembering that this is the preseason should comfort fans, as the most important thing is that the players get their reps and escape the meaningless final score without injuries. However, chemistry and the perception that the starters are in tune with each other and the reserves are learning the ropes is paramount.

Depending on how you choose to look at it, either it was just another worthless exhibition game or a lackluster showing by guys who either need the reps or need to impress the coaches to make the roster. Over the next few days, we will assess those reserves who did or did not do just that, as well as the starters efforts in their limited time on the field.

For the full story and statistics on the Ravens-Lions game, go to NFL.com.