Ravens use dominant second half to defeat Texans (2024)

BALTIMORE —

The Baltimore Ravens started out slowly against the Houston Texans, but a strong second half helped secure a victory 34-10 to advance to the AFC Championship game.

Video above: Flock revels in win over Texans in AFC Divisional Round

The score was tied at 10 at the half, as the Ravens struggled to move the ball and protect quarterback Lamar Jackson. But the rust wore off in the second half as both sides of the ball would dominate. The Ravens did not have a great passing game, but with over 200 yards rushing, they didn't have to. Houston did not have an answer for the Ravens' running game and could not get to Jackson in the second half.

"Coaches and players, I thought, did a great job. Second-half adjustments were really strong, and Lamar (Jackson) just played out of his mind along with our defense -- everybody did. (I'm) proud of our guys. (It's the) first step. (The) next step is in front of us, and we find out who we play after tomorrow. We're looking forward to it," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said.

The Ravens' defense picked it up in the second half as well, limiting the Texans to under 50 total yards in the second half. They did not manage to sack Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, but they kept him under pressure and forced him into many rushed throws and incompletions. They did a great job of limiting Houston's receivers, who only finished with seven total catches.

This content is imported from Twitter.You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

The game's momentum wasn't looking good for the Ravens in the first half after they allowed a game-tying touchdown on a 67-yard punt return touchdown. Then, the Ravens went three-and-out on their next series, allowing the Texans to move into field-goal territory before halftime. Luckily for them, the Texans missed a 47-yard field goal, and the game would remain tied at 10. The Ravens would carry the momentum into the second half, opening it with a long kick return by Devin Duvernay that would set up Jackson's first touchdown run.

Ravens' fans deserve some recognition as well. The crows were loud all game and led to multiple pre-snap penalties for the Texans. They packed M&T Bank Stadium despite a wind chill in the single digits and stayed for the whole game, even when it was well in hand. They will be rewarded with the first AFC Championship game in Baltimore since 1971, when the Baltimore Colts were in Memorial Stadium.

"We're excited about that, and our fans are going to get the chance to cheer just as loud or louder than they did in this game. They were amazing. (There were) six false start penalties (on the Houston Texans). I thought our fans were incredible. It was deafening out there. Credit to our fans, first of all," Harbaugh said.

With this win, the Ravens were able to get over the burden of winning a big game at home in the playoffs. Jackson improved his playoff record to 2-3, and Harbaugh can now focus his team on the game ahead. The first half may have had some Ravens' fans nervous, but this team came out running on all cylinders in the second half to take care of business at home.

Up Next

The Ravens will host the Kansas City Chiefs are in the AFC Championship at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore at 3 p.m. on Jan. 28. Tickets go on sale Tuesday.