Lions coach Jim Schwartz delivered a scathing critique of Detroit’s play in its preseason opener on August 10, calling on Lions players to rebound against the Ravens Friday night. After his team responded to their opening-week loss with a 27-12 win at M&T Bank Stadium, you’d think Schwartz would praise his team’s resilience, right?
Not a chance.
“We were still sloppy,” Schwartz told WXYT radio. “There’s still a lot of improvement [needed] for us.”
When asked what the difference was between Detroit’s preseason loss to Cleveland and its win over Baltimore, Schwartz simply said, “We got the win. It’s preseason.”
Schwartz's refusal to accept -- or praise -- anything but perfection is another sign of the changed expectations in the Lions' locker room. He’s correct in pointing out that there’s still room for the team to grow, but Detroit’s starters and key reserves put forth a much better effort before a national TV audience than they did in the opener last week.
Here are some of the highs and lows from the starting unit:
Offense starts slow until Megatron provides a spark: After it failed to score on Detroit’s opening two drives Friday, the first-team offense was responsible for more turnovers (1) than points-scored (0) during the 2012 preseason. Seeing that Detroit’s offense was struggling, Baltimore began to use DB blitz packages to pressure Matthew Stafford.
They did so at their peril.
On Detroit’s third series, The O-line’s blocking improved, giving Stafford time to find Calvin Johnson in favorable coverage matchups. Johnson made three catches for 83 yards on the drive, including an 18-yard TD reception that gave Detroit a lead it would never relinquish.
“For a preseason game, it’s not too bad,” Johnson told FOX-TV. “We just needed a little spark and we’re going to be real explosive on offense.”
The spark didn’t end there. Stafford would add another second-quarter TD pass -- this time to Titus Young -- and he finished 12 of 17 passing for 184 yards and two TDs. The offense, while proficient, lacked the balance that offensive coordinator Scott Linehan covets. The Lions had just 18 first-half rushing yards, a stat they must improve to compete for a playoff spot.
Defense bends but doesn’t break: Detroit’s starting CB unit struggled against the Ravens, often allowing receivers to create space for short timing routes that moved the Ravens into scoring position on three first-half drives. Two solid pass breakups and a sack from S John Wendling helped Detroit hold Baltimore to three field goals, however, giving Detroit a 14-9 halftime lead. The Lions’ top two defensive units have yet to allow a first-half TD this season. DE Cliff Avril made his return to the Lions’ lineup Friday and almost intercepted a pass on Baltimore’s opening drive.
Discipline still an issue: After committing just one penalty during its preseason opener, Detroit committed 7 infractions for 73 yards in the first half Friday. The defense struggled while trying to walk the line between agressive and reckless play, committing several encroachment penalties. Although the NFL’s replacement officials didn’t deliver the sharpest of performances, they weren't responsible for DT Nick Fairley’s first-quarter personal foul for a blatant late hit -- or for LB Justin Durant’s obvious facemask call. Detroit can’t afford to repeat its undisciplined performance during the regular season.
Injuries: RB Stefan Logan suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter. Schwartz said X-rays were negative, but Logan was seen wearing a boot after the game. LB Travis Lewis left the game in the first quarter with a quad injury.
Follow Lions reporter John Kreger on Twitter at @CBSSportsNFLDET and @JohnKreger.