Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans week 2 round table

Jake Lippman:

Last week after a 38-6 slaughter by the Ravens against the Browns they’re coming in hot against an 0-1 Texans. For them to start off 0-2 would be very impactful on their season outlook. On the other hand, the Ravens are looking to go 2-0 after beating Houston last season 41-7. But the Texans aren’t the Browns.

Going into this game, the Ravens need to focus on a lot of high-end players. For one, starting Quarterback Deshaun Watson is one of the best in business and the Ravens pass rush will need to improve from last week. Also, there is defensive end J.J Watt who when healthy, is a top 3 defensive player. Both of these guys make big impacts and will need to be slowed down.

Last season the Ravens controlled the game from start to finish bringing a score of 27-0 into the fourth quarter. Last season Gus Edwards was the leading rusher with eight carries for 112 yards. That’s because he gets downhill fast, the Ravens will need to do that. Between the passing game and running game, they need to play fast and aggressive.

Also, once the lead is established the team must be able to get after the quarterback, if the Ravens only get 2 sacks each game, that will not cut it. Watson is a mobile quarterback with speed around him like Lamar Jackson, so that gives the Ravens an edge. For the Ravens to succeed all eyes will be on Deshon Elliott and Chuck Clark. The way they fit running lanes and guard the pass will be essential. The Texans have former great running back David Johnson and a strong (DeAndre Hopkins-less) wise receiver room, and love their tight ends. Elliott and Clark will be essential for stopping those tight ends and running backs and make Watson test the cornerbacks outside.

After last week’s blowout, my prediction looked generous, but not on the Ravens side, for the Browns. The Ravens defense stepped up and balled out. This week we’re looking for another game where the Ravens need to win through the air. The Texans have a good defensive line and versatile linebackers, but because the Ravens go against Jackson each day and they dominated last year, they certainly have the edge.

This week is a new week and the Texans are 5-1 coming off a loss, as well as the Ravens being 9-2 all-time against the Texans. Both losses have come on the road. With that being said, I think the Ravens continue hot out of the gate. This won’t be a repeat of last season but 31-17 seems pretty dominant. Jackson and Andrews and Hollywood all look primed for big production and JK Dobbins looks ready to play more through the air and will have a great matchup against the Texans. Watson will make 1-2 critical mistakes and that will end the game in the third quarter.

Bold Predictions- Tyus Bowser gets a sack, pass deflection, and gets in on a turnover in this game. Derek Wolfe and Calais Campbell get first Ravens sacks. Ravens intercept Watson twice, in the second half. “Hollywood” Brown catches two touchdowns this week. 

Final score: 31-17, Ravens