Raven/Texans Recap: Ravens throttled the Texans
Outcome: Ravens 33 - Texans 16
Top Performers
Lamar Jackson: 18/24 for 204 yards, 1 TD; 16 carries for 54 yards
Ravens RBs: 21 carries for 176 yards and 1 TD
LJ Fort: 1 tackle, 1 fumble recovery, 1 TD
Deshaun Watson: 25/36 for 275 yards, 1 TD 1 int; 5 carries for 17 yards
Brandin Cooks: 5 catches for 95 yards
JJ Watt: 2 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 TFL, 1 PD, 3 QB hits
The outcome of this game was as expected from most, the Ravens offense ran the ball well and the defense held a Texans offense from exploding.
The Ravens started off slow this game getting only a field goal by the end of the first quarter, but from then on they controlled the game. They did it in all three phases of the game. The offense ran for over 200 yards yet again. The running backs in particular made the most of their carries to the tune of 176 yards and a score. Not only did they dominate, but they iced the game at the end by gashing the Texans defense in the fourth quarter where Lamar didn’t throw a single pass. The defense made life uncomfortable for Watson with four sacks and an interception. Watson and his receivers weren’t on the same page other than the newly acquired Cooks. Then in the special team department, Justin automatic Tucker continued to knock down the field goals as he hit four on the day with a long of 47 yards. This Ravens team looks as complete as any team starting off 2-0 this year. The real test for them will be next week in Baltimore when the Chiefs come to play on Monday Night football.
The Texans are not the same team from last year. This offense hasn’t looked like itself since Hopkins left and it's notable how important he was for Watson. Without his security blanket and big-play threat, Watson has had to rely on his backs and tight ends more. The acquisition of David Johnson has been hot and cold the first two weeks but overall hasn’t paid dividends. While the wide receivers Cooks, Cobb, Stills, and Fuller need to perform better and give Watson more valuable threats all across the field. As for the defense, it needs work. JJ Watt is still producing as he always has with a pair of sacks and a pass deflection already. Yet, the overall tackling and coverage of this team need work as they have given up two back to back games of at least 30 plus points to opposing teams. With the offense playing as they have, there aren't many games you will win that way. Hopefully, this team can get back on track so with playoff and Superbowl aspirations this year. They will start with another big challenge in the Steelers.
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