Ebony Bird
FanSided

Ravens Vs. Lions: Everything You Need To Know

By Chris Schisler

Aug 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West (28) runs the football during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West (28) runs the football during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Baltimore Ravens Play the Detroit Lions In Front Of Their Home Crowd On Saturday. Are You Ready for some preseason football?

The NFL preseason isn’t the most exciting time of the year. Football is good to have back, but the drama and suspense of a game that counts is lacking in August. This of course is the third preseason game. The score doesn’t matter, but it is the dress rehearsal for the Ravens season opener. As an added bonus the Ravens open the season at home, which increases the dress rehearsal feel.

Related Story: 5 Things That Bode Well For The Ravens

The purple and black are trying to put it all together in this game. There still may be some key players out as a precaution, but Joe Flacco will be under center for the purple and black. Baltimore will get their closest look at what the Ravens team is going to be in the 2016 season.

The last time the Ravens met the Lions, Justin Tucker devastated the Lions crowd with a 61 yard game winning field goal. Special teams will be an interesting thing to watch in this game. Morgan Cox, Sam Koch and Tucker are their usual reliable selves. There is nothing to learn here. But the John Harbaugh still needs to find a kick returner. Who will be the gunner on special teams? These are all things the Ravens have yet to answer.

The Ravens offense has to get some confidence brewing in this game. Against a tough Teryl Austin defense, they must show that they have some offensive punch. Look for a more exciting passing game to complement the Ravens strong running game. The return of Flacco means that the offense can use the entire playbook.

Defensively the Ravens have no confidence. How could the starting defenders be thrilled with themselves. Against the Panthers Cam Newton tore them apart. Andrew Luck drove down the field with relative ease on the Colts first drive last week. The defense has to show it can rush the passer. It also has to show they can cover the pass. Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil are back in practice but they could still sit this one out. Whether or not they suit up there stars, you want to see the talented defense show signs of life.

Next: Injury Hurt Terrell Suggs's Chances For The Pro Football Hall of Fame

When you look at what this team has been so far this preseason, it has been a team that has not gelled together. This is the big accomplishment the Ravens have to get off their list before the season. They have to come together and show that the 2016 Ravens are coming for the entire NFL. I have said it before, I will say it again, confidence is vitally important in the NFL. The Ravens didn’t know what kind of team they were after last preseason. On Saturday, when the starters are getting increased playing time, it will be a good time to find out what the team is made of.

Home/Ravens News