Houston Texans: Key takeaways from disappointing Week 2 loss

There were many things to takeaway from the Houston Texans’ loss to the Ravens.

One of the more shocking revelations from the Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens box score is seeing exactly how disastrously the run defense unraveled as the game progressed. No Baltimore Ravens rusher topped 75 yards on the ground, yet Gus Edwards finished with 73 total yards, while Mark Ingram reached 55 yards on just nine carries. There was also Lamar Jackson rushing for 54, yards, and rookie J.K. Dobbins needed only two carries for 48 yards.

Even worse, look at the gradual wearing down of the defense from the first half to the second (per Jayson Braddock):

• Baltimore running backs first half totals: 5 carries for 16 yards (3.2 YPC)

• Third quarter totals: 5 carries for 27 yards (5.4 YPC)

• Fourth quarter totals: 11 carries for 133 yards (12.1 YPC)

The Houston Texans defense was obviously exhausted, and the ejection of Ross Blacklock was both inexcusable and detrimental to the team’s success.

J.J. Watt called the rookie’s move “stupid and selfish”, and ultimately this is one area the team needs to focus on before they can become a legitimate contender, if at all this season.

Next are three takeaways from the Houston Texans loss against the Baltimore Ravens, as the Texans now have to not only learn from this loss, but also get prepared to face the Pittsburgh Steelers this upcoming Sunday.