Snap observations: Lions safety battle still a toss-up

Baltimore — The Detroit Lions' starting safety battle raged on in the third exhibition game with Tavon Wilson playing 41 snaps, and Rafael Bush 37, in the 30-9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The difference, compared to the earlier two exhibition games, is it was Wilson working with the first-team defense.

That indicates Wilson has a leg up in the competition and he showcased his versatility in the role, lining up in a number of different spots during the first half. Coach Jim Caldwell declined to comment on Wilson's performance without an opportunity to look back at the game's film, but praised the player's ability to deliver a big hit.

Here are some additional observations from the snap count report:

▪ Maybe it was just an opponent-specific game plan, but the Lions primarily utilized three-wide sets against the Ravens. Slot receiver Anquan Boldin played just three fewer snaps than starting outside options Golden Tate and Marvin Jones.

▪ Tight end Andrew Quarless got a little work in this game after sitting his first exhibition outing with the team due to a short turnaround. Still, with just nine offensive snaps, compared to rookie Cole Wick's 36, the veteran is still looking like he faces an uphill battle for a job. It begs the question, why did the Lions welcome the criticism that came with the signing if Quarless wasn't something closer to a roster lock?

Lions look unprepared in exhibition loss to Ravens

▪ Making their preseason debuts, DeAndre Levy was on the field 23 snaps and Ameer Abdullah worked 13 plays.

▪ Don Carey started the game with the top special teams unit, but was only on the field for five of those plays, compared to 18 for rookie Miles Killebrew. That's not a great sign for the veteran.

▪ The following players didn't play, due to injury: Corey Robinson, Don Muhlbach, Eric Ebron, Michael Ola, Geoff Schwartz, Graham Glasgow, Isaiah Johnson, Jon Bostic, Josh Bynes