Ravens’ imperfections on offense, defense no small cause for concern -- even in August

By The AP (via The Washington Post)

The Baltimore Ravens have just over three weeks to smooth out a variety of flaws, many of which were exposed during a horrid performance they’re thankful took place in August.

In falling to the Detroit Lions 27-12 on Friday night, Baltimore (No. 5 in AP Pro32) yielded 507 yards, didn’t score a touchdown, had a punt blocked and committed penalties on two kick returns for touchdowns.

It was only a preseason game, and the result won’t have any impact on the Ravens’ bid this season to reach the playoffs for a fifth consecutive year. But there’s more than a small bit of concern over an offense that produced only four field goals and a retooled defense that didn’t get a sack or an interception while allowing Matthew Stafford to throw for 184 yards and two touchdowns in four possessions.

“I like where we’re at in some ways and not in others,” coach John Harbaugh said. “We’d like to be doing everything great, but you’re not going to peak really early, and it’s August. We’ve got a long season in front of us. I think we’re growing in some areas, but we’re not doing everything we’re going to do.”

The offense chalked up first downs, but not touchdowns. When the field got short, the Ravens came up short. Baltimore went 2 for 15 on third down, compared to 6 for 14 by the Lions.

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