ExtremeRavens

The winner of today’s Bills-Chiefs game will play the Ravens in next Sunday’s AFC Championship game in Baltimore. If Kansas City wins, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, receiver Travis Kelce and maybe Kelce’s girlfriend, Taylor Swift, will be coming to town. If the Bills win, it will be quarterback Josh Allen and receiver Stefon Diggs, a Maryland-native, heading to Charm City. Tell us which team you want to win today’s game. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Dalvin Cook on getting his first action | VIDEO Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Brandon Stephens on hosting the AFC Championship | VIDEO Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Lamar Jackson on his performance | VIDEO Baltimore Ravens | Five things we learned from the Ravens’ 34-10 playoff over the Houston Texans Baltimore Ravens | Christian McCaffrey’s go-ahead TD rallies 49ers to 24-21 playoff win over Packers View the full article

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After a tense first half, the Ravens made it clear they don’t rattle easily, making the necessary tactical adjustments to dominate the Houston Texans, 34-10, behind a poised masterpiece from Lamar Jackson. Here are five things we learned from the game. The Ravens banished the ghosts of 2019 Panic? No. The Ravens had answered too many questions through 17 games of excellent regular-season football to believe they were in trouble when they went to the halftime locker room tied at 10 with the underdog Texans. Disgust? Yes. They had bottled up quarterback phenom C.J. Stroud. They had expected the blitzes Houston threw at Jackson on 13 of his 18 first-half dropbacks. But their best-laid plans had produced no advantage. They had lapsed in the face of the Texans’ pressure. Their punt team had skewed too far left, leaving a lane up the middle for returner Steven Sims to race 67 yards for a game-tying touchdown. This was not work worthy of a Super Bowl aspirant. “I think everybody was just kind of a little edgy,” coach John Harbaugh said. No one more than Jackson, who filled the air with profanity as he urged himself and his teammates to play up to their capabilities. For two weeks before Saturday’s game, the Ravens faced questions about 2019, the last time they earned the AFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. That team also blazed through November and December, but when the Tennessee Titans jumped ahead 14-0 in the divisional round of the playoffs, a younger Jackson and his mates found no answer. They said this time would be different, that they were more mature, less apt to look past the challenge right in front of them. Well, here was their chance to prove it after an uneasy first half against the Texans. Twenty-four straight points, three brilliantly varied touchdown drives and 30 minutes of textbook defense later, we had our answer. The 2023 Ravens are not the 2019 Ravens. Year 6 Jackson is not Year 2 Jackson. This group doesn’t depend on first-round knockouts. It counterpunches, finds side doors when the frontal assault doesn’t work, retunes itself on the fly. “It’s a different team,” Jackson said when the work was complete. “Like I’ve been saying.” Whatever happens from here, the Ravens and their franchise player will no longer carry the albatross of previous failures. They have reached a new frontier, with ambitions to push beyond and good reason to believe they’re equipped for the mission. In a way, it was probably good that victory did not come easily. They learned that the edginess they felt at halftime was not an overture to failure but a call to arms. “Our guys are going to stay edgy,” Harbaugh said. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, right, celebrates his fourth-quarter rushing touchdown against the Texans with wide receiver Zay Flowers on Saturday. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Lamar Jackson finally has a great playoff performance to his name The question was about the frigid temperatures forecast for Saturday, but Jackson opted for a broader answer when he spoke with reporters four days before facing the Texans. “I’m ready for anything,” he said. He had felt that way all season, somehow both looser and more intense than he had been in his previous five NFL years. His confidence was born of moment-to-moment focus and a sense that he possessed far more answers than he did the last time he led the Ravens to a No. 1 seed at the end of his first full season as a starter. That Jackson was all brilliance. This one is brilliant on top of a rock-solid foundation. He wasn’t terrible in the first half — 7-for-11 with a touchdown against all that pressure, a team-high 50 rushing yards. But merely decent is not a standard Jackson has accepted this season. He summoned something far greater after halftime, throwing decisively, manipulating the Texans like a collection of 11 marionettes, running furiously when he sniffed the goal line. Jackson won a playoff game three years ago, erasing a Titans lead with one of the greatest touchdown runs of his career and steering the Ravens through a tense second half in hostile Nashville. But he never reached the level of mastery we saw from him in Saturday’s second half, when he completed 9 of 11 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown and ran for 50 yards and two more scores. Every drive ended with points, and Stroud could hardly get on the field to answer. “Lamar played out of his mind,” Harbaugh said. He was the one who called out the team at halftime. He was the one who conspired with offensive coordinator Todd Monken to counter Houston’s blitzes. He was the one who raced into the tunnel after his final touchdown, stirring the crowd of 71,018 to a frenzied pitch. This was Jackson’s bravura show, and here’s the thing: teammates weren’t the least bit surprised. “I think he’s been doing it all year,” left tackle Ronnie Stanley said. “That part’s nothing new for me or any of the guys on the field. We’ve been seeing that from him week in and week out, during the week in practice. He’s a field general. He knows when things aren’t going right, and he’s trying to do everything in his control to get us back on the right track.” Ravens defensive tackle Travis Jones pressures Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud in the first quarter Saturday. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) The Ravens didn’t need sacks or turnovers to ruin C.J. Stroud’s afternoon For all the deserved acclaim around Jackson’s evolution, it’s defense that truly sets this Ravens team apart from those of the last few years. Stroud was almost perfect a week earlier against a Cleveland defense that had vied with the Ravens for statistical supremacy throughout the regular season. The Browns rarely disturbed the cocoon around the brilliant rookie, and he threw fearlessly into open patches 15 and 20 yards downfield. The Ravens led the league in sacks and takeaways in the regular season, their answer to the few chunk plays they surrendered. But they knew the Texans were good at keeping Stroud upright and that he in turn protected the ball. So they adopted a strategy of controlled aggression, bothering the rookie quarterback repeatedly without sacrificing coverage discipline. Stroud did sidestep pressure to connect on a few downfield throws in the first half, and he did not short circuit, but he never found the rhythm that came to him so easily against Cleveland. His 57.6% accuracy and 5.3 yards per attempt fell well short of his season averages of 63.9% and 8.2. “The defense was just as good as it could be,” Harbaugh said. “I thought our guys chased him, and I thought we plastered [their receivers] downfield. Our coverage was just outstanding. We covered as long as we needed to so many times.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Christian McCaffrey’s go-ahead TD rallies 49ers to 24-21 playoff win over Packers Baltimore Ravens | No takeaways, no sacks, no problem: Ravens’ steady defense keeps Texans out of red zone in playoff win Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Give Ravens OC Todd Monken a game ball for second-half adjustments vs. Texans | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Isaiah Likely, Mark Andrews’ fill-in, proving more than that with TD vs. Texans Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 34-10 playoff win over Texans | COMMENTARY They did it without their most accomplished cornerback, Marlon Humphrey, who’s nursing a calf injury. “We just made it difficult for the quarterback,” cornerback Brandon Stephens said. “We tried to stay sticky to the receivers on the outside, force him to make contested throws. We were just playing our style of football.” Linebacker Patrick Queen said they “played smart, played according to our rules.” That speaks to what defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald has created with players who love him for unlocking new dimensions in their games. The Ravens have guiding principles, but some weeks they shut down opponents with vanilla, some weeks they do it with hot sauce. They operate behind more guises than any other defense in the league. And let’s not forget a boisterous home crowd that contributed to a succession of false starts and delays of game, six combined in all. After a rough first half against the blitz, Todd Monken found answers Jackson had excelled against the blitz all season, completing 63.8% of his passes and averaging 8.3 yards per attempt with eight touchdowns. But the Texans, who had blitzed on just 21% of dropbacks during the regular season, seemed to catch the Ravens off guard by sending extra rushers on 72.2% of Jackson’s dropbacks in the first half. He handled the pressure well on a touchdown drive to start the second quarter, but Houston sent the Ravens off the field three-and-out on their next three drives, slamming Jackson to the ground twice on the last of those. The Ravens said they had drilled relentlessly in anticipation of Houston’s aggression, which also entailed delayed blitzes and other trickery. “No, I wasn’t surprised,” Jackson said. “They were having success in the first half with blitzing us, soft blitz and zero. They were doing their thing, but we watched a lot of film. We were prepared; we just made little mistakes protecting the blitz and getting the ball out on time.” An adjustment was required, and the Ravens made it, hitting Houston with faster-developing routes so Jackson could fire before blitzing defenders reached him. They needed just six plays to go 55 yards for a touchdown to start the second half. “I think we just did a better job getting the ball out on time,” Harbaugh said. “I think Todd called a different game. It wasn’t so much hold the ball and try to push the ball downfield. Once Lamar was able to sit back there and just pick [the defense] apart and get the ball out quick, he did a great job with that and then took control of the game.” Stanley said the offensive line took a hard look in the mirror at halftime. “I think it was just communication and being on the same page, making sure guys knew their keys and who they had, who we were reading,” he said. The Texans had three sacks at halftime and remained stuck on that number for the remainder of the game, while the Ravens jumped their offensive efficiency from 3.8 yards per play in the first half to 6.5 in the second. They adjusted. Next weekend will be tougher During a recent conversation about what sets this team apart, Harbaugh noted that he almost never has to steer it back on course. He finds the players are already thinking his words before he says them. They celebrated Saturday’s victory with a locker room funk party soundtracked by The Gap Band, but by the time they talked to reporters, they were already intent on the business ahead, namely the first AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium next Sunday at 3 p.m. Super Bowl? Shut off that noise until it’s the next game. “No,” Jackson said when asked if he can almost feel the Lombardi Trophy. “Because we have to finish. It’s still [the] playoffs. We’re not in the dance yet, so I’m looking forward to next week, to be honest with you. I’m not even thinking about the Super Bowl until we handle business.” That business will be sterner than the challenge offered by the Texans, no matter who wins in Buffalo on Sunday evening. If it’s the Kansas City Chiefs, well, they’re the reigning kings of the league. Tyreek Hill is in Miami and Travis Kelce ain’t what he was three years ago, but Patrick Mahomes remains the alpha quarterback, the guy who conjures third-down scrambles against impossible odds and makes journeymen receivers into champions. If it’s the Bills, that means Josh Allen outdueled Mahomes and he’s in the same spot as his draft classmate, Jackson, looking for a Super Bowl trip to take his sublime career to another plateau. These are battle-tested opponents who will fully expect to upset the Ravens, who would not have it any other way. “This was one step in getting there, but we knew there’s another step past that,” Stanley said after Saturday’s win. “We’re happy to get past this first step, very proud of accomplishing what we did today, but we know that we’re going to have to continue to get better to get what we really want.” AFC championship game Bills/Chiefs at Ravens Next Sunday, 3 p.m. TV: CBS Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson wearing a "Top 10" gold chain as he walks to the locker room. after beating the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson wearing a "Top 10" gold chain as he walks to the locker room. after beating the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Ronnie Stanley, left, and Lamar Jackson celebrate after Jackson ran in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Ronnie Stanley, behind, and Lamar Jackson celebrate after Jackson ran in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely following the touchdown reception against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship.