The Baltimore Ravens emerged victorious in week one vs. the Cleveland Browns and now look to start 2020 with a 2-0 record vs. the Houston Texans.
Richard Bradshaw:
To call the Baltimore Ravens performance vs. the Cleveland Browns in week one a walloping would be an understatement. Baltimore thoroughly smacked Cleveland around for all four quarters to a sound 38-6 victory. In the game, Lamar Jackson was brilliant, completing 80% of his passes for 275-yards and three touchdowns. The defense was lights out for all but one play in the end zone that was blown coverage. All in all, the performance was near flawless.
The same cannot be said about the Houston Texans, who were thumped by the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs despite a “close” 34-20 loss. Deshaun Watson was running for his life and the defense couldn’t stop a nosebleed. The Ravens have to be licking their chops at the opportunity in front of them.
Baltimore’s pass rush was modest vs. Cleveland with just two sacks accounted for, but their line is far and away better than Houston’s. Outside of star left tackle Laremy Tunsil, the rest of the offensive line is a bunch of bodies. Matt Judon and Calais Campbell have to be dreaming about their first sacks of the 2020 season. Their pressure will also make way for some turnover opportunities, which Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey are surely excited about. Better yet, they match up vs. some very average competition at wide receiver. Watson will be dreading going up against this Ravens defense.
Offensively, Baltimore should carve-up an underachieving unit. J.J. Watt is the Texans only reliable defender and Patrick Mahomes diced them all day last week. Rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire also had a terrific day on the ground; a major strength for the Ravens. I suspect that the ground attack will be much more involved this week than it was last week.
With no offense to Houston, they don’t stand a chance vs. Baltimore. Watson is amazing and will keep the game “close”, but this will be over by halftime.
Bold prediction: Baltimore racks up over 400-yards of total offense; 200-yards each for rushing and passing. Lamar Jackson accounts for four touchdowns.
Final score: 38-17, Ravens