The Texans’ locker room was as somber as a morgue. It was Christmas, but there was no celebration. The Texans got absolutely dominated by the Baltimore Ravens. Again. A 31-2 debacle unfolded in Houston, on Christmas, with the entire world streaming the game on Netflix, no less. Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson broke Michael Vick’s career rushing yards milestone at the Texans’ expense.
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After Christmas Day Humiliation, Houston Looks to Rewrite the Narrative
“It was embarrassing,” Texans Pro Bowl defensive end Will Anderson Jr. “That’s not playoff football. We have to do a better job.” Although the Texans wound up winning the AFC South division title again last season, they were knocked out of the playoffs for the sixth time in the divisional round by the Kansas City Chiefs. Two years ago, it was the Ravens who dismissed the Texans from the playoffs at the same stage of the postseason. The Texans are 0-8 all-time as a franchise in games at Baltimore, including the regular season and playoffs.
Texans Aim to Snap 0-8 Drought in Baltimore as Ravens Face Injury Woes
They’re 2-13 all-time against them, regardless of location. Both teams are 1-3 heading into Sunday’s matchup at M&T Bank Stadium. Perhaps things are lining up for the Texans to beat them in Baltimore for the first time. Star quarterback Lamar Jackson is dealing with a hamstring injury that prevented him from practicing Wednesday and is regarded as a serious question mark for Sunday. The Ravens are expected to play without linebacker Roquan Smith, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, fullback Patrick Ricard, offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and cornerback Nate Wiggins. Plus, defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike is on injured reserve with a major neck injury.
DeMeco Ryans Preaches ‘New Year, New Team’ Mentality Ahead of Crucial Matchup
“The thing about this game, we understand Baltimore and the success they’ve had at home has been really well,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We understand where we’ve been in that battle. It hasn’t been good, but that doesn’t matter. The past is the past. “It’s all about these teams, this year, at this specific time. How do we go out and do what we need to do to execute, to play complimentary football, play as a team, play together? How do we need to finish? We finish the right way; we can go win the football game.
Despite Injuries, Ravens Still Boast Dangerous Playmakers
”Despite the Ravens’ issues, they’re still a talented football team. That includes the presence of running back Derrick Henry, wide receivers Zay Flowers and DeAndre Hopkins, a former Texans Pro Bowl selection, Rashod Bateman and tight end Mark Andrews. “What I’ve seen from Baltimore, they’re an explosive unit, very explosive on offense,” Ryans said.
“Although they’ve lost some games, they’ve scored a ton of points. They have explosive players all across the field.
Whether it’s at the wide receiver position, with Zay Flowers, Bateman, Hopkins. With their tight ends, also explosive players, the backs as well. “Henry is an explosive player.
They have people that you have to keep eyes on. You have to be aware of everyone. Of course, we all understand Lamar [Jackson] and the caliber of player that he is. He’s an outstanding player, one of the best players in our league, one of the best players of this generation. He changes the game tremendously and he’s done an outstanding job with that team.
Lamar Jackson’s Status Uncertain; Texans Hope to Capitalize on Key Absences
”Jackson might not play, though. If he can’t go, they’ll compete against backup quarterback Cooper Rush one year after defeating him on Monday Night Football when Dak Prescott was out for the Dallas Cowboys. “We’re operating as if Lamar is playing,” Ryans said. “We’ll see what happens throughout the week, but we’re not playing in the what ifs and that. Right now, we’re focusing on Lamar and the dynamics that he brings to the game.” From his standpoint, the Christmas embarrassment is in the past, as far as Texans quarterback
C.J. Stroud Focused on Fixing Flaws, Not Dwelling on the Past
C.J. Stroud is concerned. “Not in that light,” Stroud said. “You just watch the tape, analyze it, try to fix the issues.”
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