How Texans pressure Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson will be a key to pulling off the upset.
BALTIMORE — After toying with it all week, I finally made my pick for today’s Texans-Ravens playoff game.
Texans 27, Ravens 24.
Linebacker Jonathan Greenard said the Texans are a “special group with an opportunity to do something special.”
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I think they will.
WEATHER FORECAST: It stopped snowing in Baltimore, but still bitterly cold
In all of my appearances this week, I made it clear that the Ravens have been the better team all season, they have more depth of personnel and experience playing together that is a huge advantage.
That said, the Texans don’t have to beat the Ravens in a four-of-seven series. This is a one-game shot.
ALEXANDER: Nine thoughts and a prediction.
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Lamar Jackson, the presumptive MVP, will have a nice day. He really can’t be stopped from putting his stamp on the game, he is that dynamic. The key for the Texans will be to contain him as best they can.
He’ll almost automatically rush for 60 yards and a touchdown. The Texans can’t let him go off for 100 yards with multiple scores, while throwing for 250 with a couple TDs.
Saying turnovers will determine the winner is oversimplifying things, but for the Texans to pull off the upset, it is paramount that they win the turnover battle.
An interception and two fumble recoveries, while not committing a turnover on offense, will result in a Texans victory.
The Texans will pick their spots to blitz Jackson, hoping to force him to put the ball on the ground. The game could turn on a lucky bounce.
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The Ravens led the league in sacks, so they’re thinking the same thing about getting to C.J. Stroud.
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The chess match between coaches in how they attack two of the best QBs in the league will fascinating to watch.
Because they touch the ball every play, how Jackson and Stroud handle what’s thrown at them will be the most important factor when it comes to turnovers.
The Ravens defense is more likely to lock down the Texans, than vice versa. But I expect the Texans to have a decent offensive day, and Stroud to be who he has been all season.
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When the teams met in Week 1, the Texans didn’t scored a touchdown in a 25-9 loss. The score was 7-6 at the half, with the Texans keeping Jackson under control.
The Texans outcoached and outplayed the Browns last week. I expect DeMeco Ryans to have his team focused and ready to play today.
That’s why I’m picking the upset.
A lot will have to go right for it to happen, but the Texans are good enough to do something special.
Solomon: Why Texans will beat the Ravens in AFC playoff
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20.01.2024
How Texans pressure Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson will be a key to pulling off the upset.
BALTIMORE — After toying with it all week, I finally made my pick for today’s Texans-Ravens playoff game.
Texans 27, Ravens 24.
Linebacker Jonathan Greenard said the Texans are a “special group with an opportunity to do something special.”
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
I think they will.
WEATHER FORECAST: It stopped snowing in Baltimore, but still bitterly cold
In all of my appearances this week, I made it clear that the Ravens have been the better team all season, they have more depth of personnel and experience playing together that is a huge advantage.
That said,........
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