Ravens Beat Texans 25-9, Lose JK Dobbins to Injury
Happy returns ... and sad exits ... marked the start of the Baltimore Ravens' 2023 season.
Behind three rushing scores, the Ravens kicked off their 28th season of existence with a 25-9 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
Their victory was heralded by the respective returns of primary quarterback Lamar Jackson, receiver Rashod Bateman, and running back J.K. Dobbins, the latter of whom scored the first purple touchdown of the season.
But Dobbins was lost to what's feared to be a major Achilles injury, forcing the Ravens to turn to Gus Edwards and Justice Hill, who scored twice. Baltimore (1-0) was likewise forced to play without Marcus Williams for a majority of the game, as he endured a shoulder injury over the opening half-hour.
Facing a Houston team debuting touted rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, the Ravens defense ruled the day, eating up 46 yards on five sacks. Michael Pierce recovered a Stroud fumble. Roquan Smith had two tackles for a loss and a sack while Justin Madubuike, Patrick Queen, and Ar'Darius Washington were likewise all credited with quarterback takedowns.
On offense, the Ravens' newcomers had modest but relatively successful debuts: their own first-round rookie, Zay Flowers, was the team's leading receiver at 78 yards on nine receptions (targeted 10 times) while Odell Beckham was held to only two receptions though one was a 29-yard tally. Jackson lost an interception to Steven Nelson but completed 17-of-22 passes for 169 yards.
Houston (0-1) was only able to put three field goals Ka'imi Fairbairn, the longest coming from 38 yards away. Nico Collins was Houston's top receiver with 80 yards on 6 receptions.
The Ravens open division play when they return to action on Sept. 17 as they visit the Cincinnati Bengals at 1 p.m. ET.
