The Texans would like to forget the 2024 Christmas. They suffered one of the worst losses in the season. The Ravens came with full force and floored them with the score of 31-2. The Ravens’ defense stopped the Texans QB CJ Stroud in his tracks, recording 5 sacks for 37 yards which left their pocket exposed. It was indeed a disappointing scene for their fans.

After the game, Stroud was very clearly disappointed. He took full accountability for the defeat and said, “Terrible on my behalf. Probably one of my worst games of my whole career. Just came out flat. Didn’t have any energy. Didn’t lead the offense the way I should have. Always got to look at myself in the mirror and be honest with myself and not good enough today. You know, it is what it is. Can’t hang my head down, but just got to keep going.” That’s right.

The O-line was scattered. At the 3rd & 4 play in the 7:08 mark in the first quarter, Ravens LB Kyle Van Noy ran through the pocket and sacked CJ Stroud. He even mocked the Texans by doing a little dance on the field. The difference in both signal callers was huge.

While Lamar Jackson had 10 of 15 passes (66.7% completion rate) in 163 passing yards with 2 touchdowns and QBR 143.9, CJ Stroud recorded 17 of 31 passes (54.8% completion rate) in 185 yards with one interception and a QBR 59.2. The Ravens QB also scored a rushing touchdown with 4 attempts in 47 yards. It was a complete annihilation.

Not only there was no pocket protection, but even the O-line failed to score points. It was CB Kamari Lassiter’s tackle on Derrick Henry in the second quarter, that got them 2 points, preventing a shutout. However, the offense too needs to take accountability.

Will Anderson Jr & others echo CJ Stroud’s sentiment

Though the Texans have already secured a playoff spot, the loss would crush their morale and momentum. After the loss, DE Will Anderson Jr. lambasted his teammates and said, “It’s embarrassing. That’s not playoff football. And I think everyone in this locker room knows that from the top to the bottom. We have to do a better job and the coaches can do their part, but I feel as players we have to do our part.” No one indeed expected such a defeat. However, the DE wasn’t alone.

WR Robert Woods also had the same belief and said, “We, obviously, didn’t show up. (It’s like) embarrassment to show up like that.” The Ravens outsmarted them in every part of the game. Not only the O-line, but even the defense totally failed. CJ Stroud must be feeling helpless in the game.

It started with the possession. While the Ravens had the ball for 35 minutes 21 seconds, the Texans could keep it only for 24 minutes 39 seconds. In the rushing game, they had a ratio of almost 5:1. The Ravens had 251 rushing yards while limiting the Texans to only 58 rushing yards in the matchup. It was the difference in the will and planning of both teams.

The Texans need to improve by a landslide if they want to win a game in the playoffs. Can they do it? We’ll find out soon.