Defense Puts On Show; Ravens Top Texans 30-9

Sep 22, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety James Ihedigbo (32) knocks the ball away from Houston Texans tight end Owen Daniels (81) at M

Can you say Ouch? Thats pretty much how the Texans must feel right now. Their offense was completely shut down by the Ravens defense who, for the second straight game, have not allowed a touchdown. Now, not allowing a TD against the Browns isnt that big of an accomplishment, their offense is completely inept. Not allowing one against the Texans, now thats a big deal. The Texans have one of the better offenses in the league with a great WR corp and two very good runningbacks. Here is what I saw during the game.

– On the day when Ray Lewis was in the house to get inducted into the Ravens Ring of Honor, the defense put on a vintage Ravens performance. They didnt allow a TD, Daryl Smith had a pick 6. The pass rushers got to Shaub  10 times including 3 sacks, the Texans running game had no lanes to run through. The defense was, in one word, dominant. This is what we expected from this group coming into the season.

-Terrell Suggs has 3 sacks in three games. That doesn’t sound like much right now, but he has one sack in every game and has been close on several others. if he continues to play at this level it isn’t a stretch to say he might push 20 sacks this seasons. it’s at least something to watch.

-The offense was dreadful in the first half for the second straight game. Once again though, they rebounded to have a nice second half. Their field goal drive at the end of the 3rd and beginning of the fourth quarter was absolutely masterful. They put up 13 second half points after just 3 in the first half. Flacco had less than 200 yards and the run game was bottled up until late in the 3rd quarter when Pierce had a nice run and then added a few more in the fourth, but still finished with just 65 yards on 24 carries.

– Ed Reed started today for the Texans to the surprise of absolutely no one. He didn’t really do much, but he did immediately make that defensive backfield better. He did get hurdled by Bernard Pierce late in the game which forced CBS into showing a video reel of Reeds tendency to be hurdled.

-James Ihedigbo deserves some recognition here. He just played what I beleive is the best game of his career so far. He was everywhere for the Ravens. made plays in the passing game, came down and took out runningbacks at the line of scrimmage(and at least twice behind the line). Great game man, he deserves a game ball.

– Lets take a moment to think about Tandon Doss and his 82 yard punt return. It was awesome. If you missed it, go watch it, he almost goes out of bounds about 12 times as he tiptoes down the sideline waving his arms around for balance. Nice word TD.

This was the best game the Ravens have played all season. The offense did just enough, the defense was incredible. it adds up to a big Ravens win. Rest easy Ravens fans, this team is starting to come together.