Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats: Complete Performance Breakdown & Key Highlights
The Baltimore Ravens delivered a dominant Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats Day performance against the Houston Texans, showcasing why they’re legitimate Super Bowl contenders. The December 25, 2024 matchup ended in a commanding 31-2 victory for Baltimore, with star players Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry putting on a masterclass that left Houston struggling on both sides of the ball. This comprehensive breakdown examines the key player statistics, game-changing moments, and tactical decisions that defined this AFC showdown at NRG Stadium.
Game Overview: Ravens Dominate From Start to Finish
The Ravens entered this Week 17 matchup with an 10-5 record, battling for AFC North supremacy alongside the Pittsburgh Steelers. Houston came in at 9-6, having already clinched the AFC South but reeling from consecutive Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats losses and the devastating injury to receiver Tank Dell. What unfolded was a statement game for Baltimore, as they controlled possession for over 35 minutes and accumulated 432 total yards while limiting the Texans to just 211 yards. The final score of 31-2 represented Baltimore’s complete dominance, with the halftime score of 17-2 marking the first time in NFL history that exact scoreline had occurred. The Ravens converted four of five red zone opportunities while Houston failed to reach the Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats end zone even once, managing only a safety for their points.
Lamar Jackson’s Historic Performance: MVP-Caliber Display
Lamar Jackson cemented his MVP candidacy with a performance that will be remembered for years. The two-time MVP completed 10 of 15 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his elite decision-making and arm talent. But it was his rushing performance that stole headlines—Jackson carried the ball for 87 yards, Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats including a breathtaking 48-yard touchdown run where he reached a career-high speed of 21.25 mph. This explosive play came in the third quarter and extended Baltimore’s lead to 24-2, effectively ending any hopes of a Texans comeback. Most significantly, Jackson broke Michael Vick’s all-time NFL career rushing record for quarterbacks, pushing his total to 6,110 yards to Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats surpass Vick’s mark of 6,109 yards. According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson earned a stellar 92.4 grade for his performance, his third-best mark of the season.
Jackson’s ability to buy time in the pocket was on full display throughout the game. His average time to throw reached 3.67 seconds, the third-longest of his career, as he consistently eluded Houston’s formidable pass rush duo of Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. One particular play exemplified his brilliance: an 8.4-second scramble drill that resulted in a nine-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely, a throw that had only a 59 percent completion probability according to Next Gen Stats. Jackson’s dual-threat dominance forced Houston’s defense into impossible situations, as they couldn’t commit to defending either the pass or run without leaving themselves vulnerable to the other.
Derrick Henry Sets Ravens Record With Dominant Ground Game
Derrick Henry reminded everyone why he’s one of the most feared running backs in NFL history. The former Titan rushed for 147 yards on 27 carries—a season-high in attempts—and scored a two-yard touchdown in the first quarter that set a new Ravens single-season record with his 16th touchdown of the year. This surpassed marks previously held by Ray Rice in 2011 and Mark Ingram II in 2019. Henry’s first-quarter performance was Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats particularly devastating, as he accumulated 86 yards in that period alone, establishing Baltimore’s physical dominance from the opening whistle. His 5.4 yards per carry average reflected the offensive line’s excellent blocking and Henry’s ability to punish Houston’s defense on every touch.
The statistics behind Henry’s performance reveal just how thoroughly he controlled the game. According to Next Gen Stats, Henry recorded a remarkable 74.1 percent success rate in Week 17, the highest by any player in a game with 25 or more carries since tracking began in 2016. He ran between the tackles on a season-high 81.5 percent of his carries, gaining 140 of his 147 rushing yards through interior runs that consistently Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats moved the chains. Henry’s Pro Football Focus grade of 91.2 was his highest mark of the season, and even the safety he conceded in the first half—when rookie Kamari Lassiter dropped him for a four-yard loss in the end zone—couldn’t diminish his overall dominance. Against his former division rival, Henry averaged over 100 yards per game across 14 career meetings, and this performance continued that trend.
C.J. Stroud Struggles Under Relentless Pressure
The game told a completely different story for Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, who endured one of the worst performances of his young career. Stroud completed just 17 of 31 passes for 185 yards while throwing one interception and no touchdowns. More concerning than the raw statistics was the constant pressure he faced from Baltimore’s defense, which sacked him five times throughout the game. This relentless pass rush disrupted Houston’s timing and forced Stroud into uncomfortable situations where his decision-making Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats suffered. According to Next Gen Stats, Stroud generated his second-lowest EPA per dropback of his career at negative 0.57, reflecting how thoroughly Baltimore’s defense neutralized his playmaking ability.
