Steve Smith won’t play this week for Ravens, Suggs and Dumervil unlikely

Even in a game in which starters play into the third quarter, don’t look for Flacco to be extended almost that far. More alarming in the first two preseason games is his, and the secondary’s, seeming inability to land solid tackles on ball carriers, leading to the kind of big plays that have severely hurt the Ravens in recent years.

Stafford certainly wasn’t at his best.

Matthew Stafford completed 14 of 23 passes for 95 yards in one half of work, and threw one interception on a pass he tried forcing over two defenders to Anquan Boldin. He failed to recognize linebacker Anthony Levine in the passing lane while trying to find Anquan Boldin in the middle of the field, resulting in the pick.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws to a receiver in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, in Baltimore. The Baltimore Ravens’ young running back has been making a name for himself this preseason with his explosive speed and natural ability to fight for extra yards.

Prater also made a 60-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, and missed off the right upright from 53 yards. After he finally got up, he had to be helped off the field. Solid tackling means not as many long drives that could lead to field goals that decide close games.

In the second quarter of Baltimore’s third 2016 exhibition game against the Lions, the Ravens receiver snagged a diving 25-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Ryan Mallett.

Now is the time to truly see if the veteran quarterback’s relatively quick return to the field and his sharp-looking camp appearances can truly translate into a real, live game against a first-string defense. The highlight for the Lions were the returns of linebacker DeAndre Levy and Abdullah to the lineup. After lengthy layoffs, both were on the field for multiple possessions in the first half. Overall, Detroit gained 101 yards on 19 carries.