It was a defensive battle in the first half on Monday Night Football. The teams combined to get into the end zone just once, with three field goals giving Baltimore a 9-7 lead.
Ravens vs. Lions 2013 halftime score: Baltimore holds a 9-7 lead
Reggie Bush got the Lions on the board early, but three Justin Tucker field goals have the Ravens up at halftime.
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Neither offense was able to get much going during the first 30 minutes. Detroit, aided by a key penalty against Baltimore on a third down, marched 78 yards for a touchdown on its opening possession. It was just the second time the Lions came away with points on their first possession this season. Detroit, however, wasn’t able to get much going the rest of the half, gaining just 73 yards on its final four possessions.
Although the Ravens were able to put together a pair of long drives, Baltimore was unable to reach the end zone. The Ravens drove to the Detroit 11-yard line early in the second quarter before settling for a field goal. Then, after a pass interference call, Baltimore was set up with a 1st-and-10 from the Detroit 10-yard line. That drive stalled at the 6-yard line and again the Ravens were forced to settle for a Justin Tucker field goal.
The Ravens were able to effectively run a two-minute drill to add their third field goal of the half. The drive was aided by a 15-yard personal foul penalty by Louis Delmas that extended the drive on third down and moved the Ravens into field goal range. Two of Baltimore’s three field goals were aided by penalties against the Detroit secondary. The teams were flagged for 10 penalties in the first half, totaling 109 yards.
There were miscues by both teams, including a pair of crucial dropped passes by Calvin Johnson. Johnson was targeted six times in the first half, finishing with just two catches for eight yards.
More from SB Nation NFL
See More:
