Ravens Keep the Momentum Going with A Win Over the Texans

A week after opening the 2020 NFL (National Football League) season with a win over the Cleveland Browns, the Baltimore Ravens notched another win with a 33-16 victory over the Houston Texans. With quarterback Lamar Jackson largely effective, this performance was highlighted by a strong rushing attack (230 yards) and a dominant defense (four sacks, two turnovers).

For the Ravens, this Week 2 victory was a reminder that the team doesn't always need Jackson to spin off video-game runs or post other-worldly passing numbers to win the game. Rather, just by being efficient, Jackson relied on the defense and running game stepping up to help deliver the win. All-Pro cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey played a vital role, too, with their direct efforts leading to turnovers for the defensive unit.

A Balanced Team

The 230 yards gained on the ground was the result of various runners making vital contributions when needed. For fans such as Brandon Glickstein, who saw Jackson weave through defenses in 2019 on the way to a Most Valuable Player (MVP) achievement, this game was an indication that the team has the running game needed to thrive. With the disappointment of a divisional-round loss in 2019 perhaps lingering, the Ravens have shown through two games that they are determined to finish what they started.

What made the win over the Texans impressive is that the running display was an indication that the Ravens were doubling down on a strategy that had borne fruit the previous season. In 2019, Baltimore rushed for 3,296 yards, an NFL record that had not been broken for more than 40 years. In an era where teams are pass-happy, this old-school approach has stood out for its efficiency and consistency. Indeed, with Mark Ingram, J.K. Dobbins, and Gus Edwards, the Ravens' running back room has more than enough firepower to keep the rushing attack going.

On the other hand, the Ravens' opponents, the Houston Texans, weren't as effective. The offense often dialed up play-action against a Baltimore defense that had little trouble disrupting the rhythm. Without a consistent runner, the Texans couldn't find yards on the ground, effectively heaping the burden on quarterback Deshaun Watson and the receivers. From a defensive point, the Texans couldn't stop the Ravens' running game; neither could they register a turnover.

Getting consistent production from the running backs, offensive line, and defense will be needed if the Ravens are to get back to the postseason and continue developing their star quarterback.