The Ravens Soar through Houston on Christmas Day

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The Baltimore Ravens took on the Houston Texans on Christmas Day. It was a rematch of last year’s divisional-round matchup in which the Ravens won 34-10.

The Texans had already clinched a playoff berth as well as the AFC South division, so they did not have much to play for. They simply wanted to bounce back after a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. This was also their final home game of the regular season.

The Ravens were coming off a win over the Steelers, and they also clinched a playoff berth. Getting the win over the Steelers was huge because it kept them in the running to win the AFC North division.

Baltimore got the ball to begin and they wasted no time getting in the red zone. They handed it off to Derrick Henry several times, and he ran through the defense. Lamar Jackson did take a sack for a three yard loss, but he immediately made up for it by scrambling for 25 yards.

He also found Zay Flowers for a 27-gain to set them up 1st and goal. Henry ran into the endzone for the touchdown, which was his first since Week 7. They never faced a third down on the opening drive, and scored with ease.

Houston’s opening drive started off strong as CJ Stroud converted on the first third down of the game. It was a 13-yard gain thanks to Stroud finding Nico Collins. That was the only positive play as they faced another third down, and Stroud was sacked for a huge loss which forced the punt.

The Ravens once again handed it off to Henry, and he continued to run through the Texans’ defense. The defense was able to stop them from getting in the endzone and force the field goal. Justin Tucker made the kick to put them up 10-0.

The Texans’ offense came back looking to put points on the board, but the drive ended quickly after three straight incompletions. Fortunately, their defense forced the Ravens to punt after they stopped the run twice and forced an incomplete pass.

While Houston’s offense could not get anything going, their defense got a safety after Kamari Lassiter brought down Henry in the endzone. It felt like the momentum was starting to shift as the defense made several big plays to keep them in the game.

Dameon Pierce had a 45-yard punt return to set them up with great field position. They got into their opponent’s territory for the first time after Stroud found Robert Wood for a 16-yard gain. But they faced a third and long after a negative play on first down, which has been a major issue this season.

They did not get the third down conversion, but made it into a manageable fourth down. They did not get the fourth down conversion, but they moved down the field after a defensive pass interference penalty was called.

Despite the penalty, the Ravens were able to stop the Texans from scoring on all four attempts. They took over at their own one-yard line, and Henry was able to run for seven yards to avoid another safety.

Jackson found Mark Andrews for a 67-yard gain to set them up deep in Houston territory. Jackson then proceeded to find Isaiah Likely in the endzone for a nine-yard touchdown. That was the last big play of the first half as both teams went three and out on their next respective drives.

The Texans got the ball to start the second half, but the drive did not last long as Stroud was picked off by Kyle Hamilton on third down. The Ravens took over at their own 39-yard line and Henry ran for 13 yards to put them in Houston territory.

Jackson then proceeded to run for a 48-yard touchdown. Baltimore had full control of the game and Houston could not stop the bleeding on either side of the ball. The Ravens proceeded to score again on the next drive, which was the nail in the coffin.

Houston made it back in the red zone after Stroud found Nico Collins for a 30-yard gain. They faced another fourth down, which they decided to go for. It was originally ruled a first down, but the Ravens challenged the call. The officials overturned it after seeing it was short, and it was a turnover on downs.

The Texans never got back into Ravens’ territory after that, and that was the game. Baltimore won the game 31-2, giving them their third consecutive win. This also concluded a stretch in which both teams played three games in 10 days.

Not only did the Ravens improve to 11-5, but they retook the lead in their division after the Steelers’ loss to the Chiefs. They just need to win their final regular season on Sunday, January 5 and they will be the AFC North division champions.

Derrick Henry finished with 27 carries for 165 yards (147 rushing) and one touchdown.  Mark Andrews finished with two receptions for 68 yards and one touchdown. With Justice Hill out, Keaton Mitchell got to play some snaps. He finished with 11 carries for 48 yards (20 rushing).

A Dual Threat

Lamar Jackson finished with 10 completions out of 15 attempts for 168 yards and three touchdowns (one rushing). He also made history, becoming the all-time leading rushing quarterback. He currently sits at 6,110 rushing yards, surpassing Michael Vick.

As a dual-threat quarterback, Jackson has often been compared to Vick. When asked about breaking the record, he said “It feels unreal, to be honest with you,” Jackson said. “I’m grateful because that’s a record that’s been there for a long time. Michael Vick is one of my favorite players. That’s just dope.”

Prior to Jackson breaking the record, it was held for 13 years by Vick. Jackson did it in just 102 games in seven seasons. He also has a chance to become the all-time leading rushing quarterback in NFL playoff history, needing 74 yards to surpass Steve Young.

Photo Courtesy: @Ravens/X

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