(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson beats Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins to the end zone during the fourth quarter Saturday. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a 4th quarter touchdown to give the Ravens a 30-10 lead. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a 4th quarter touchdown to give the Ravens a 30-10 lead. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely catches a touchdown as Houston Texans' Derek Stingley Jr. attempts to defend against the play in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely catches a touchdown as Houston Texans' Derek Stingley Jr. attempts to defend against the play in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, #80 reaches out after scoring a touchdown in front of Houston Texans cornerback Ka'dar Hollman during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, center stands beetween Houston Texans linebacker Blake Cashman, #53 and cornerback Ka'dar Hollman after a touchdown reception during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely hauls in a touchdown pass over Houston Texans Derek Stingley Jr. in the 4th quarter of the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Jalen Pitre almost intercepts a ball thrown to Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely during the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, #8 celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans with wide receiver Zay Flowers during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, #4 and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. react after quarterback Lamar Jackson scored his second rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, #8 celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans with wide receiver Zay Flowers during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens running back Dalvin Cook, #31 gains first down yardage to the 25-yard line against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens' #43 Justice Hill is brought down by Texans' #21 Steven Nelson after he made a first down in the 4th quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Jan. 20, 2024: Ravens' Lamar Jackson is congratulated by teammates after his 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Texan's #93 Kurt Hinish sacks Ravens' Lamar Jackson in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Texans' kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn misses a field goal late in the first half. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Dameon Pierce fumbles while tackled by Baltimore Ravens' Malik Harrison on a kickoff return recovered by Houston late during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a first down in the third quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson throws the ball in the third quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' #80 Isaiah Likely uses a stiff-arm to hold off Texans' defender #25 Desmond King II to gain a first down in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs the ball against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Texan's #26 Devin Singletary is tackled by Ravens' #14 Kyle Hamilton and #0 Roquan Smith in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens' #92 Justin Madubuike tackles Texans' #19 Xavier Hutchinson in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout reacts after the Texans score a punt return for a field goal touchdown during the Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout is dejected after the Texans returned a punt for a touchdown during the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Steven Sims runs a punt in for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Charlie Kolar catches the ball against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor celebrates a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor, left, and quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrate a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely, left, after Jackson ran for a touchdown against the Texans on Saturday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson runs in for a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson runs in for a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback runs for a first down in the second quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson celebrates with teammate #15 Nelson Agholor after he caught a touchdown pass in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens Lamar Jackson takes off for a long run in the first quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ka'imi Fairbairn kicks a 50 yard field goal in the first quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens' Justin Tucker celebrates with his teammates after kicking a field goal to make the score, 3-0, against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens #24 Jadeveon Clowney tackles Texan's #26 Devin Singletary during first quarter action. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens fans react to Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker's first quarter field goal against the Houston Texans. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens defeated the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Justin Tucker kicks a field goal to make the score, 3-0,, against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks a field goal in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks a field goal in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson breaks from the pocket for a gain against the Houston Texans in the first quarter. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a first down against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws in the first quarter. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens defensive tackle Travis Jones pressures Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud in the first quarter Saturday. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) Houston Texans' Devin Singletary is tackled for loss by Baltimore Ravens' Justin Madubuike in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson heads out to practice for the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Fans react before the Divisional Round of the playoffs game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Morgan Moses is on the field before a playoff game against the Houston Texans.(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Tyler Ott uses a heater to warm up the equipment before a playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Wayne Reese known as Uncle Grandpa dances outside of the stadium before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Ken Mioduski of Bel Air, also known as Purple Haze, enjoys the pregame tailgate before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Mark Acton wheels a Ravens MVP sculpture he created through the streets outside of M&T Bank Stadium. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Chris Mills, of Toronto, and wife Chantel Mills, both Odell Beckham Jr. fans, attend their first Ravens game ever and it is the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Governor Wes Moore arrives at M&T Bank Stadium for Baltimore Ravens playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Clarence Thomas known as the Hip-hop Raven enjoys pregame festivities before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens game. NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Former Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning watches the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans warm up during the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Adalius Thomas, left and Carmelo Anthony talk as the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans practice during the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Comedian Stavros Halkias is on the field before the Divisional Round of the playoffs between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Roquan Smith pumps up the team prior to the divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Roquan Smith takes the field as the Ravens prepare to host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Justin Madubuike takes the field as the Ravens prepare to host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Maryland National Guard A10s fly over prior to the start of the divisional playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand View the full article

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Christian McCaffrey scored his second touchdown on a 6-yard run with 1:07 to play, and the San Francisco 49ers mounted their first second-half comeback of the season to beat the Green Bay Packers 24-21 in a divisional-round playoff game on Saturday night. After spending all regular season as front-runners, the Niners (13-5) needed to come from behind for a change, and Brock Purdy and McCaffrey did just enough on the last drive to send San Francisco to its third straight NFC championship game. The Niners will host the winner of Sunday’s game between Tampa Bay and Detroit next weekend for a spot in the Super Bowl. Purdy went 6 for 7 for 47 yards on the decisive drive, converting a third down with a 10-yard pass to Brandon Aiyuk and throwing a 17-yarder to Chris Conley. “Obviously it’s four quarters for a reason, you know? So the way I started, it’s like, ‘Man, I’ve got to be better, got to play efficient football,’” Purdy said. “But when it comes down to it, with the season on the line, you’ve got to make it happen for your boys around you.” McCaffrey finished it off with his run on third-and-short and the 49ers’ defense held on from there, with Dre Greenlaw intercepting Jordan Love for the second time to seal San Francisco’s fifth straight playoff win over Green Bay (10-9). That last throw across his body was one of the few mistakes by Love, who had given the Packers the lead with two TD passes in the third quarter. But his first full season as the starter in place of Aaron Rodgers had a disappointing ending. Purdy — who struggled with his accuracy early on a rainy night — threw for 252 yards and a touchdown, and McCaffrey rushed for 98 yards on 17 carries. “I mean, yeah, the weather. But that’s football, man. You’ve got to overcome that,” Purdy said. Love put the Niners in the unusual spot of playing from behind. Green Bay converted a third-and-15 when Ambry Thomas was called for a 41-yard pass interference penalty against Bo Melton. Love and Melton connected on the next play for a wide-open 19-yard touchdown aided by Tashaun Gipson slipping on the wet grass in coverage. After McCaffrey put San Francisco back in the lead with a 39-yard TD run, Green Bay struck quickly thanks to a 73-yard kick return by All-Pro Keisean Nixon that he fumbled, only to have teammate Eric Wilson recover. Four plays later, Love threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Kraft and the Packers extended the lead to 21-14 on a 2-point conversion pass to Aaron Jones. The Niners were the first team to make the playoffs in 13 seasons without overcoming a second-half deficit to win a game. They got a 52-yard field goal from Jake Moody on the first play of the fourth quarter to make it a four-point game, and it stayed there when rookie Anders Carlson missed a 41-yarder for Green Bay. The Packers moved the ball easily in the first half, getting into the red zone on three straight drives to open the game. But they couldn’t finishing any of them off, setting for two field goals and getting stopped on a fourth-and-1 sneak. They became the first team in 20 years to reach the red zone on their first three drives of a playoff game without getting a TD. The Niners made them pay for that with Purdy hitting George Kittle on a 32-yard pass on the run for a TD that gave San Francisco the lead. But San Francisco squandered another chance late in the half when coach Kyle Shanahan wasted time before settling for a 48-yard field goal attempt by Moody that was blocked by Colby Wooden to send the Niners into the half with a 7-6 lead. Jones finished with 108 yards on 18 carries for the Packers, and Love was 21 of 34 for 194 yards. Injuries Packers: RT Zach Tom left in the third quarter to get checked for a head injury and didn’t return. 49ers: WR Deebo Samuel injured his shoulder on the opening drive and missed most of the game. View the full article

