Ravens Defense Dominates Texans Through First Quarter
The Ravens and Texans are tied 3-3 at the end of the first quarter in Baltimore. The Texans won the toss and elected to take the ball first in an effort to get ahead of the dangerous Ravens offense.
That might have been a good plan if not for the Ravens' defense, which ranked No. 1 in several statistical categories during the regular season.
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Texans' rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud showed his nerves early as he plays in his first postseason game as a professional.
Through three possessions in the first quarter, Stroud completed 7-of-13 passes for 82 yards, but was called for an intentional grounding penalty during the second drive that took his team out of field goal range.
Stroud has carried one time for seven yards. The Texans can find no room to run with just seven total yards rushing, and that's from Stroud. Running back Devin Singletary has 39 yards on three catches and tight end Dalton Schultz has 30 yards on two catches but also has two drops.
The Ravens' secondary has held the Texans' leading receiver, Nico Collins, to just two catches for 13 yards.
Houston finally got on the scoreboard after their third possession with a 50-yard field goal from Ka'imi Fairbairn to tie the game.
Baltimore holds the edge in total yards 88-72 as both teams have seen three offensive possessions.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has thrown for 25 yards on 3-of-5 passing but has carried the ball four times for 34 yards.
