Texans vs Ravens Review: Offense
The Houston Texans came back from an abysmal loss to the Green Bay Packers, with a blowout of their own against one of the league’s elite: the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens were able to force a three-and-out on the Texans first drive and kick a field goal on their own, after that it was all Texans. There is no better way to enter the bye than with a blowout win against a team like the Ravens.
The defense certainly did it’s part, but we’ll focus mainly on the offense in the article, and how they dominated in every way from start to finish.
Oct 21, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) celebrates a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at Reliant Stadium. The Texans defeated the Ravens 43-13. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE
Matt Schaub
I said before the game that Schaub needed to step up and be the player he was against Denver, and he answered the call. His receivers bailed him out on more than one occasion, especially Garrett Graham on an overthrown pass that would have almost definitely have been an interception, but he was putting the ball where he wanted it all day.
He moved it around effectively finding Kevin Walter deep on three separate occasions and completing two of them, he found Owen Daniels for seven catches and Andre for eight catches.
Schaub’s numbers continue to be middle-of-the-road, but I would rather have a quarterback like Schaub in this offense, than someone like Tony Romo who will almost single-handedly win you games, but also lose you games. The term “game manager” is a dirty word to quarterbacks, and Schaub is not necessarily lumped into that category, but he is a guy that won’t make the dumb mistakes and for that reason I couldn’t be happier about the extension he just signed.
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Arian Foster had 98 yards and two touchdowns, meaning he has scored at least one touchdown in every game this season and leads the league in rushing touchdowns on the year with 10. Ben Tate bounced back strong from his injury with 10 carries for 47 yards, but more importantly he showed the burst that Texan fans have become accustomed to seeing.
Justin Forsett came in for mop up duty again and again was too much for a tired defense leading the team in yards per carry on the day. With the three of these running backs on the roster the Texans have undoubtedly the best stable of backs in the NFL.
Whether you think it was the defense or Arian Foster that bounced back the strongest after getting completely embarrassed against the Packers, all that really matters is that both bounced back like champions.
Oct 21, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) runs after a catch against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE
Receivers
As I said earlier the receivers were incredible. Andre Johnson looked like the Andre of old with no drops and nine catches on 10 targets. Kevin Walter was the surprise deep threat getting open three times down the field and scoring a touchdown.
Owen Daniels racked up seven catches and a score meaning that he is probably on his way to a Pro-Bowl season because he has been a nuisance for every defense they play.
Garrett Graham had the play of the week when Matt Schaub overthrew him and he tipped it away from the safety with one hand and caught it falling backwards.
Offensive Line
The faith in the line was restored on Sunday when they were able to hold the Ravens to two sacks on Schaub and help the running game rack up 181 yards on the ground.
The most interesting thing that the offensive line did all day was starting Ben Jones at right guard this week as opposed to the injured Antoine Caldwell
Overall it was the most complete win the Texans have had this year, and if they play like that every week then they will not lose a game for the remainder of the year.