Dressed in a jean vest, a cowboy hat and his usual swagger, Roquan Smith considered the game he’d just been a part of — the one in which the Ravens’ defense refused to let the upstart Houston Texans ever sniff a rhythm, ever see the red zone, ever feel comfortable on offense. The Ravens became the first NFL team to lead the league in points allowed, takeaways and sacks during a regular season and they turned in another masterful effort Saturday with a 34-10 playoff victory at M&T Bank Stadium. Part of their identity has been intensity and after the game, played in 20-degree weather and amid 25 mph gusts, Smith issued another one of his unabashed quips. “I don’t care who it is. It could be my little cousins, it could be grandparents, or whatever,” said Smith, the defense’s de facto spokesperson. “You roll that ball out there, they gotta get dealt with [if] they come into ‘The Bank,’ by any means necessary.” With beloved Baltimore legends present — such as Cal Ripken Jr. and Carmelo Anthony — the Ravens did what they’ve done all season and, really for most of the franchise’s existence: play ferocious, fearless defense. After scoring early in the second quarter, the Ravens’ offense limped into halftime and their special teams allowed the game’s biggest play — a 67-yard punt return in the second quarter by Houston’s Steven Sims, his first touchdown in three years. At halftime, the Ravens, the AFC’s top seed, and the Texans were tied. Baltimore’s faithful, wearing beanies and coats and clutching onto hand-warmers and cold memories from the 2019 season’s disappointing denouement, fretted. But there would be no nightmare. The Ravens’ defense made sure of it. Things were “edgy,” at halftime, coach John Harbaugh said, and Lamar Jackson gave a colorful speech — which included words players weren’t eager to repeat — to ignite the team. In the second half, the offense improved, scoring three touchdowns. And the defense simply continued its dominance, like a methodic drumbeat. The Texans’ offense, which hung 45 points in a playoff game last week against the Cleveland Browns, never marched into the red zone and mustered just three points against Baltimore’s defense (excluding the special teams score). “We’re not the Browns. We’re the Baltimore Ravens at the end of the day,” said Smith, who has been a Raven for only 15 months but speaks as if he’s been one his entire life. Ravens outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney tackles Texans running back Devin Singletary in the first quarter Saturday. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) With Smith and his stalwart sidekick Patrick Queen anchoring the defense, the Ravens allowed just 38 rushing yards and 175 through the air. Said Texans running back Devin Singletary, who managed 22 yards on the ground: “They were eating us up. They just had our number today.” Despite unwelcoming weather, Baltimore got a boost from the fiery home crowd (“I don’t know what they be on, liquid courage or what,” Smith noted.) Although Houston coach DeMeco Ryans said it had “nothing to do with the crowd,” the Texans had six false starts or delay-of-game penalties, pushing them backward on the rare occasions they put together a big gain. “[The Ravens] are a really good unit,” Ryans said. “I think they’ve been No. 1 throughout the entire season for a reason, starting with their personnel.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Five things we learned from the Ravens’ 34-10 playoff over the Houston Texans Baltimore Ravens | Christian McCaffrey’s go-ahead TD rallies 49ers to 24-21 playoff win over Packers Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Give Ravens OC Todd Monken a game ball for second-half adjustments vs. Texans | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Isaiah Likely, Mark Andrews’ fill-in, proving more than that with TD vs. Texans Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 34-10 playoff win over Texans | COMMENTARY Saturday was different, though. The Ravens registered no sacks and no takeaways — despite some close calls, like a near-interception by Kyle Hamilton in the first half — but still managed to push the Texans’ offense off the field. Absent big plays, they simply forced punts or field goal tries. In the third quarter and the game still very much in question, the Texans tried a flea-flicker-esque trick play, with the ball changing hands four times in seven seconds. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud eventually passed to wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson, who had blockers and plenty of room to run, if he could just get past Geno Stone. But Stone, who’d missed a key tackle earlier, clung to Hutchinson’s right foot, stalling him until Smith arrived to barrel him over. Said Stroud: “They made a play.” The Texans had racked up chunk yardage against other teams, Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens said, but “we knew they didn’t have a chance if we eliminated big plays, and we did that today.” Late in the game on a fourth-and-6 look — the Texans’ last gasp — Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet came around the end to hit Stroud, forcing a high throw and a game-sealing incompletion. As the ball bounced away, Smith celebrated with a wave to the crowd. The Ravens had again put together a solid, sensational, yet steady performance, propelling them to the AFC championship game in Baltimore next week. “I’d put this eleven, whoever is out on the field with us, versus anyone in the league,” Smith said of the Ravens defense. “Anyone in the world at that.” Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson wearing a "Top 10" gold chain as he walks to the locker room. after beating the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson wearing a "Top 10" gold chain as he walks to the locker room. after beating the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Ronnie Stanley, left, and Lamar Jackson celebrate after Jackson ran in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Ronnie Stanley, behind, and Lamar Jackson celebrate after Jackson ran in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely following the touchdown reception against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship.(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson beats Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins to the end zone during the fourth quarter Saturday. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a 4th quarter touchdown to give the Ravens a 30-10 lead. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a 4th quarter touchdown to give the Ravens a 30-10 lead. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely catches a touchdown as Houston Texans' Derek Stingley Jr. attempts to defend against the play in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely catches a touchdown as Houston Texans' Derek Stingley Jr. attempts to defend against the play in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, #80 reaches out after scoring a touchdown in front of Houston Texans cornerback Ka'dar Hollman during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, center stands beetween Houston Texans linebacker Blake Cashman, #53 and cornerback Ka'dar Hollman after a touchdown reception during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely hauls in a touchdown pass over Houston Texans Derek Stingley Jr. in the 4th quarter of the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Jalen Pitre almost intercepts a ball thrown to Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely during the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, #8 celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans with wide receiver Zay Flowers during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, #4 and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. react after quarterback Lamar Jackson scored his second rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, #8 celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans with wide receiver Zay Flowers during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens running back Dalvin Cook, #31 gains first down yardage to the 25-yard line against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens' #43 Justice Hill is brought down by Texans' #21 Steven Nelson after he made a first down in the 4th quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Jan. 20, 2024: Ravens' Lamar Jackson is congratulated by teammates after his 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Texan's #93 Kurt Hinish sacks Ravens' Lamar Jackson in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Texans' kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn misses a field goal late in the first half. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Dameon Pierce fumbles while tackled by Baltimore Ravens' Malik Harrison on a kickoff return recovered by Houston late during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a first down in the third quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson throws the ball in the third quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' #80 Isaiah Likely uses a stiff-arm to hold off Texans' defender #25 Desmond King II to gain a first down in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs the ball against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Texan's #26 Devin Singletary is tackled by Ravens' #14 Kyle Hamilton and #0 Roquan Smith in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens' #92 Justin Madubuike tackles Texans' #19 Xavier Hutchinson in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout reacts after the Texans score a punt return for a field goal touchdown during the Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout is dejected after the Texans returned a punt for a touchdown during the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Steven Sims runs a punt in for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Charlie Kolar catches the ball against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor celebrates a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor, left, and quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrate a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely, left, after Jackson ran for a touchdown against the Texans on Saturday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson runs in for a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson runs in for a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback runs for a first down in the second quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson celebrates with teammate #15 Nelson Agholor after he caught a touchdown pass in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens Lamar Jackson takes off for a long run in the first quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ka'imi Fairbairn kicks a 50 yard field goal in the first quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens' Justin Tucker celebrates with his teammates after kicking a field goal to make the score, 3-0, against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney tackles Texans running back Devin Singletary in the first quarter Saturday. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Ravens fans react to Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker's first quarter field goal against the Houston Texans. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens defeated the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Justin Tucker kicks a field goal to make the score, 3-0,, against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks a field goal in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks a field goal in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson breaks from the pocket for a gain against the Houston Texans in the first quarter. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a first down against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws in the first quarter. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Travis Jones pressures Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Devin Singletary is tackled for loss by Baltimore Ravens' Justin Madubuike in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson heads out to practice for the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Fans react before the Divisional Round of the playoffs game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Morgan Moses is on the field before a playoff game against the Houston Texans.(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Tyler Ott uses a heater to warm up the equipment before a playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Wayne Reese known as Uncle Grandpa dances outside of the stadium before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Ken Mioduski of Bel Air, also known as Purple Haze, enjoys the pregame tailgate before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Mark Acton wheels a Ravens MVP sculpture he created through the streets outside of M&T Bank Stadium. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Chris Mills, of Toronto, and wife Chantel Mills, both Odell Beckham Jr. fans, attend their first Ravens game ever and it is the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Governor Wes Moore arrives at M&T Bank Stadium for Baltimore Ravens playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Clarence Thomas known as the Hip-hop Raven enjoys pregame festivities before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens game. NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Former Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning watches the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans warm up during the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Adalius Thomas, left and Carmelo Anthony talk as the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans practice during the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Comedian Stavros Halkias is on the field before the Divisional Round of the playoffs between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Roquan Smith pumps up the team prior to the divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Roquan Smith takes the field as the Ravens prepare to host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Justin Madubuike takes the field as the Ravens prepare to host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Maryland National Guard A10s fly over prior to the start of the divisional playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand View the full article

