Texans Fall In Season Opener vs. Ravens: Live Updates
The 2023 campaign will mark the start of a new era for the Houston Texans. Their 21st season as a franchise will begin Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium for a Week 1 contest against the Baltimore Ravens.
The game marks the official debut for coach DeMeco Ryans — a former All-Pro linebacker for the Texans from 2006 to 2011. Ryans will make his coaching debut alongside quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson Jr., the No. 2 and 3 picks of the 2023 NFL Draft.
But one guy who has fallen under the radar is offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. After serving as the San Francisco 49ers' passing game coordinator, Slowik will call his first game at the helm of an NFL offense.
He will be tasked with fixing the offensive struggles that have plagued the Texans since 2021. Houston has averaged 299.1 yards and 16.7 points over the last two seasons, which made the Texans one of the worst offensive teams in the league.
Slowik was hired as the Texans new offensive coordinator following the departure of Pep Hamilton.
"I think the first time you’re doing something, even if it’s a hair different, regular season game versus a preseason game – you feel that a little bit," Slowik said. "The nerves go up a tad. But quickly, because of the training, they come back down and it’s operation as normal.
"I really anticipate that being pretty similar to this game. I’ve mentioned before, I have a phenomenal support staff around me. Our offensive coaching staff does a great job helping me out in any way they can, so I feel good."
Follow along with our possession by possession updates and analysis below:
1st quarter:
The Ravens received the ball first, but the Texans held Baltimore to a three-and-out. Jonathan Greenard recorded a sack on quarterback Lamar Jackson on 3rd-and-short.
Punt
On their first drive of the season, it is clear that playing with a depleted offensive line will hamper the Texans' offense. The Ravens held Houston to a three-and-out. But on fourth-and-short, linebacker Pattrick Queen sacked Stroud to commit a turnover on down.
Turnover on down
Baltimore took over deep in Houston's territory. Jackson had the Ravens in scoring position until he threw an interception to cornerback Steven Nelson. Jackson's pick was caused due to Anderson providing pressure on Baltimore's offensive line.
Turnover
Another three and out for the Texans.
Punt
Despite another solid drive from the Texans' defense, the Ravens finished their third series of the game with a four-yard rushing touchdown from running back J.K. Dobbins. The Ravens were able to record 58 yards in eight plays. But Jackson's 21-yard completion to Zay Flowers put the Ravens deep within the Texans' territory.
Ravens 7, Texans 0
Another three and out for the Texans.
Punt
End of 1st
2nd quarter
Three and out for the Ravens.
Punt
Dameon Pierce picked up five yards on the first play of the Texans' latest drive. Following a four-yard run by Stroud, he connected with Robert Woods for the team's initial first down.
The yards the Texans recorded within their first three plays led to Houston's most successful drive thus far. Stroud completed seven out of his eight passing attempts, where the Texans recorded 67 yards in 15 plays. Ka'imi Fairbairn drilled a 35-yard field goal to end the possession.
Ravens 7, Texans 3
On 2nd-and-6, Anderson almost had his first career sack, but the pressure led to Jackson rushing for 14 yards. Other than Jackson's run, the Ravens could not get anything going.
Punt
With no timeouts late in the second quarter, the Texans recorded 68 yards in 11 plays while consuming 1:54. The drive ended with Fairbairn drilling a 38-yard field goal. But before their second scoring drive, the Texans received a huge break.
With the ball on the Ravens' 42, Houston received a roughing the passer call from defensive tackle Travis Jones on 3rd-and-15.
Ravens 7, Texans 6
Halftime
3rd quarter
The Texans began the second half with a three-and-out. Houston opened the third quarter with Stroud getting sacked by defensive tackle Justin Madubuike.
Punt
Jackson found Flowers for a 20-yard completion on their first play of the second half. They connected again for a 19-yard gain a few plays later. Baltimore went on to add 71 yards in eight plays. The drive ended with Justin Hill finding the end zone for a two-yard touchdown.
Ravens 15, Texans 6
The Texans had another rough drive trying to sustain their offense. The only positive yardage came on 3rd-and-16 when Stroud completed a 15-yard pass attempt to wide receiver Nico Collins. Houston went for it on 4th-and-1 but failed to record a first down.
Turnover on down
The Ravens recorded their third touchdown with another two-yard run by Hill. Baltimore got deep within the Texans' territory due to a pass interference call on cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. He had good coverage on wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. but never turned around following Jackson's pass attempt.
Ravens 22, Texans 6
The Texans had a solid drive despite recording 27 yards in seven plays. The drive was destroyed after a holding penalty on Josh Jones erased a nine-yard completion between Stroud and Woods.
Punt
The Ravens started to find their groove on the offensive side of the ball. But Jackson's fumble led to Houston's second takeaway of the day.
Turnover
End of 3rd
4th quarter
The Texans took over deep within the Ravens' territory but failed to capitalize on Jackson's turnover. The drive began with Stroud losing 12 yards following a sack by linebacker Patrick Queen. Fairbairn drilled his third field goal of the day.
Ravens 22, Texans 9
The Texans had one of their most impressive drives on the defensive end. They held Baltimore to 12 yards in six plays. The series ended with Anderson recording their first career sack.
Punt
Injuries continue to hurt the Texans. On 3rd-and-nine, Stroud connected with Collins for a 26-yard gain. But Right tackle George Fant was injured on the play. Fant's injury led to Michael Deiter allowing a sack-fumble from nose tackle Michael Pierce.
Turnover
The Ravens were able to extend their lead to 16 following a 39-yard field goal from Justin Tucker.
Ravens 25, Texans 9
The Texans recorded 27 yards in eight plays.
Turnover on down
Three-and-out for the Ravens.
Punt
Texans record 33 yards in six plays.
END OF GAME
Ravens 25, Texans 9
