19 Oct 2023

Ravens vs. Lions staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s Week 7 game in Baltimore?

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Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Sunday’s Week 7 game between the Ravens (4-2) and the Lions (5-1) at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

Brian Wacker, reporter

Lions 24, Ravens 17: The Lions’ offense has scored the third-most touchdowns (21) in the NFL, while the Ravens have given up the fewest (6) of any team in the league. But this is also the most complete team Baltimore has faced this season, with the Lions’ defense also surrendering just 18.8 points per game, ninth-fewest in the NFL. Detroit star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is also coming off a 12-catch, 124-yard game, and while the Lions are without running back David Montgomery, rookie Jahmyr Gibbs is likely to return from a hamstring injury.

Mike Preston, columnist

Ravens 21, Lions 18: Detroit is one of the most physical teams in the NFL. The Lions have Jared Goff, who isn’t a great quarterback but is the best the Ravens have faced so far this season. This will be one of the best matchups of the weekend, and the Ravens should win a tightly contested game at home. Justin Tucker kicks the game-winner.

Childs Walker, reporter

Ravens 24, Lions 20: All logic points to the Lions. The Ravens haven’t played an offense nearly this potent, and it’s not like they can count on pounding Detroit’s defense. There’s also a possible London hangover to consider. That said, this feels like an occasion for Lamar Jackson to put it together after a week of analysts fawning over the Lions.

C.J. Doon, editor

Lions 23, Ravens 20: In terms of overall efficiency, according to Football Outsiders’ DVOA, only the 49ers rank higher than the Lions. During its four-game winning streak, Detroit is outscoring opponents by an average of 15 points. The Ravens are getting healthier and will have the two best players on the field in Lamar Jackson and Roquan Smith, but I’ve been impressed enough by the Lions’ talent and body of work to give them the slight edge Sunday.

Tim Schwartz, editor

Lions 20, Ravens 17: The last time the Ravens faced the Lions, Justin Tucker etched his name in the history books with an NFL-record 66-yard game-winning field goal. I don’t expect another Baltimore miracle Sunday. The Lions are a legitimate Super Bowl contender and by far the best team the Ravens will have faced so far this season. This is the week Baltimore needs to finally put it all together for a full 60 minutes — and I’m not sold they’re quite ready.

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19 Oct 2023

Ravens vs. Lions staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s Week 7 game in Baltimore?

by | posted in: All news | 0

Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Sunday’s Week 7 game between the Ravens (4-2) and the Lions (5-1) at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

Brian Wacker, reporter

Lions 24, Ravens 17: The Lions’ offense has scored the third-most touchdowns (21) in the NFL, while the Ravens have given up the fewest (6) of any team in the league. But this is also the most complete team Baltimore has faced this season, with the Lions’ defense also surrendering just 18.8 points per game, ninth-fewest in the NFL. Detroit star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is also coming off a 12-catch, 124-yard game, and while the Lions are without running back David Montgomery, rookie Jahmyr Gibbs is likely to return from a hamstring injury.

Mike Preston, columnist

Ravens 21, Lions 18: Detroit is one of the most physical teams in the NFL. The Lions have Jared Goff, who isn’t a great quarterback but is the best the Ravens have faced so far this season. This will be one of the best matchups of the weekend, and the Ravens should win a tightly contested game at home. Justin Tucker kicks the game-winner.

Childs Walker, reporter

Ravens 24, Lions 20: All logic points to the Lions. The Ravens haven’t played an offense nearly this potent, and it’s not like they can count on pounding Detroit’s defense. There’s also a possible London hangover to consider. That said, this feels like an occasion for Lamar Jackson to put it together after a week of analysts fawning over the Lions.

C.J. Doon, editor

Lions 23, Ravens 20: In terms of overall efficiency, according to Football Outsiders’ DVOA, only the 49ers rank higher than the Lions. During its four-game winning streak, Detroit is outscoring opponents by an average of 15 points. The Ravens are getting healthier and will have the two best players on the field in Lamar Jackson and Roquan Smith, but I’ve been impressed enough by the Lions’ talent and body of work to give them the slight edge Sunday.

Tim Schwartz, editor

Lions 20, Ravens 17: The last time the Ravens faced the Lions, Justin Tucker etched his name in the history books with an NFL-record 66-yard game-winning field goal. I don’t expect another Baltimore miracle Sunday. The Lions are a legitimate Super Bowl contender and by far the best team the Ravens will have faced so far this season. This is the week Baltimore needs to finally put it all together for a full 60 minutes — and I’m not sold they’re quite ready.

()

19 Oct 2023

Acton-Boxboro corners Lincoln-Sudbury in DCL field hockey action

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SUDBURY – Offensive corners seem to be the bread and butter of the Acton-Boxboro field hockey team’s attack, and a section of what it practices is dedicated toward finishing broken plays in those opportunities.

