Monday Night Football Scores & Results 2013: Baltimore Ravens Escape Detroit With 18-16 Win vs. Lions
The Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens both needed a win heading into Monday Night Football, but only one would escape with the win.
And escape they did.
Ravens kicker Justin Tucker managed to boot an improbable 61 yard field goal with under a minute to go to and Baltimore escaped Ford Field with an 18-16 victory. Even more importantly, the Ravens kept a stronghold on the final wild spot in the AFC.
The Lions, on the other hand, have now dropped four of the last five matchups as the squad slipped to third place in the very tight NFC North division.
"This is a setback, no question," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. "We had control and now we need help. We have to get two wins and let the rest shake out."
Detroit held a 16-15 lead in the final minute leading up to Tucker's field goal. Considering how unlikely the field goal was, the Detroit sideline was in shock and awe.
Across the field, the Ravens sideline was bracing for impact as coach John Harbaugh hoped his decision to go forward with the kick would pay off. Tucker reassured his coach before kicking that he would be able to make it.
"If they send me out there, they have reason to," Tucker said. "It's because they think I can make the kick."
Tucker has now made 33 straight field goals after he was responsible for all of his team's 18 points on Monday night. His six field goals helped cover up the fact that his team's offense simply could not get in the end zone.
Joe Flacco went 20 for 38 in the air, throwing for 222 yards and no touchdowns, but also went without any interceptions. Detroit quarterback Matt Stafford went 18 for 34, tossing one touchdown and three interceptions.