The Texans entered the weekend as 10-point underdogs – the largest spread in the NFL. They lost 25-9 after trailing only 7-6 at halftime.
A terrible third quarter was the difference. There was a lot to like and a lot not to like, beginning with the injury-plagued offensive line that lost right tackle George Fant, who had replaced the injured Tytus Howard.
Grade: C
Under constant pressure from a makeshift offensive line, C.J. Stroud played well enough in his first start to make a good impression.
He didn't throw a touchdown pass or an interception. He lost a fumble on a strip sack he had no chance to avoid. His 228 yards and 78.0 rating were serviceable, especially for a quarterback who was hit 10 times, including five sacks.
Grade: C
The Texans didn't run the ball enough. The linemen had trouble blocking consistently against a strong front seven.
They generated only 72 yards on 23 carries, a 3.1 average. Dameon Pierce needed to get the ball more than 11 times to produce only 38 yards, a 3.5 average.
Grade: D
Nico Collins and Robert Woods combined for 12 catches for 137 yards. In his first game for the Texans, Woods was dependable on third down, catching three passes for first downs.
It's obvious how much Stroud trusts him. In his first game, Tank Dell had three receptions for 34 yards but couldn't find enough room to break a long one.
Grade: C
They were almost non-existent in the passing game. Dalton Schultz had two catches for 4 yards. Teagan Quitoriano had one for 11.
Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik has to find a way to get them the ball more, especially on short and intermediate routes.
Grade: F
Everyone knew what to expect from an offensive line missing three starters. Then right tackle George Fant was injured.
His replacement, Michael Deiter, gave up an immediate strip sack. He moved to left guard in place of Josh Jones, who then moved to his most familiar position, right tackle.
The linemen had too many penalties. Rookie center Jarrett Patterson, who has replaced the injured Juice Scruggs, did a solid job with no mishaps in his snaps or exchanges with Stroud.
Grade: F-plus
The linemen did a terrific job against the run, helping limit Baltimore to 110 yards rushing, including 3.4 a carry. Subtract Lamar Jackson's 38 yards, and the Texans limited them to 26 carries for 72 yards, 2.7 a carry.
Ends Will Anderson Jr. and Jonathan Greenard were exceptional.
Anderson had a sack and a pressure that caused an interception. Greenard had a sack and two tackles for loss.
The Ravens did manage to rush for three short-yardage touchdowns.
Grade: A-minus
The linebackers also contributed to the outstanding run defense. Christian Harris was credited with a sack. Denzel Perryman was in on a team-high 11 tackles. Anderson had six tackles and Greenard five. Overall, it was an impressive performance.
Grade: B
Safety Jimmie Ward (hip) was unable to play. Safety Jalen Pitre left in the second quarter with a chest injury and didn't return. He had two effective blitzes that forced Lamar Jackson to unload the ball.
Steven Nelson had an interception, and M.K. Stewart recovered a fumble. Derek Stingley Jr. played well, too.
Grade: B
Ka'imi Fairbairn provided all the scoring with field goals of 35, 38 and 39 yards. Punter Ty Zentner, who replaced the injured Cam Johnston, had a 44-yard gross and a 38.9 net.
Tank Dell returned a punt 14 yards and Robert Woods 10. Coverage teams were excellent, as usual.
Grade: B
DeMeco Ryans is a first-time head coach and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik is a first-time play-caller. Ryans elected to go for a first down two times in his end of the field, and both backfired.
Steven Nelson's interception saved the first decision, but the second one in the third quarter set up a short touchdown drive for the Ravens.
Ryans, defensive coordinator Matt Burke and the position coaches have made remarkable improvement on defense, especially against the run.
Grade: C
John McClain can be heard Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday on SportsRadio 610 and Monday, Thursday and Sunday on Texans Radio, also on SportsRadio 610. He writes five columns a week and does three Houtopia Football Podcasts for SportsRadio610.com.
