Ravens report card versus the Lions: The Defense and Special Teams
I know Wednesday is late for a report card but the Ravens played Monday Night and I did not want to post both of them in one day. If you missed the report card on the offense go here. Some fun trivia a defensive lineman, linebacker and a defensive back had an interception in this game.
Defensive line: In the beginning of the game it looked bad for this unit as the Detroit Lions were running at will. As the game went on the Ravens defense got tougher. They ended up only giving up 119 yards rushing. DeAngelo Tyson may not have recorded a tackle but he has played very good in the last two weeks. Tyson had an interception and helped cause pressure. The Ravens need more than one sack. Haloti Ngata was a beast with five tackles. Grade B+
Linebackers: Jameel McClain had his best game since coming back with nine tackles which was second on the team. Terrell Suggs needs to get it going again, he is in a bit of a slump I think minor injuries might be getting to him. Daryl Smith had the teams only sack and one of the interceptions. Grade B
Secondary: Matt Elam ran his mouth and ended up having a great game. Elam missed a tackle early and got a questionable personal foul call but he played great. Elam lead the team with 10 tackles and had his first interception and a tackle for loss. Jimmy Smith also had a fantastic game covering Calvin Johnson, Smith did a great job. The Ravens secondary kept the Lions passing attack to only 235 yards. Grade A
Overall: The game started out bad and the Lions scored on the opening drive but they sure did sure it up. keeping the Lions offense to only 16 points at home is a great job. Grade A
Special Teams: Tucker went six for six on field goals including the 61 yarder, Tucker was perfect and won the game for the Ravens. Jacoby Jones was solid on kick returns again gained the Ravens 60 yards. Grade A+++
Coaching staff: The coaching staff made great adjustments not just at halftime but throughout the game. The Ravens even made the right decision to let Justin Tucker kick the game winning field goal. Grade B+