The interception thrown by Stroud came at a critical moment in the second half when Houston desperately needed points. Safety Kyle Hamilton picked off the pass on Houston’s first drive after halftime, setting up Baltimore’s offense in excellent field position. Two plays later, Jackson’s 48-yard touchdown run extended the lead to 24-2, essentially ending the competitive portion of the game. Stroud’s struggles were compounded by the absence of Tank Dell, who had suffered a season-ending knee injury the previous week, leaving Houston without one of its most dynamic offensive weapons. Without Dell’s explosiveness stretching the field, the Texans’ passing attack became predictable and easy for Baltimore’s secondary to defend.
Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely: Tight End Excellence
Baltimore’s tight Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats end duo provided crucial contributions in the passing game. Mark Andrews caught just two passes, but both were game-changing plays totaling 68 yards and one touchdown. His most significant reception came on a 67-yard gain during a critical 99-yard touchdown drive in the first half. Jackson scrambled to evade pressure and found Andrews downfield, who made an excellent catch and ran through Houston’s secondary to reach the red zone. This play set up Isaiah Likely’s Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats nine-yard touchdown reception two plays later, giving Baltimore a 17-2 halftime lead. Andrews’ Pro Football Focus grade of 89.4 reflected his efficiency and impact despite limited targets.
Likely’s touchdown reception showcased both his and Jackson’s elite abilities. On the play, linebacker Henry To’oTo’o thought he had Likely covered, but Jackson somehow threaded the ball past the defender’s outstretched arms to find his tight end in the end zone. The throw required incredible touch and timing, demonstrating why Jackson is considered one of the league’s most talented quarterbacks. Both tight ends Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats benefited from Houston’s focus on preventing deep shots to wide receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, creating opportunities underneath and over the middle where Baltimore’s passing game excels.
Joe Mixon’s Disappointing Day Against Elite Run Defense
Houston’s offensive struggles weren’t limited to the passing game. Running back Joe Mixon, who entered the game with 967 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the season, managed just 26 yards on nine carries against Baltimore’s league-leading run defense. The Ravens defense allowed only 83.1 rushing yards per game this season, ranking first in the NFL, and they continued that dominance against Houston. Mixon’s inability to Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats generate any consistent ground game forced the Texans into obvious passing situations, making it easier for Baltimore’s pass rush to pin their ears back and attack Stroud.
The most deflating moment for Mixon came late in the first half during a critical fourth-down situation. After Dameon Pierce returned the kickoff 45 yards to set up Houston near midfield, the Texans drove to Baltimore’s one-yard line. On fourth-and-three, Mixon caught a short pass but was stuffed by safety Ar’Darius Washington at the one-yard line, preventing the touchdown and preserving Baltimore’s momentum. This goal-line stand proved to be a turning point, as the Ravens immediately orchestrated the 99-yard touchdown drive that essentially put the game out of reach before halftime. Mixon’s frustration was evident as he refused to speak with reporters after the game, while Stroud shouldered the blame for the loss.
Ravens Defense Dominates: Kyle Hamilton Leads the Way
Baltimore’s defensive performance was equally impressive as its offensive showing. Safety Kyle Hamilton earned the highest Pro Football Focus grade on defense with an 89.1 mark, highlighted by his crucial third-quarter interception of Stroud. Hamilton’s versatility allows the Ravens to deploy him in multiple roles—he can cover tight ends and slot receivers, attack downfield, or play near the line of scrimmage against the run. His ability to do everything at an elite level makes him one of the NFL’s most valuable defensive players, Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats and this performance demonstrated why analysts compare future prospects to him despite the difficulty of finding true comparisons.
Linebacker Roquan Smith contributed eight tackles and continued his role as the defense’s emotional leader and defensive signal-caller. Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald’s scheme kept Houston’s offense off-balance throughout the game, mixing coverages and pressure packages that Stroud couldn’t solve. The Ravens’ pass rush, led by Kyle Van Noy’s one sack, consistently collapsed the pocket and prevented Stroud from stepping into his throws. Baltimore’s secondary, anchored by cornerback Marlon Humphrey (who Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats entered the game with an AFC-best six interceptions), blanketed Houston’s receivers and rarely allowed separation downfield.
Special Teams and Field Position Battle
Baltimore’s special teams units contributed significantly to the victory through excellent field position and mistake-free execution. Kicker Justin Tucker converted all four extra point attempts and made his only field goal attempt, a 52-yarder in the first quarter that demonstrated his continued excellence despite earlier struggles Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats during the season. Tucker’s reliability in critical moments provides Baltimore with confidence that they can score from anywhere inside opposing territory.