The Ravens should have given offensive coordinator Todd Monken a game ball Saturday night. After the Ravens’ 34-10 win over the Houston Texans in the AFC divisional round before an announced 71,018 at M&T Bank Stadium, there was plenty of talk about quarterback Lamar Jackson’s contribution to four of the team’s touchdowns and an outstanding defensive effort throughout the game, but it was Monken who guided the team to 24 second-half points. He has been the Ravens’ secret weapon all year in furthering Jackson’s development and putting some pop into the passing game, but on Saturday night he was dialing up plays that led to Houston’s defensive demise in the final two quarters. The Ravens had only 118 yards of total offense in the first half but finished with 352. They had 95 rushing yards, 50 of those by Jackson, and only 52 passing yards in the first two quarters. They finished with 229 yards on the ground and 123 through the air. The difference was Monken. Now, it’s understandable why he is a head coaching prospect at age 57, even when most team owners are looking at other candidates 15 to 25 years younger. Monken has already had virtual visits with at least the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Chargers. “Offensively, we talked about completions and about our profit game,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said about the halftime plan. “Let’s get the thing going [and] not try and push the ball downfield quite as much. I think it also helped open up the run game. Lamar did a great job. A lot of that was his thinking as well. He was all over it — what we felt we needed to do in the second half. “[It was a] collaborative effort, for sure. Todd deserves a lot of credit. I thought he called a great game, especially in the second half.” The Ravens struggled offensively in the first half but still managed to enter halftime tied at 10. Jackson was blitzed on 13 of 18 dropbacks, pressured 10 times and sacked three times. Neither Jackson nor his offensive line had an answer for the Texans’ blitzes, which came from outside linebackers or safeties and were delayed at times. But then came halftime. Jackson delivered a profanity-laced speech, and Monken devised another game plan. “It would be inappropriate if I said it right here,” Jackson said, drawing laughter. “But, we weren’t really doing anything to their defense — they were playing great. That offense was playing great as well, but we weren’t doing our job with our unit. In the second half, [we] started putting points on the board, started moving the ball, moving the chains and started looking at ourselves.” Both Jackson and Monken need to take some blame for the lackadaisical first half. They had no answers for the Texans’ blitzes, even though they had seen them multiple times throughout the season. But there were definitive answers on the Ravens’ first offensive possession of the second half. On the first snap, Jackson threw a pass to wideout Nelson Agholor for a 9-yard gain and then went to tight end Isaiah Likely for a 19-yard reception over the middle. Quick passes were going to work, not the deep passes the Ravens were hoping to hit on. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Five things we learned from the Ravens’ 34-10 playoff over the Houston Texans Baltimore Ravens | Christian McCaffrey’s go-ahead TD rallies 49ers to 24-21 playoff win over Packers Baltimore Ravens | No takeaways, no sacks, no problem: Ravens’ steady defense keeps Texans out of red zone in playoff win Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Isaiah Likely, Mark Andrews’ fill-in, proving more than that with TD vs. Texans Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 34-10 playoff win over Texans | COMMENTARY On second-and-10 from the Texans’ 15-yard line, Jackson ran a devised draw behind running back Gus Edwards, who put a picture-perfect block on middle linebacker Blake Cashman as the Ravens went ahead, 17-10, early in the third quarter. The Ravens put together another scoring drive on their next possession, this one 93 yards on 12 plays capped by a 15-yard touchdown pass from Jackson to Likely. It was a similar play the Ravens used last season in a win over the New Orleans Saints. But before Monken reached into his bag of tricks, he had the Texans off guard. They couldn’t stop the deep passes over the middle to a receiver like Rashod Bateman or short passes into the flat to rookie Zay Flowers or running back Justice Hill. After taking a 24-10 lead on the touchdown pass to Likely, the Ravens went to the running game behind Edwards, Hill and recently signed Dalvin Cook. They ran counter plays, tosses and straight dives up the middle and the exhausted Texans couldn’t stop them. Of course, this was all caused by Jackson, who rushed 11 times for 100 yards and two touchdowns while completing 16 of 22 passes for 152 yards and two scores. And, of course, it was directed by Monken. “It means a lot for your [offensive coordinator] to trust in you to be out there and putting our team in a great situation,” Jackson said of Monken. “That’s all I need, and we’re going to go from there.” The Ravens hired Monken in February to replace Greg Roman as the offensive coordinator. On the first day he met the media, Monken said he wanted to attack the entire field. He has done that with a running game that doesn’t have a featured halfback and a passing game that is effective, but not dominant. It’s called balance. The Ravens have it. Monken seems to add new wrinkles weekly, such as the tight end delay over the middle to Likely or a similar play to fullback Patrick Ricard. They also have a quarterback who is more accurate and more of a leader this year, while Monken helped lead Georgia to two straight national titles before arriving in Baltimore. It’s an offense that is inconsistent at times, but the Ravens always seem to get in sync. “I think we just did a better job getting the ball out on time,” Harbaugh said. “I think Todd called a different game. It wasn’t so much hold the ball and try to push the ball downfield, which Lamar did a good job. Once Lamar was able to sit back there [in the pocket] and just pick [the defense] apart and get the ball out quick, he just did a great job with that and then took control of the game.” Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson wearing a "Top 10" gold chain as he walks to the locker room. after beating the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson wearing a "Top 10" gold chain as he walks to the locker room. after beating the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Ronnie Stanley, left, and Lamar Jackson celebrate after Jackson ran in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Ronnie Stanley, behind, and Lamar Jackson celebrate after Jackson ran in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely following the touchdown reception against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship.(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson beats Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins to the end zone during the fourth quarter Saturday. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a 4th quarter touchdown to give the Ravens a 30-10 lead. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a 4th quarter touchdown to give the Ravens a 30-10 lead. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely catches a touchdown as Houston Texans' Derek Stingley Jr. attempts to defend against the play in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely catches a touchdown as Houston Texans' Derek Stingley Jr. attempts to defend against the play in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, #80 reaches out after scoring a touchdown in front of Houston Texans cornerback Ka'dar Hollman during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, center stands beetween Houston Texans linebacker Blake Cashman, #53 and cornerback Ka'dar Hollman after a touchdown reception during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely hauls in a touchdown pass over Houston Texans Derek Stingley Jr. in the 4th quarter of the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Jalen Pitre almost intercepts a ball thrown to Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely during the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, #8 celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans with wide receiver Zay Flowers during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, #4 and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. react after quarterback Lamar Jackson scored his second rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, #8 celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans with wide receiver Zay Flowers during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens running back Dalvin Cook, #31 gains first down yardage to the 25-yard line against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens' #43 Justice Hill is brought down by Texans' #21 Steven Nelson after he made a first down in the 4th quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Jan. 20, 2024: Ravens' Lamar Jackson is congratulated by teammates after his 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Texan's #93 Kurt Hinish sacks Ravens' Lamar Jackson in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Texans' kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn misses a field goal late in the first half. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Dameon Pierce fumbles while tackled by Baltimore Ravens' Malik Harrison on a kickoff return recovered by Houston late during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a first down in the third quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson throws the ball in the third quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' #80 Isaiah Likely uses a stiff-arm to hold off Texans' defender #25 Desmond King II to gain a first down in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs the ball against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Texan's #26 Devin Singletary is tackled by Ravens' #14 Kyle Hamilton and #0 Roquan Smith in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens' #92 Justin Madubuike tackles Texans' #19 Xavier Hutchinson in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout reacts after the Texans score a punt return for a field goal touchdown during the Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout is dejected after the Texans returned a punt for a touchdown during the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Steven Sims runs a punt in for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Charlie Kolar catches the ball against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor celebrates a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor, left, and quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrate a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely, left, after Jackson ran for a touchdown against the Texans on Saturday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson runs in for a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson runs in for a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback runs for a first down in the second quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson celebrates with teammate #15 Nelson Agholor after he caught a touchdown pass in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens Lamar Jackson takes off for a long run in the first quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ka'imi Fairbairn kicks a 50 yard field goal in the first quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens' Justin Tucker celebrates with his teammates after kicking a field goal to make the score, 3-0, against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens #24 Jadeveon Clowney tackles Texan's #26 Devin Singletary during first quarter action. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens fans react to Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker's first quarter field goal against the Houston Texans. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens defeated the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Justin Tucker kicks a field goal to make the score, 3-0,, against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks a field goal in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks a field goal in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson breaks from the pocket for a gain against the Houston Texans in the first quarter. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a first down against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws in the first quarter. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Travis Jones pressures Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Devin Singletary is tackled for loss by Baltimore Ravens' Justin Madubuike in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson heads out to practice for the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Fans react before the Divisional Round of the playoffs game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Morgan Moses is on the field before a playoff game against the Houston Texans.(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Tyler Ott uses a heater to warm up the equipment before a playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Wayne Reese known as Uncle Grandpa dances outside of the stadium before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Ken Mioduski of Bel Air, also known as Purple Haze, enjoys the pregame tailgate before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Mark Acton wheels a Ravens MVP sculpture he created through the streets outside of M&T Bank Stadium. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Chris Mills, of Toronto, and wife Chantel Mills, both Odell Beckham Jr. fans, attend their first Ravens game ever and it is the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Governor Wes Moore arrives at M&T Bank Stadium for Baltimore Ravens playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Clarence Thomas known as the Hip-hop Raven enjoys pregame festivities before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens game. NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Former Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning watches the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans warm up during the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Adalius Thomas, left and Carmelo Anthony talk as the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans practice during the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Comedian Stavros Halkias is on the field before the Divisional Round of the playoffs between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Roquan Smith pumps up the team prior to the divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Roquan Smith takes the field as the Ravens prepare to host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Justin Madubuike takes the field as the Ravens prepare to host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Maryland National Guard A10s fly over prior to the start of the divisional playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand View the full article

Isaiah Likely extended both hands high over Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. He “Moss’d” him for the touchdown that put the Ravens ahead by two scores in the fourth quarter, which would eventually help prove the difference in Baltimore’s 34-10 AFC divisional round playoff win over Houston. The second-year tight end turned and held the ball out confidently in his left hand. He followed with a two-step strut to go with it, finishing with two receptions on three targets for 34 yards and a touchdown, his sixth in his past six games. He’s now tied with his mentor, fellow tight end Mark Andrews, for the team lead. This is someone who, until two months ago, played behind Andrews, Jackson’s favorite target, before a significant ankle injury to the star tight end pushed Likely to the top of the depth chart. As Baltimore’s understudy, Likely has one simple goal: be trustworthy. Jackson had looked for the second-year pro in the red zone on the previous possession, too. After dashing out of a delayed corner route to the middle of the end zone, Jackson threw a dart to Likely, looking to thread a needle between two crashing defenders. It was nearly –– and perhaps should have been –– intercepted. After the incompletion, Likely looked to his quarterback and signaled that he would have preferred a higher toss over the defense. Jackson nodded and patted his helmet in recognition. “We got on the same page and I feel like that’s what helped us,” Likely said. “Me putting my hand up letting him know that’s what I was thinking, then him being on the same page [the next drive], that just shows how far we’ve come.” Jackson doubled down, explaining he pivoted to making a back-shoulder throw on the second try. He found Likely’s high hand, trusting the second-year tight end’s ability to go grab it. Teammates and coaches spent the latter portion of the season praising how seamlessly Likely has filled Andrews’ extremely large shoes. But the playoffs are a different monster. And he made the play when his number was called. “Man, what’s awesome about him is he takes advantage of whatever opportunity comes his way,” wide receiver Nelson Agholor said. “He’s not gonna need a large volume of touches to make plays. I think that’s awesome. He’s a gamer. Shoot, there he goes in the end zone again. Guy just makes plays. Lotta respect for him.” Zay Flowers had a similar sentiment. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely after Jackson ran for a touchdown against the Texans on Saturday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) As Likely fielded postgame questions by his locker, the rookie first-round wideout flashed all his teeth in a wide smile, interrupting the line of questioning and boasted, “He’s the man! He’s the man!” For Likely, there’s a pause and a similarly joyous grin thinking about how far he has come since the summer. What might a younger Likely tell his present-day self if he were able to share the news of his first postseason start? Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Five things we learned from the Ravens’ 34-10 playoff over the Houston Texans Baltimore Ravens | Christian McCaffrey’s go-ahead TD rallies 49ers to 24-21 playoff win over Packers Baltimore Ravens | No takeaways, no sacks, no problem: Ravens’ steady defense keeps Texans out of red zone in playoff win Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Give Ravens OC Todd Monken a game ball for second-half adjustments vs. Texans | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 34-10 playoff win over Texans | COMMENTARY “He’d just tell me … hmm,” his eyes scanned the room. “He’d just tell me always make the little kid in you proud. Remembering you’ve had this dream since you were a little kid. So keeping the main thing the main thing obviously on Sundays, but always having fun and enjoying it.” Likely acknowledged a belly full of jitters crept in pregame. More so once he hit the field, surrounded by a sea of screaming purple and black –– who coach John Harbaugh tipped his cap to for their ability to affect the game as Houston finished with five offensive penalties. That anxiety washed away after the first whistle, Likely said. The confidence that got him this far took over. When NFL pundits talk about the treasure trove of home runs the Ravens have hit in building the organization –– from the front office to coordinators, its presumptive Most Valuable Player at quarterback, linebackers group, secondary, even the running backs who have collectively stepped up –– Likely is far down the list of mentionables. But he has proved to be another move that Baltimore hit out of the park, and not only as a regular season fill-in for a sidelined Andrews. He showed Saturday that his five touchdowns over the final six regular-season games were no fluke. Likely, who was taken in the fourth round of the 2022 draft out of Coastal Carolina, said the best advice he has gotten in his young NFL career came from the injured guy ahead of him, who might be back for the AFC championship game after returning to practice last week. Andrews often reminds him mistakes will come, hiccups too, but that the Ravens picked him for a reason. “Just honing in and remaining calm,” Likely said. “Being where my feet are. Understanding the coaches have confidence in me to get the job done. Remembering that day in and day out.” Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson wearing a "Top 10" gold chain as he walks to the locker room. after beating the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson wearing a "Top 10" gold chain as he walks to the locker room. after beating the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Ronnie Stanley, left, and Lamar Jackson celebrate after Jackson ran in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Ronnie Stanley, behind, and Lamar Jackson celebrate after Jackson ran in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely after connecting for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Texans on Saturday. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson beats Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins to the end zone during the fourth quarter Saturday. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a 4th quarter touchdown to give the Ravens a 30-10 lead. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a 4th quarter touchdown to give the Ravens a 30-10 lead. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely catches a touchdown as Houston Texans' Derek Stingley Jr. attempts to defend against the play in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely catches a touchdown as Houston Texans' Derek Stingley Jr. attempts to defend against the play in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, #80 reaches out after scoring a touchdown in front of Houston Texans cornerback Ka'dar Hollman during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, center stands beetween Houston Texans linebacker Blake Cashman, #53 and cornerback Ka'dar Hollman after a touchdown reception during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely hauls in a touchdown pass over Houston Texans Derek Stingley Jr. in the 4th quarter of the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Jalen Pitre almost intercepts a ball thrown to Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely during the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, #8 celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans with wide receiver Zay Flowers during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, #4 and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. react after quarterback Lamar Jackson scored his second rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, #8 celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans with wide receiver Zay Flowers during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens running back Dalvin Cook, #31 gains first down yardage to the 25-yard line against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens' #43 Justice Hill is brought down by Texans' #21 Steven Nelson after he made a first down in the 4th quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Jan. 20, 2024: Ravens' Lamar Jackson is congratulated by teammates after his 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Texan's #93 Kurt Hinish sacks Ravens' Lamar Jackson in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Texans' kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn misses a field goal late in the first half. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Dameon Pierce fumbles while tackled by Baltimore Ravens' Malik Harrison on a kickoff return recovered by Houston late during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a first down in the third quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson throws the ball in the third quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' #80 Isaiah Likely uses a stiff-arm to hold off Texans' defender #25 Desmond King II to gain a first down in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs the ball against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Texan's #26 Devin Singletary is tackled by Ravens' #14 Kyle Hamilton and #0 Roquan Smith in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens' #92 Justin Madubuike tackles Texans' #19 Xavier Hutchinson in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout reacts after the Texans score a punt return for a field goal touchdown during the Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout is dejected after the Texans returned a punt for a touchdown during the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Steven Sims runs a punt in for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Charlie Kolar catches the ball against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor celebrates a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor, left, and quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrate a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely after Jackson ran for a touchdown against the Texans on Saturday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson runs in for a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson runs in for a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback runs for a first down in the second quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson celebrates with teammate #15 Nelson Agholor after he caught a touchdown pass in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens Lamar Jackson takes off for a long run in the first quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ka'imi Fairbairn kicks a 50 yard field goal in the first quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens' Justin Tucker celebrates with his teammates after kicking a field goal to make the score, 3-0, against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens #24 Jadeveon Clowney tackles Texan's #26 Devin Singletary during first quarter action. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens fans react to Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker's first quarter field goal against the Houston Texans. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens defeated the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Justin Tucker kicks a field goal to make the score, 3-0,, against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks a field goal in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks a field goal in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson breaks from the pocket for a gain against the Houston Texans in the first quarter. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a first down against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws in the first quarter. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Travis Jones pressures Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Devin Singletary is tackled for loss by Baltimore Ravens' Justin Madubuike in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson heads out to practice for the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Fans react before the Divisional Round of the playoffs game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Morgan Moses is on the field before a playoff game against the Houston Texans.(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Tyler Ott uses a heater to warm up the equipment before a playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Wayne Reese known as Uncle Grandpa dances outside of the stadium before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Ken Mioduski of Bel Air, also known as Purple Haze, enjoys the pregame tailgate before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Mark Acton wheels a Ravens MVP sculpture he created through the streets outside of M&T Bank Stadium. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Chris Mills, of Toronto, and wife Chantel Mills, both Odell Beckham Jr. fans, attend their first Ravens game ever and it is the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Governor Wes Moore arrives at M&T Bank Stadium for Baltimore Ravens playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Clarence Thomas known as the Hip-hop Raven enjoys pregame festivities before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens game. NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Former Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning watches the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans warm up during the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Adalius Thomas, left and Carmelo Anthony talk as the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans practice during the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Comedian Stavros Halkias is on the field before the Divisional Round of the playoffs between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Roquan Smith pumps up the team prior to the divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Roquan Smith takes the field as the Ravens prepare to host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Justin Madubuike takes the field as the Ravens prepare to host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Maryland National Guard A10s fly over prior to the start of the divisional playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand View the full article

