Ravens rout Texans on Christmas, inch closer to division title
The Baltimore Ravens put on a dominant performance against the Houston Texans on Wednesday night, securing a 31-2 blowout victory. This win, coupled with a Pittsburgh Steelers loss earlier in the day, allowed the Ravens to take the lead in the AFC North division.
The star of the show was none other than quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson, who is also a top contender for the league MVP award, showcased his skills throughout the game. He broke off a spectacular 48-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach for the Texans. He followed up with a touchdown pass to Mark Andrews with just under six minutes remaining in the quarter.
In total, Jackson finished the game with 168 passing yards and 87 rushing yards. He connected with eight different receivers, with no single receiver having more than two catches. Andrews stood out with two catches for 68 yards.
Running back Derrick Henry also played a crucial role in the victory, scoring a touchdown run from the goal line in the first quarter and amassing 147 rushing yards on 27 carries.
On the Texans’ side, quarterback C.J. Stroud struggled, completing 17 of 31 passes for 185 yards and throwing an interception. He was sacked five times throughout the game. Despite efforts from receivers Nico Collins and John Metchie III, the Texans’ offense failed to make a significant impact, converting only 10 first downs on 11 drives.
The lone score for the Texans came from a safety in the second quarter with a tackle on Henry. The Ravens’ defense was relentless, outgaining Houston 432-211.
With this victory, the Ravens improved to 11-5 and claimed the top spot in the AFC North, while the Texans fell to 9-7 on the season. Baltimore’s performance solidified their position as a force to be reckoned with in the league.
Overall, the game was a showcase of the Ravens’ offensive prowess and defensive strength, with Lamar Jackson leading the charge and Derrick Henry providing crucial support. The team’s performance has put them in a prime position as they head towards the playoffs.
