Texans vs. Ravens Notebook: Defense Contains Lamar Jackson, Offense Struggles
The Houston Texans fell to the Baltimore Ravens 25-9 in their regular season opener on Sunday afternoon.
The two of them have very different expectations heading into the regular season, but they shared the same objective of wanting to start the year on a strong note.
So, following the Texans' first game of this season, here's what we learned:
1. Defense Contained Lamar Jackson in the First Half
Starting the season against arguably the best scrambling quarterback in the NFL isn't ideal. However, the Texans did a very solid job against Ravens' Lamar Jackson in the first half.
After a three-and-out to start the game, thanks to a sack by Texans edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, cornerback Steven Nelson hauled in an interception on Jackson's second drive. Rookie edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., was one of numerous Texans to apply pressure on the game's first takeaway.
Texans safety Jalen Pitre has been highly regarded by his teammates throughout the offseason for his leadership and hard-hitting abilities. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans is also the defensive play-caller and had Pitre blitz numerous times. The safety forced a grounding penalty and reached Jackson again for a third-down throwaway.
Jackson finished the first half completing 7-of-11 attempts for 60 yards. He rushed five times for 35 yards, including one for a 14-yard gain. Running back J.K. Dobbins scored their lone touchdown, but only rushed for 17 yards on six attempts.
2. C.J. Stroud Overcomes Rough Start
Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud's first couple of drives were ones to forget as just 1-of-his-4 first quarter completions were for positive yards. However, Stroud settled in during the second quarter, as his confidence rose with each dropback throughout the game.
Just before his increased production, Stroud evaded a sack and rolled out left to find rookie receiver Tank Dell. But left tackle Laremy Tunsil committed a surprising hold, which negated the play. Nevertheless, Stroud began to showcase his legs and step out of the pocket to create time and space.
Stroud had a few more roll-outs that resulted in long completions to receivers Robert Woods and Nico Collins, but he also found rookie Tank Dell a couple of times.
Stroud also made plays inside the pocket by stepping up and quickly releasing the ball. He made a lot of good decisions and numerous third down completions.
However, Stroud and the offense failed to reach the endzone as kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn split the uprights on all three attempts.
Stroud finished the game completing 28-of-44 attempts for 242 yards. The confidence to throw nearly 50 attempts in his first career game is definitely a positive takeaway.
3. Defense Struggled in Third Quarter, But Recovered in the Fourth
Pitre was out the entire second half due to a chest injury, and the Ravens defense took advantage. Baltimore scored a touchdown on each of their first two drives.
Jackson only ran the ball once in the second half, but the air attack was a different story.
Ravens All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews missed the game due to an injury, but rookie receiver Zay Flowers picked up the pace by hauling in 9-of-10 targets for 78 yards.
While Jackson may have completed an accurate 17-of-22 attempts, he finished the game without a touchdown pass or run. The Texans limited long gains, but Flowers and receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman each recorded a couple.
The Texans' best defensive moments of the second half came on back-to-back plays when linebacker Christian Harris and Anderson recorded their first sacks of the season (the first of Anderson's career). Safety M.J. Stewart also recovered a fumble after Jackson mishandled the ball.