The field position battle heavily favored Baltimore throughout the game. The Ravens’ defense consistently forced Houston into long fields while Baltimore’s offense started drives in favorable positions. This advantage in field position reflected Baltimore’s superior execution in all three phases and left Houston constantly fighting uphill battles to score points. The Texans’ only successful special teams play came when Pierce Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats returned a kickoff 45 yards in the first half, but even that momentum was squandered when the offense failed to score from inside Baltimore’s territory.
Coaching Decisions and Game Management
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, in his 17th season with the organization, demonstrated masterful game management and preparation. His decision to lean heavily on the running game with Henry exploited Houston’s defensive weaknesses and controlled the game clock, limiting Houston’s offensive possessions. Harbaugh’s trust in his Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats offensive line to dominate at the point of attack proved correct, as the Ravens rushed for 251 yards on 43 attempts while averaging 5.8 yards per carry.
Houston coach DeMeco Ryans faced increasing criticism following the loss, particularly regarding offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s play-calling. The Texans’ offense appeared predictable and struggled to adjust to Baltimore’s defensive scheme. Ryans acknowledged after the game that the matchup came down to Baltimore’s exceptional playmakers in Jackson and Henry making plays while Houston couldn’t answer. The Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats loss marked Houston’s second consecutive defeat and raised questions about whether the team Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats could make noise in the playoffs despite clinching the AFC South division.
Historical Context and Series Dominance
This victory extended Baltimore’s dominance over Houston to historic levels. Including playoffs, the Ravens have now won 13 of 16 all-time meetings with the Texans, with Houston’s last victory coming in 2014—ten years ago. Baltimore has won five consecutive games in the series, including the previous season’s 34-10 divisional playoff victory at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens have never lost to Houston in Baltimore, holding a Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats perfect 6-0 record in home games against the Texans.
The consistency of Baltimore’s success against Houston reflects both the overall quality differential between the franchises and the Ravens’ ability to consistently execute their game plan. Whether facing Houston with different Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats coaching staffs, different quarterbacks, or in different seasons, Baltimore finds ways to impose its physical style and win decisively. For Houston, breaking through against Baltimore has become a mental hurdle as much as a physical one, as the losing streak continues to mount.
Playoff Implications and Looking Ahead
This victory improved Baltimore’s record to 11-5 and strengthened their position in the AFC playoff race. The Ravens needed this win to maintain pace with Pittsburgh in the AFC North standings, and they delivered with their Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats most complete performance of the season. The comprehensive nature of the victory sent a message to the rest of the AFC that Baltimore remains a legitimate championship contender capable of dominating on both sides of the ball.
Houston fell to 9-7 with the loss but had already clinched the AFC South division title. The concerning aspect for the Texans wasn’t the loss itself but how thoroughly Baltimore dominated every aspect of the game. If Houston hopes to make a deep playoff run, they must find answers to the problems exposed by Baltimore—particularly Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats offensive line play, generating explosive plays without Dell, and handling elite dual-threat quarterbacks. The loss revealed significant gaps between Houston and the AFC’s elite teams.
Final Thoughts: Statement Win for Baltimore
The Baltimore Ravens’ 31-2 demolition of the Houston Texans represented more than just a regular season victory—it was a statement about their championship aspirations. Lamar Jackson broke an all-time NFL record while delivering another MVP-caliber performance, Derrick Henry set a franchise record and dominated on the ground, and the defense suffocated one of the league’s promising young quarterbacks. Every phase of Baltimore’s Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats game clicked simultaneously, producing the type of comprehensive victory that announces a team’s arrival as a serious contender.
For those searching for Baltimore Ravens vs Texans match player stats, this game provided clear evidence of the talent disparity when both teams performed to their capabilities. Jackson’s 168 passing yards and 87 rushing yards with three total touchdowns, Henry’s 147 rushing yards and franchise-record touchdown, and the defense’s five sacks and one interception told the story of complete domination. Meanwhile, Houston’s offensive statistics—Stroud’s 185 Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats passing yards with an interception and Mixon’s 26 rushing yards—reflected a unit that couldn’t solve Baltimore’s defensive puzzle.
As both teams prepare for the playoffs, this game will serve different purposes. Baltimore can build confidence knowing their formula for success—elite quarterback play, dominant rushing attack, and suffocating defense—translates against playoff-caliber opponents. Houston must use this as a learning experience, identifying the Baltimore Ravens vs Texans Match Player Stats areas where they need improvement before facing the AFC’s elite teams in January. The Ravens proved they belong in the conversation with Kansas City, Buffalo, and other AFC heavyweights, while the Texans learned they still have work to do before reaching that tier.
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