The difference between the Baltimore Ravens, the Detroit Lions, and their coaching, execution and physicality was evident on Monday.

Lamar Jackson’s performance against NFC teams, and the Ravens dominance at primetime home games were discussed before the game. Baltimore, with a national spotlight on them, adopted a “Darkness Falls” theme. They wore all-black uniforms to create a fear factor in the opposition.

When darkness fell at M&T Bank Stadium it was the Lions that took control of the night.

It didn’t occur immediately. Both teams executed their opening scripts flawlessly, and both scored touchdowns in their first drives. Detroit got the ball back at their own 2-yard-line with 1:43 left in the first-quarter after two three-and outs.

After 18 plays and 98 yards the Lions had a 14-7 advantage after converting four third downs. This left a lasting impression on the game. The Ravens were unable to punt the ball into the end zone on their next possession.

The Ravens took the lead in the third quarter with two touchdowns either side of halftime. However, a Tyler Loop landing-zone penalty left the Lions with a small field to use for their second scripted play. It only took seven plays to travel 60 yards and tie the game.

The rest of the match revealed the difference between the teams. On offense, the Lions kept the Ravens from gaining possession of the ball and on defense they remained steadfast at the point where the attack was made. Baltimore had a hard time tackling ballcarriers and bringing them down, while Detroit never missed a tackle. The Lions were the ones who responded to the call when it came time to make a play.

Al-Quadin Muhammad, a veteran Lions edge-rusher, logged 2.5 sacks with Marcus Davenport out. However, no Ravens rusher was able to step up when Nnamdi Madubuike, Kyle Van Noy, and Nnamdi Madubuike were both injured. Baltimore’s highest-paid players – Kyle Hamilton Roquan, Marlon, Humphrey, and Odafe Oweh — were only on the wrong end of key plays. Even Lamar Jackson could not overcome a Lions defense that was disciplined and closed in on him.

Monday night revealed stark differences between the coaching staffs of the two teams. Todd Monken attempted a Derrick Henry roll-out pass that was almost intercepted. Lions offensive coordinator John Morton, on the other hand, drafted a clever double-pitch to score a touchdown. Kelvin Sheppard, Lions’ defensive coordinator, found a way to pressure Zach Orr with four rushers in the pass rush. John Harbaugh punted the ball to the Lions on a fourth-and-9 situation in the final quarter. Dan Campbell’s offense stayed on the field to convert a fourth-down for the game-winning conversion.

This game proved more than anything that the Ravens lack the tenacity to overcome adversity and compete with the top teams in the NFL. The Ravens’ physicality was lacking in the opening half but they did not show any additional intensity or urgency after the break. Monken failed to punish the Lions’ commitment to the plan of slowing the run game and containing Jackson.

Baltimore doesn’t have much time to dwell on the loss, as they will be visiting Kansas City in a week. But it is clear that they need to reflect. It’s exactly this kind of game which keeps the Ravens from making the playoffs year after year. The same mistakes will lead to their demise if they don’t change.

Mark Andrews’ late touchdown salvaged the Ravens from a humiliating defeat. But make no mistake, this was a disgraceful performance. This team’s current form makes them more of a Super Bowl contender than a pretender.