(SportsRadio 610) - With a makeshift offensive line protecting a rookie quarterback and play-caller, the Texans were unable to score a touchdown in their season-opener against the Baltimore Ravens.
C.J. Stroud was sacked five times and lost a fumble in his NFL debut as the Texans fell to the Ravens 25-9.
Houston kept the game competitive in the first half, struggling in the opening quarter before finding a rhythm and moving the ball in the second. The score was 7-6 in favor of the Ravens at halftime, but Baltimore controlled the second half.
The Texans received the ball to open the third quarter, but punted after -2 yards on five plays. The Ravens responded with a 10-play, 71-yard touchdown drive.
The next series for Houston ended with a turnover on downs after seven plays. Baltimore responded with a seven-play, 25-yard touchdown drive.
From there, the Ravens simply maintained control of the game, though rookie pass rusher Will Anderson Jr., Houston's No. 3 overall pick, did record his first career sack. Steven Nelson also intercepted Lamar Jackson earlier in the game.
One of the concerns from the game was second-year safety Jalen Pitre leaving the game with a chest injury. The Texans were already playing without veteran Jimmie Ward, who was out with a hip injury. This left Houston playing with backup safeties Eric Murray and M.J. Stewart for much of the game.
Murray and Stewart are solid backups, but the Texans are going to want their starting safeties back healthy as soon as possible.
Right tackle George Fant, who was playing in place of the injured Tytus Howard, went down late in the game with a shoulder injury. Defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway left the game with a calf injury.
