The Baltimore Ravens beat the Detroit Lions, by a score of 18-16 on Monday Night Football on the strength of Justin Tucker’s six field goals.
The Detroit Lions jumped out first with a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. Tucker then kicked a 24-yard, 29-yard and 32-yard field goal, leading to a 9-6 lead for the Ravens at halftime.
Following the break, Tucker started off the 3rd quarter with a 49-yarder, extending the Ravens lead to 12-7. Lions’ kicker David Akers also showed off his toe in the 3rd quarter, kicking a 40-yard field goal to shorten the lead 12-10.
Tucker then started off the 4th quarter with a 53-yard field goal, to put Detroit up 15-10. The Lion’ then took the lead with their 2nd touchdown of the game, with a Matthew Stafford pass to Joseph Fauria. The Lions’ weren’t able to convert a 2-point conversion, causing them to settle for a 16-15 lead.
And then with: 38 seconds left, Tucker kicked his 6th and final field goal. The 61-yard field goal, gave Baltimore an 18-16 win.
Even though the Ravens came out on top, they didn’t score a singe touchdown and Joe Flacco only threw for 222 yards. Ray Rice also had a forgettable game, as rushed for only 56 yards. Jacoby Jones did however step up with an 80-yard performance, while Torrey Smith had 69 yards receiving
Matthew Stafford had one of his worst games in his NFL career. Stafford only threw for 235 yard along with one touchdown and 3 interceptions. However, the Lions’ did have a great performance of the ground and air. Reggie Bush rushed for 86 yards and one touchdown, while Calvin Johnson caught six pass for 98 yards.
The win moves Baltimore to 8-6, and would give them the 6th and final playoff spot. Even though the Ravens currently hold the 6th seed I don’t believe they will be able to hold on to it. I predict the 8-6 Miami Dolphins will beat the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills and finish 10-6. On the other hand, I think Baltimore will actually lose their final two games, against the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots. They would then be 8-8, not good enough to make the cut.
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Main Photo: Patrick Semansky, AP
