Instant analysis of Ravens dominant 31-2 win over Texans on Christmas Day
The Ravens put the NFL world on notice and are peaking right after a dominant 31-2 win over the Houston Texans on Christmas Day. Star quarterback Lamar Jackson may have missed Beyonce’s performance, but the reigning MVP hit on everything else as he broke Michael Vick’s NFL record for rushing yards by a quarterback.
Baltimore needs a win over Cleveland in the season finale to secure the AFC North and the No. 3 overall seed in the playoffs.
With a mini-bye week on the schedule, here’s an instant analysis of Wednesday’s impressive performance.
Zach Orr’s defense
Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr at a news conference at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Maryland. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
The first-year coordinator took his lumps early on, but Orr brought in Dean Pees and benched several high-profile players, and Baltimore has the best defense in the NFL outside of Philadelphia. The Ravens held the Texans to 211 yards on offense, 4-15 on third downs, and 58 rushing yards.
Todd Monken
Oct 13, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) greets offensive coordinator Todd Monken prior to the game against the Washington Commanders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Baltimore leads the NFL in 10+ play drives, and on Wednesday, the Ravens amassed 432 yards with a 43-17 run-pass ratio. Choosing to roll with the physical running game against a banged-up Texans team, the Ravens logged 251 rushing yards and 5.8 yards per carry. This type of balance could make life miserable for the AFC foes.
Lamar Jackson
Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) scrambles with the ball during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Jackson ran back into the top of the MVP race with 255 yards of total offense, three total touchdowns, and a nearly perfect 143.9 rating.
Derrick Henry
Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Henry broke the franchise record for touchdowns in a season and finished the game with 27 carries for 147 yards and one touchdown.
Marlon Humphrey
HOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 25: Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
After losing weight and getting the franchise’s message in the drafting of Nate Wiggins, Humphrey has performed like an All-Pro and logged seven tackles, one tackle for loss, and one pass defended in a dominant effort.
