BALTIMORE — The Ravens will host the AFC championship for the first time in franchise history after a dominant 34-10 victory over the Houston Texans in the divisional round on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium.
Here are the Game Balls
Quarterback Lamar Jackson
Jackson put on “his cape again” and led the Ravens to four consecutive scoring drives in the second half to pull away from the Texans. He completed 16 of 22 pass attempts for 152 yards with two touchdowns. He also led the team with 100 yards rushing with another two scores. Jackson became the first player in Ravens playoff history with a rushing and passing touchdown in the same game.
Ravens Defense
The entire Ravens defense gets a “game ball” after not allowing a touchdown in the biggest game of the year. The Ravens kept the Texans out of the end zone without forcing a turnover or getting a sack against Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud. Inside linebacker Roquan Smith led the team with seven tackles. However, several Ravens players, including defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, had jarring hits.
Offensive coordinator Todd Monken
The Ravens had trouble handling the Texans’ blitz in the first half and were held to 10 points. However, Monken collaborated with Jackson at halftime and focused on getting rid of the ball quicker and attacking the Texans in the middle of the field. As a result, the Ravens outscored the Texans 24-0 in the second half.
Tight end Isaiah Likely
Likely had only three targets and two receptions, but he had an acrobatic touchdown catch that took the wind out of the Texans and ended any chance of a comeback. Likely has scored six touchdowns in seven games since Mark Andrews was sidelined with an ankle injury.
Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald
Macdonald showed why he is one of the hottest head coaching candidates. The Ravens played physical and kept Houston’s offense scoreless after the Texans scored 45 points against the Browns last weekend. The Ravens gave Stroud several different looks and kept him under pressure the entire game.
