Detroit Lions 2017 season preview: Week 13 vs. Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens have had a rough couple weeks. Since they opened camp last week, they’ve seemed to suffer a significant injury every single practice.

The Detroit Lions will face this battered up team for the first time since 2013. In fact, the Lions have only faced the Ravens four times and have only come out victorious once. In the 2013 meeting, the Lions lost a must-win game at home after Justin Tucker nailed a 61-yard field goal with under a minute to play.

The Lions look to get their revenge this year, and this Ravens team may be primed for defeat. To see where the team lies after all of the offseason trouble, we asked Baltimore Beatdown for an inner look at the 2017 team.

Notable free agent additions: S Tony Jefferson, WR Jeremy Maclin, CB Brandon Carr, RB Danny Woodhead, CB Brandon Boykin, DT Brandon Williams, DB Lardarius Webb,

Notable free agent departures: WR Steve Smith Sr., ILB Zachary Orr, RT Rick Wagner, OLB Elvis Dumervil, FB Kyle Juszczyk, WR Kamar Aiken, FS Kendrick Lewis, CB Shareece Wright, DE Lawrence Guy, CB Jerraud Powers

Trades: C Jeremy Zuttah → 49ers, DT Timmy Jernigan → Eagles

Draft picks expected to contribute as rookies:

CB Marlon Humphrey -- Wasn’t expected to contribute with the defensive back overhaul this offseason, but the tradition of losing a cornerback before training camp once again, struck the Ravens in the form of an ACL tear to star-in-the-making cornerback, Tavon Young. Now, Humphrey will be either outside at No. 2, or pushed inside the slot, depending upon his competition with Brandon Carr and Maurice Canady.

OLB Tyus Bowser: An outside linebacker with the all the athletic gifts of a pass rushing terror. His speed, power and agility can help bring about pressure from any Raven not named Terrell Suggs. He may find reps as an inside backer, with Zachary Orr’s leave and Kamalei Correa’s status up-in-the-air.

OLB Tim Williams: An Alabama linebacker on the Ravens, another tradition Baltimore loves. Williams stock fell heavily during the draft, from expected Ravens first-round pick to third round. He’ll fit in nicely as a third down specialist.

OL Nico Siragusa: Baltimore currently is missing two pieces to their offensive line, and Marshal Yanda can’t do everything. If Baltimore moves Alex Lewis to right tackle, Nico has a shot at starting. If they keep James Hurst at right tackle, he’ll be fighting for a backup spot.

[Editor’s note: Since these answers were given, Siragusa suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp]

Biggest offseason addition:

Tony Jefferson is undoubtedly the biggest addition, though the re-signing of Brandon Williams is a close second. Eric Weddle is praising his partner, Jefferson, already. The Ravens with two dominant safeties won’t be fun to play against, especially with both top five in run-stop ability. Dean Pees will hopefully use creativity to unlock their true potential.

Biggest storyline heading into training camp:

Baltimore has a plethora of stories this offseason, but Zachary Orr’s return from retirement is No. 1.

Under-the-radar storyline heading into training camp:

The Ravens defensive signings have been completely overshadowed by the signing of Jeremy Maclin. Yes, it’s exciting to see the Ravens get a receiver, but Baltimore spent almost $120 million this offseason on defensive players.

Notable injuries heading into training camp: My least favorite part to fill out here. CB Tavon Young, TE Dennis Pitta

Suspensions: TE Darren Waller (1 year), RB Kenneth Dixon (4 games)

Thanks to Baltimore Beatdown for the answers. Let’s hope this year’s game goes a little better than the last time the two teams met.