The Ravens beat the Houston Texans, 37-16, in Week 2 of the 2020 NFL season. RSR staff react to the win here.
Derek Arnold
This was an interesting example of the Ravens winning a game when they weren’t at their best. They were going against a good team, that just got embarrassed on national TV, that had 10 days to prepare. They weren’t their usual selves, and yet they still won decisively.
The OL struggled in pass protection and to open holes in the running game, the offense couldn’t convert in the red zone (at least at the rate we’re used to seeing), and the defense missed more sack opportunities than they converted.
And yet…33-16.
What’s not to love?
Chad Racine
I made two bold predictions that came true: the Ricard touchdown reception and Humphrey forced fumble. I’m happy about that and another great win. The defense is looking really good. The offensive line seemed to struggle early but improved as the game went on.
Hopefully the Tavon Young injury isn’t long-term because that would impact the defense significantly.
Carey Stevenson
The fact that this team didn’t play particularly well and still were never truly threatened in this game is scary. Not to say they played poorly by any stretch but the non-schemed pressure and consistency along the offensive line are mild concerns.
Now comes the big test on Monday night with the defending super bowl champions traveling to Baltimore in what will be the marquee game of this early season. Those previously mentioned concerns need to be shored up in order for them to have a chance to win this one.
Dev Panchwagh
I have to pat myself on the back. I’m not a “pick the score” type of guy at all. But I predicted a 33-17 Ravens win. I was off by a point. About the type of game I expected. This defense has been lights out the first two games of the season. Creating turnovers, forcing key stops. Despite some inconsistencies from the pass rush (which got better in the 2nd half), this unit has been clutch.
The offense has kinks to work out, especially the interior line, which was pushed around again today. Have to give Jackson a ton of credit for working through the pressure and having patience. He guided the offense like a point guard today. It was a good road victory against a quality opponent.
Jermaine Lockett
Jackson said they were going to take what the defense gave them. Today looked a bit different. Jackson held the ball too long. JJ ate his lunch twice and batted down one of his balls. Taking four sacks on the day is entirely too many.
Ben Dackiw
Probably the most pessimistic I’ve been during a game that the Ravens controlled from the word go. The bugs in the o-line appeared to sort themselves out a bit as the game went on, but it’s still something that needs to be addressed. Lamar continues to show his development as a passer. I’m still confident that if he was this developed last year, the Titans don’t win at the Bank.
My god, Patrick Queen is everywhere. Marcus Peters is an absolute stud. The way he moved for the pick was absolutely beautiful.
Aidan Griesser
The injury to Tavon Young is an absolute gut-punch for this team. He’s such a scrappy, “Ravens” type player and you have to feel for him. It’s a massive downer on top of a big win. That being said, here are my other takeaways:
— Baltimore’s defense is legit, I still just hope for more from the pass rush. Tyus Bowser does seem to be ascending, though.
— The rushing attack was back on offense, with all three of the main runners showing something today. It was a super promising display from the offense, which showed it isn’t going to have to rely on any particular plan of attack.
— The defense was strong against the run today, which was key to the win. David Johnson was not a major factor and the D-Line was stout today.
— Unlike last week, RG Tyre Phillips had a tough game. The offensive line as a whole was a problem. Houston does have J.J. Watt, but they’re not anything special, which makes this issue more concerning.
–What will quite possibly be the game of the year is next Monday. Let’s see if they move to 3-0.