That paid off Wednesday afternoon with the Dual County League title in the balance, using two goals on busted corners in the third quarter to narrowly beat Lincoln-Sudbury, 2-1.

Defenses starred for both units as dangerous chances around the goal were limited, making the eight second-half corners the Revolution (11-2-1) produced all the more impactful. Especially in a win they grinded through for another league title despite dealing with a few injuries.

“We had adjustments to make, and we did,” said Acton-Boxboro field hockey coach Mae Shoemaker. “That just sealed the DCL for them, so it was important. … Winning while they’re missing (important pieces was huge).”

Acton-Boxboro led the shot battle at halftime, but all of its shots came from just inside the circle as the Warriors (6-3-3) snuffed out any opportunities by the goal in a scoreless affair. The Revs had a hard time breaking through, up until the corners started rolling in after the break.

Lincoln-Sudbury nearly cleared the first corner of the second half midway through the third quarter, but Shannon Patrick intercepted the ball before assisting Sarah Ryan’s goal from near the stroke for a 1-0 lead. Devin Onken dashed toward a slow pass on the Revs’ next corner, slamming in a 2-0 lead just around the goaltender with 3:46 left in the quarter.

Neither goal went exactly as planned, but that’s why A-B practices those plays. And it was no coincidence both goals came on the first two corners of the half after being limited to just three corners before the break.

“Once we scored our energy just shifted and we were really attacking the ball,” said Revs senior Cat Holtz. “Sometimes it’s hard to start out with energy but then once we score or get a bunch of corner opportunities, that’s when we really pick it up. … I think we’re just really gritty in the circle.”

“If you get corners, you’ve got seven people against four,” Shoemaker added. “You should be able to do something with it. They’ve been working much better this year.”

Lincoln-Sudbury took advantage of its lone second-half corner in response, with Blaire Brennan burying a missile with just 1:23 left to play.

It was the only significant blemish in an otherwise spotless defensive display from A-B, which staved off a few promising transitions from Warriors forward Ellie Innes. Emily Chen and Abby Depew were crucial in keeping almost everything contained to the outside, ensuring the Revs finished on the right side of the defensive showdown.

“My defense stepped up big time,” Shoemaker said. “They had some good opportunities and the defense stepped up. … That’s what they were supposed to do, play everything to the outside.”

The result is another DCL title to add to the Revs’ large trophy case, and it’s meaningful. But more in the sense that it contributes to a much bigger goal.

“Obviously we’re excited about it but I think it just reminds us that the job’s not finished,” Holtz said. “It’s just one step in our process.”

19 Oct 2023

2023 Genesis GV70 EV does its job

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Genesis, the upscale brand of Hyundai Motor Co., has done a great job at being the sleeper brand for consumers today. Its limited dealership footprint and huge array of fleet size, make it a great brand for many consumers in the high end luxury market. With exterior appearances that dominate the consumer market and offer aesthetic flares of Bentley and Mercedes, the Genesis brand offers a nicely sized discount compared to others while still getting the same great features.

Our tester, the 2023 Electrified Genesis GV70 AWD Prestige. Wrapped in the famous Genesis Makalu Matte Grey Paint, the GV70 is comfortable, rightly sized, rightly priced and exquisite on the interior. Boasting a mid $60K price tag, you would have thought you were riding in the GLE or Bentayga, but the Genesis brand does it again, ensuring passengers get exactly what they want in a mid size SUV.

Powering the Electrified GV70 for 2023 is a 160 kW front + 106 kW rear electric motor with a 77.4 kWh battery. We noticed a 234 mile range on a full charge, which was pretty realistic for the Genesis brand and their larger, heavier vehicles, but still under that 300 mile threshold consumers demand.

As a Volvo extraordinaire, the Genesis brings a lot of Volvo like interior accouterments as well. Plush, massaging, heated and ventilated front seats, with white leather. The Prestige Interior Package was also witnessed on the GV70 which included an easy to use 12.3” digital instrument cluster inclusive of heads up display, Lexicon Premium Audio, and heated 2nd row seating and steering wheel with manual rear door shades.

For Genesis, the GV70 is certainly an amazing looking vehicle. We recognize unbelievably quiet road noise, exceptional comfort and very close attention to detail. With Hyundai’s great warranties and dependability they are known for, Genesis is a huge sleeper brand for consumers everywhere. If an upscale brand vehicle is in your future, Genesis deserves a test drive.

Grasso’s Garage is here for you! Are you in the market for a new car? I would be happy to provide my honest input. All you have to do is email me: marc.grasso@bostonherald.com.

2023 Genesis GV70 EV

MSRP: $65,850

MPGe: 98 city / 83 highway / 91.4 as tested

As Tested: $75,275