Here’s how the Ravens graded out at each position after a 34-10 win over the Houston Texans in Saturday’s AFC divisional round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium: Quarterback Lamar Jackson got off to a slow start but picked up the pace in the second half. His biggest problems in the first half weren’t just the result of Houston blitzes, but he was slow to find his receivers and held on to the ball too long. In the third quarter, Jackson started to find his receivers on crossing routes and the Ravens gave him some help by picking up blitzes. His running ability in the second half gave the offense life. He accounted for four touchdowns and ran for 100 yards while going 16-for-22 with 152 yards passing. Grade: B+ Offensive line The Ravens had a lot of trouble early in the game picking up blitzes and failing to stop a lot of twists and games the Texans were doing on the defensive front. Both offensive tackles Morgan Moses and Ronnie Stanley struggled in pass protection in the first half and they got some help from offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who came up with some quick hitters in the second half. The Ravens adjusted to the pressure in the final two quarters. Grade: C+ Running backs The Ravens have a strange running game. They don’t have a dominant back, but they are effective by committee. They pound away with big back Gus Edwards and then use Justice Hill as more of a change-of-pace option. Both of them struggled in pass protection in the first half, but they were better in the second. The Ravens have found a role for backup running back Dalvin Cook. They finished with 229 rushing yards on 42 carries. Grade: B- Receivers This group, like most of the offense, didn’t show up in the first half but played a major part in the second as the Ravens piled on three touchdowns. It was a balanced effort with each player making contributions. After picking up the blitzes, the Ravens were able to spread the ball around to Zay Flowers (4 catches for 41 yards) Nelson Agholor (2 for 12), tight end Isaiah Likely (3 for 34, TD) and receiver Rashod Bateman (3 for 39). Grade B- Defensive line Houston basically had no running lanes inside the tackles. The Texans tried to block defensive end-outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney with a tight end and Dalton Schultz couldn’t get it done. Clowney, known more for his pass-rushing ability, was effective as a run-stopper and the Texans didn’t have anyone who could block tackle Justin Madubuike, who got a lot of pressure on rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. The Ravens had no sacks but kept the rookie off-balance. Grade: A Linebackers Except for a few lapses, this group dominated the game and shut down Houston’s running game. The Ravens also came up and tackled well after the catch. Middle linebacker Roquan Smith did a nice job of shedding and reading blocks, and weakside linebacker Patrick Queen was effective in coverage. Strongside linebacker Malik Harrison doesn’t get a lot of credit, but he is solid against the run and holding the edge. Grade: A Secondary Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens allow first punt return for TD in NFL playoffs since 2013 Baltimore Ravens | Ray Lewis, Cal Ripken Jr., Jim Harbaugh among stars at Ravens’ playoff game vs. Texans Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 34-10 win over Houston Texans in AFC divisional round Baltimore Ravens | Lamar Jackson accounts for 4 TDs as Ravens crush Texans, 34-10, to earn first home AFC championship game Baltimore Ravens | Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey inactive vs. Texans; WR/KR Devin Duvernay returns The Ravens kept the Texans in check most of the game even though they allowed some decent gains over the middle, but nothing that Houston capitalized on. The Ravens were effective and came up well to tackle after the catch. Cornerback Brandon Stephens continues to play well and be physical at the line of scrimmage. Safeties Marcus Williams and Geno Stone also played well against the tight end Schultz, and safety Kyle Hamilton was effective near the line of scrimmage. Grade: B Special teams The Ravens gave up a 67-yard touchdown on a punt return by Steven Sims in the second quarter, which kept Houston in the game in the first half because the Texans didn’t have much going offensively. But the Ravens opened the third quarter with a 37-yard kickoff return by Devin Duvernay, which led to a 15-yard touchdown run by Jackson. Justin Tucker made field goal attempts of 53 and 43 yards. It was not a good game for punter Jordan Stout, though. Grade: C Coaching The Ravens’ defense played well in the first half and carried the team before the offense took over. A lot of credit goes to defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. Monken had a strong half with his play calling, and the Ravens found a good way to use newly signed running back Cook. Grade: B- Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson wearing a "Top 10" gold chain as he walks to the locker room. after beating the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson wearing a "Top 10" gold chain as he walks to the locker room. after beating the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Ronnie Stanley, left, and Lamar Jackson celebrate after Jackson ran in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Ronnie Stanley, behind, and Lamar Jackson celebrate after Jackson ran in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely following the touchdown reception against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship.(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, #8 beats Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins to the end zone with his second rushing touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a 4th quarter touchdown to give the Ravens a 30-10 lead. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a 4th quarter touchdown to give the Ravens a 30-10 lead. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely catches a touchdown as Houston Texans' Derek Stingley Jr. attempts to defend against the play in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely catches a touchdown as Houston Texans' Derek Stingley Jr. attempts to defend against the play in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, #80 reaches out after scoring a touchdown in front of Houston Texans cornerback Ka'dar Hollman during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, center stands beetween Houston Texans linebacker Blake Cashman, #53 and cornerback Ka'dar Hollman after a touchdown reception during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely hauls in a touchdown pass over Houston Texans Derek Stingley Jr. in the 4th quarter of the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Jalen Pitre almost intercepts a ball thrown to Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely during the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, #8 celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans with wide receiver Zay Flowers during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, #4 and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. react after quarterback Lamar Jackson scored his second rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, #8 celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans with wide receiver Zay Flowers during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens running back Dalvin Cook, #31 gains first down yardage to the 25-yard line against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens' #43 Justice Hill is brought down by Texans' #21 Steven Nelson after he made a first down in the 4th quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Jan. 20, 2024: Ravens' Lamar Jackson is congratulated by teammates after his 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Texan's #93 Kurt Hinish sacks Ravens' Lamar Jackson in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Texans' kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn misses a field goal late in the first half. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Dameon Pierce fumbles while tackled by Baltimore Ravens' Malik Harrison on a kickoff return recovered by Houston late during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a first down in the third quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson throws the ball in the third quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' #80 Isaiah Likely uses a stiff-arm to hold off Texans' defender #25 Desmond King II to gain a first down in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs the ball against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Texan's #26 Devin Singletary is tackled by Ravens' #14 Kyle Hamilton and #0 Roquan Smith in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens' #92 Justin Madubuike tackles Texans' #19 Xavier Hutchinson in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout reacts after the Texans score a punt return for a field goal touchdown during the Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout is dejected after the Texans returned a punt for a touchdown during the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Steven Sims runs a punt in for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Charlie Kolar catches the ball against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor celebrates a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor, left, and quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrate a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely after Jackson ran for a touchdown against the Texans on Saturday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson runs in for a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson runs in for a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback runs for a first down in the second quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson celebrates with teammate #15 Nelson Agholor after he caught a touchdown pass in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens Lamar Jackson takes off for a long run in the first quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ka'imi Fairbairn kicks a 50 yard field goal in the first quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens' Justin Tucker celebrates with his teammates after kicking a field goal to make the score, 3-0, against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens #24 Jadeveon Clowney tackles Texan's #26 Devin Singletary during first quarter action. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens fans react to Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker's first quarter field goal against the Houston Texans. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens defeated the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Justin Tucker kicks a field goal to make the score, 3-0,, against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks a field goal in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks a field goal in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson breaks from the pocket for a gain against the Houston Texans in the first quarter. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a first down against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws in the first quarter. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Travis Jones pressures Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Devin Singletary is tackled for loss by Baltimore Ravens' Justin Madubuike in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson heads out to practice for the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Fans react before the Divisional Round of the playoffs game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Morgan Moses is on the field before a playoff game against the Houston Texans.(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Tyler Ott uses a heater to warm up the equipment before a playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Wayne Reese known as Uncle Grandpa dances outside of the stadium before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Ken Mioduski of Bel Air, also known as Purple Haze, enjoys the pregame tailgate before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Mark Acton wheels a Ravens MVP sculpture he created through the streets outside of M&T Bank Stadium. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Chris Mills, of Toronto, and wife Chantel Mills, both Odell Beckham Jr. fans, attend their first Ravens game ever and it is the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Governor Wes Moore arrives at M&T Bank Stadium for Baltimore Ravens playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Clarence Thomas known as the Hip-hop Raven enjoys pregame festivities before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens game. NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Former Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning watches the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans warm up during the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Adalius Thomas, left and Carmelo Anthony talk as the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans practice during the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Comedian Stavros Halkias is on the field before the Divisional Round of the playoffs between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Roquan Smith pumps up the team prior to the divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Roquan Smith takes the field as the Ravens prepare to host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Justin Madubuike takes the field as the Ravens prepare to host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Maryland National Guard A10s fly over prior to the start of the divisional playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand View the full article

