Analysts Debate if Ravens Have Hit Rock Bottom After Texans Defeat
Ravens’ Offense Struggles Without Lamar Jackson Against Texans
In an intense matchup against the Houston Texans, the Baltimore Ravens faced significant challenges in their offensive strategy as starting quarterback Lamar Jackson was sidelined. Quarterback Cooper Rush, stepping in for Jackson, encountered a difficult debut that exposed the team’s vulnerabilities.
Team Struggles: Interceptions and Running Game Woes
Cooper Rush’s first start with the Ravens was marred by performance issues. He threw three interceptions, highlighting the difficulty of handling a formidable Texans defense. The Ravens’ running game also faltered, managing only 44 yards on 19 attempts, averaging a mere 2.3 yards per carry.
Derrick Henry, the veteran running back, had 15 carries—his second highest this season—but struggled to make an impact, accumulating just 33 rushing yards.
Disastrous Offensive Execution and Mistakes
According to NFL.com analyst Kevin Patra, the matchup was inherently challenging for Rush, especially without the lead of Jackson. “Rush was under siege and could not establish a rhythm against a stout Texans defense,” Patra stated, noting that self-inflicted mistakes and penalties hindered any chance of success for Baltimore.
As the game progressed, the Ravens’ offensive line struggled, forcing Rush to rely on short throws, and with 179 passing yards, nearly half were gained from just two significant plays.
Missed Opportunities on Key Plays
The Ravens’ second drive of the second half highlighted their ongoing issues. After a critical interception by Rush, the team tried to rally by featuring Derrick Henry in a series of rushing attempts, yet they only managed to gain eight yards. On fourth-and-2, down 31-3, a false start penalty led to a loss in momentum, forcing them to punt instead of attempting a conversion.
Minimal Bright Spots Amid the Struggle
Late in the third quarter, a 56-yard completion to Zay Flowers and a short touchdown run by Henry injected a glimmer of hope for the Ravens, but it proved too little, too late to make a significant impact on the game. Despite the scoreline, the coaching staff continued to hand off the ball to Henry deep into the fourth quarter, indicating their reliance on him during challenging times.
As it stands, if the Ravens are to find success offensively, they must address their struggles, particularly with Jackson recovering from injury. The ongoing difficulties could spell continued issues for the Ravens as they look to regain their offensive rhythm.