Steven Sims was on the Houston Texans’ practice squad less than a week ago. He was promoted to the active roster Tuesday, and by Saturday would high-step his way for a game-tying touchdown against the Ravens. The 67-yard punt return, which tied the AFC divisional round matchup at 10 with 4:17 left in the second quarter, was historic for a few reasons. In 16 seasons under coach and former special teams coordinator John Harbaugh, the Ravens had only surrendered five punt return touchdowns, including one by Cincinnati Bengals rookie Charlie Jones in Week 2. Sims’ nearly untouched return, save for a diving attempt by punter Jordan Stout, also marked the first punt return for a touchdown in the NFL playoffs since 2013, according to Pro Football Reference. It was the first punt return for a touchdown by a Texans player since 2016. Sims, a veteran of five NFL seasons with Washington, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston, entered Saturday averaging 6.4 yards on 53 career punt returns, though he did return a kickoff for a touchdown as a rookie in 2019. Saturday’s touchdown was his first of any kind since 2020. ESPN play-by-play announcer Joe Buck noted the importance of special teams contributions in games like this, with Houston entering Saturday as 9 1/2-point underdogs on the road. His call on Sims’ return also paid homage to Baltimore’s past special teams success in playoff runs, namely by Jacoby Jones, who was in attendance with other stars Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium. The top-seeded Ravens, who finished the regular season with the league’s best record, entered halftime tied at 10 with Houston, which beat the Cleveland Browns, 45-14, last week in the wild-card round. This story might be updated. Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout reacts after the Texans score a punt return for a field goal touchdown during the Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout is dejected after the Texans returned a punt for a touchdown during the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) The Texans' Steven Sims returns a punt for a touchdown against the Ravens in the first half of Saturday's playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens' Charlie Kolar catches the ball against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor celebrates a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor, left, and quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrate a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback runs for a first down in the second quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson celebrates with teammate #15 Nelson Agholor after he caught a touchdown pass in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens Lamar Jackson takes off for a long run in the first quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ka'imi Fairbairn kicks a 50 yard field goal in the first quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens' Justin Tucker celebrates with his teammates after kicking a field goal to make the score, 3-0, against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens #24 Jadeveon Clowney tackles Texan's #26 Devin Singletary during first quarter action. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens fans react to Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker's first quarter field goal against the Houston Texans. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens' Justin Tucker kicks a field goal to make the score, 3-0,, against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks a field goal in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks a field goal in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson breaks from the pocket for a gain against the Houston Texans in the first quarter. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a first down against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws in the first quarter. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Travis Jones pressures Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Devin Singletary is tackled for loss by Baltimore Ravens' Justin Madubuike in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson heads out to practice for the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Fans react before the Divisional Round of the playoffs game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Morgan Moses is on the field before a playoff game against the Houston Texans.(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Tyler Ott uses a heater to warm up the equipment before a playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Wayne Reese known as Uncle Grandpa dances outside of the stadium before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Ken Mioduski of Bel Air, also known as Purple Haze, enjoys the pregame tailgate before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Mark Acton wheels a Ravens MVP sculpture he created through the streets outside of M&T Bank Stadium. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Chris Mills, of Toronto, and wife Chantel Mills, both Odell Beckham Jr. fans, attend their first Ravens game ever and it is the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Governor Wes Moore arrives at M&T Bank Stadium for Baltimore Ravens playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Clarence Thomas known as the Hip-hop Raven enjoys pregame festivities before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens game. NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Former Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning watches the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans warm up during the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Adalius Thomas, left and Carmelo Anthony talk as the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans practice during the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Comedian Stavros Halkias is on the field before the Divisional Round of the playoffs between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Roquan Smith pumps up the team prior to the divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Roquan Smith takes the field as the Ravens prepare to host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Justin Madubuike takes the field as the Ravens prepare to host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Maryland National Guard A10s fly over prior to the start of the divisional playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand View the full article

The Ravens’ first playoff home game since 2019 attracted plenty of attention. Orioles legend and Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, Pro Football Hall of Famers Ray Lewis and Peyton Manning, former NBA star Carmelo Anthony and Gov. Wes Moore were among those in attendance for Saturday’s AFC divisional round matchup between the Ravens and Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. Harbaugh, the younger brother of Ravens coach John Harbaugh, sat in the stands donning a Ravens hat less than two weeks after leading Michigan to its first national championship since 1997 with a 34-13 win over Washington in the College Football Playoff final. John attended that game at Houston’s NRG Stadium with his wife, Ingrid, and gave his brother a hug on the sideline. Lewis, the legendary Ravens linebacker who won two Super Bowl titles, was interviewed on ESPN before the game and did his famous “Squirrel dance,” which he used to fire up the home crowd during his 17-year career. Manning, a five-time NFL Most Valuable Player and two-time Super Bowl champion, was on the Ravens’ sideline during warmups. Anthony, a Baltimore native and former Towson Catholic star who retired last year as one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, watched warmups from the sideline with former Ravens outside linebacker Adalius Thomas. Throughout the game, the Ravens also planned to recognize Ring of Honor members Peter Boulware, Jamal Lewis, Michael McCrary and Lenny Moore. Jacoby Jones and Torrey Smith, two of the stars of the Ravens’ last Super Bowl victory in February 2013, participated in several of the pregame festivities. This story might be updated. Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout is dejected after the Texans returned a punt for a touchdown during the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Steven Sims runs a punt in for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Charlie Kolar catches the ball against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor celebrates a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor, left, and quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrate a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback runs for a first down in the second quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Justin Tucker celebrates with his teammates after kicking a field goal to make the score, 3-0, against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Justin Tucker kicks a field goal to make the score, 3-0,, against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a first down against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Devin Singletary is tackled for loss by Baltimore Ravens' Justin Madubuike in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson heads out to practice for the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Fans react before the Divisional Round of the playoffs game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Morgan Moses is on the field before a playoff game against the Houston Texans.(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Tyler Ott uses a heater to warm up the equipment before a playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Wayne Reese known as Uncle Grandpa dances outside of the stadium before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Ken Mioduski of Bel Air, also known as Purple Haze, enjoys the pregame tailgate before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Mark Acton wheels a Ravens MVP sculpture he created through the streets outside of M&T Bank Stadium. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Chris Mills, of Toronto, and wife Chantel Mills, both Odell Beckham Jr. fans, attend their first Ravens game ever and it is the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Governor Wes Moore arrives at M&T Bank Stadium for Baltimore Ravens playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Clarence Thomas known as the Hip-hop Raven enjoys pregame festivities before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens game. NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Former Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning watches the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans warm up during the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Adalius Thomas, left and Carmelo Anthony talk as the Ravens and the Texans warm up before Saturday's playoff game. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Comedian Stavros Halkias is on the field before the Divisional Round of the playoffs between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand View the full article

Here’s what The Baltimore Sun sports staff had to say immediately after the Ravens’ 34-10 win over the visiting Houston Texans in Saturday’s AFC divisional round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. Brian Wacker: After looking like anything but the team with the best record in the NFL during the regular season and the AFC’s top seed for most of the first 30 minutes Saturday night, the Ravens settled in and took over. Lamar Jackson, who was blitzed on 13 of 18 dropbacks, pressured 10 times and sacked three times in the first half, shredded the Houston defense in the second half thanks to offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s adjustments and Jackson’s continued Most Valuable Player-level of play. Jackson’s 15-yard touchdown scamper to open the second half after Devin Duvernay’s 37-yard kickoff return took some of the pressure off the Ravens. Then, in vintage fashion, he converted a fourth-and-1 on the Ravens’ next possession that eventually led to his second touchdown pass of the game. The 12-play, 93-yard drive gave the Ravens a two-touchdown lead and just as importantly chewed up 7:03 of clock, demoralizing a Texans team that had, up until then, given the Ravens fits. It also allowed the Ravens’ defense to zero in on quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Texans’ offense, something it’s done all year when out in front. Childs Walker: The Ravens put to bed the ghosts of 2019, making astute tactical adjustments after a tense first half and breaking the Texans behind a poised performance from quarterback Lamar Jackson. Their defense did what the Cleveland Browns could not a week earlier, bottling up C.J. Stroud with clever pressure and sound coverage on the back end. The Ravens frustrated Stroud for most of the first half but squandered their good work when they let Steven Sims cut right through the heart of their punt coverage for a 67-yard touchdown late in the second quarter. The Texans went from blitzing on 21% of dropbacks in the regular season to 72.2% in the first half, seemingly catching the Ravens off guard. The Ravens adjusted to start the second half, giving Jackson more quick-developing routes to target on a seamless 55-yard touchdown drive. They dropped the hammer the next time they had the ball, covering 93 yards on 12 plays and eating seven minutes of game clock on their way to going up two touchdowns. Now, it was the Texans who were off balance, unsure if Jackson was going to nick them with a quick dagger, hand off for a power run or keep the ball himself. Next week’s AFC championship game will be harder, whether they face the Kansas City Chiefs or the Buffalo Bills. But these Ravens have carried their dominant aura into the postseason. Mike Preston: This game went as expected. The Texans hung around for a half and then the Ravens caught onto their blitzes and started hitting on some outside timing patterns. The Ravens scored two touchdowns in the third quarter and then turned the running game loose on Houston, which had no offensive consistency. The Ravens, after a slow start, set the tone for next week’s AFC championship game here in Baltimore. Regardless of which team they will play, the Ravens will be a tough out. Hayes Gardner: The Texans came in as a formidable foe after dominating the Browns last week. But just as they have so often against good teams this year, the Ravens overpowered them, bouncing back from a pedestrian first half to pull away in the second. Lamar Jackson did not shy from scrambling — racking up 100 yards rushing — and the steady defense kept the Texans out of the red zone for 60 minutes. Baltimore has exorcized its 2019 demons. Now, the city will anticipate the first AFC championship game in Baltimore in more than a half-century. Sam Cohn: Under the purple lights of the pregame tunnel, Texans cornerback Desmond King II reminded his teammates how tough it is to beat a team twice in one year, referencing their Week 1 loss to the Ravens. That first matchup was four months ago and 55 degrees warmer. Saturday bore no resemblance, nor shouldered Saturday’s weight. The playoff rematch was always going to rely on two factors. For one, does Lamar Jackson’s MVP-caliber play finally translate to the postseason? His 64.5% regular-season completion rate dipped to 55.9% in four previous postseason starts. His passer rating dropped from 98.0 to 68.3. And among those postseason plunges, he had previously turned the ball seven times (five interceptions, two fumbles). Jackson flipped the script Saturday, accounting for four touchdowns with zero turnovers. Check. And the other factor: could Baltimore’s defense extinguish the red-hot play of Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud? In the regular season, Stroud joined Tom Brady and Joe Montana as the only quarterbacks to lead the NFL in passing yards per game (273.9) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (4.6) in a single season. Pretty good company. Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium, Stroud was nothing more than a flickering burn. He completed 19 of 33 pass attempts for 175 yards. More importantly, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate’s offense never found the end zone. Check. With that, the purple birds are onto the AFC championship game. C.J. Doon: It wouldn’t be a proper playoff game without a few tense moments, right? After that 67-yard punt return for a touchdown by Steven Sims and a near-interception on a tipped pass from Lamar Jackson to Nelson Agholor late in the first half, it felt like the Ravens were in danger of letting this one slip away. But after a much-needed reset at halftime, Jackson took over, capping a 55-yard march with a 15-yard touchdown run before finishing a 12-play, 93-yard drive with a sweet 15-yard touchdown pass to tight end Isaiah Likely that put the game out of reach. The Ravens’ defense picked up right where it left off after a dominant regular season, never letting rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud feel comfortable and limiting big plays. Even without cornerback Marlon Humphrey, the secondary clamped down on budding star Nico Collins. That pass breakup by Ronald Darby against Collins on Houston’s opening drive set the tone early that every yard was going to be tough to come by. Now we can look forward to the first AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium against either Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills or Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Seeing this Ravens defense face off against one of those superstars is going to be incredible. Add Jackson seeking his first appearance in the Super Bowl, the Holy Grail of his football career, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most memorable games in franchise history. Tim Schwartz: The Texans did what we thought they might — put a scare in the Ravens. But it was always going to be a long shot for Houston to sustain success long enough to go on the road and beat Baltimore. And it certainly wasn’t sustainable, not against a defense this good, this healthy and this well-rested. They came out flying, getting after quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was forced to put the team on his back since the Ravens completely shut down their below-average running game. Lamar Jackson looked steady — the moment was certainly not too big for him — and it was wise for him to use his legs more as the Ravens racked up more than 200 yards on the ground. This was a juggernaut during the regular season and they looked like it again Saturday. Now, it’s time for Baltimore to host the AFC championship game for the first time against either Josh Allen and the Bills or Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Who has it better than Baltimore? Take it away, John … Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout reacts after the Texans score a punt return for a field goal touchdown during the Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout is dejected after the Texans returned a punt for a touchdown during the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Steven Sims runs a punt in for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Charlie Kolar catches the ball against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor celebrates a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor, left, and quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrate a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback runs for a first down in the second quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson celebrates with teammate #15 Nelson Agholor after he caught a touchdown pass in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson takes off for a long run in the first quarter Saturday against the Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Ka'imi Fairbairn kicks a 50 yard field goal in the first quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens' Justin Tucker celebrates with his teammates after kicking a field goal to make the score, 3-0, against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens #24 Jadeveon Clowney tackles Texan's #26 Devin Singletary during first quarter action. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens fans react to Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker's first quarter field goal against the Houston Texans. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens' Justin Tucker kicks a field goal to make the score, 3-0,, against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks a field goal in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks a field goal in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson breaks from the pocket for a gain against the Houston Texans in the first quarter. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a first down against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws in the first quarter. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Travis Jones pressures Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Devin Singletary is tackled for loss by Baltimore Ravens' Justin Madubuike in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson heads out to practice for the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Fans react before the Divisional Round of the playoffs game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Morgan Moses is on the field before a playoff game against the Houston Texans.(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Tyler Ott uses a heater to warm up the equipment before a playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Wayne Reese known as Uncle Grandpa dances outside of the stadium before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Ken Mioduski of Bel Air, also known as Purple Haze, enjoys the pregame tailgate before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Mark Acton wheels a Ravens MVP sculpture he created through the streets outside of M&T Bank Stadium. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Chris Mills, of Toronto, and wife Chantel Mills, both Odell Beckham Jr. fans, attend their first Ravens game ever and it is the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Governor Wes Moore arrives at M&T Bank Stadium for Baltimore Ravens playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Clarence Thomas known as the Hip-hop Raven enjoys pregame festivities before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens game. NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Former Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning watches the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans warm up during the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Adalius Thomas, left and Carmelo Anthony talk as the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans practice during the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Comedian Stavros Halkias is on the field before the Divisional Round of the playoffs between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Roquan Smith pumps up the team prior to the divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Roquan Smith takes the field as the Ravens prepare to host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Justin Madubuike takes the field as the Ravens prepare to host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Maryland National Guard A10s fly over prior to the start of the divisional playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand View the full article

All season long, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has said that the Super Bowl is his goal. Saturday night, he took another step toward making it a reality. Jackson ran for 100 yards and two touchdowns and completed 16 of 22 passes for 152 yards and another two scores, leading Baltimore to a 34-10 divisional round win over the Houston Texans in front of a raucous crowd at M&T Bank Stadium. The victory means the Ravens will play in their first AFC championship game since the 2012 season, when they went on to win the organization’s second Super Bowl title. It will also be the Ravens’ first conference championship in Baltimore, as well as the first in the city since the Colts played the then-Oakland Raiders for the AFC title in 1971. The Ravens will host the winner of Sunday’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills on Jan. 28 at 3 p.m. For the first 30 minutes against the Texans, however, there was plenty of doubt if Baltimore would get there, especially after Steven Sims broke loose for a 67-yard punt return for a touchdown that stunned the raucous crowd and tied the score at 10 with 4:32 remaining in the first half. The Ravens, who had the best record in the NFL in the regular season and are the AFC’s top seed in the playoffs, hardly looked the part for most of the first two quarters, thanks mostly to the Texans’ relentless pressure. Houston came into the game with one of the lowest blitz rates in the NFL, yet for much of the first half, the Ravens’ offense had little answer for its pass rush. Jackson was blitzed on 13 of 18 dropbacks in the first half, according to Next Gen Stats, and the Texans generated 10 pressures and sacked him three times. Before Saturday, Houston had never blitzed on a majority of dropbacks in a game during coach DeMeco Ryans’ three seasons as a defensive player caller. The pressure frustrated and limited Jackson to just 52 passing yards and the Ravens’ offense managed a meager 3.8 yards per play and 10 points in the first half. But the Texans’ success against the expected NFL Most Valuable Player wouldn’t last. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 34-10 playoff win over Texans | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens allow first punt return for TD in NFL playoffs since 2013 Baltimore Ravens | Ray Lewis, Cal Ripken Jr., Jim Harbaugh among stars at Ravens’ playoff game vs. Texans Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 34-10 win over Houston Texans in AFC divisional round Baltimore Ravens | Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey inactive vs. Texans; WR/KR Devin Duvernay returns On the strength of Jackson’s legs and his right arm, as well as brilliant second-half adjustments from offensive coordinator Todd Monken, the quarterback shredded the Houston defense in the game’s final two quarters, as he’s done to opponents most of the season. After a 37-yard kick return by Devin Duvernay to open the third quarter, Jackson capped a six-play, 55-yard scoring drive with a 15-yard touchdown scamper up the middle. Then, on the Ravens’ next possession, he converted a fourth-and-1 from the Texans’ 49-yard line with a brilliant naked bootleg to the left. Six plays later, and on the run, Jackson threw a dart to leaping tight end Isaiah Likely for a 15-yard scoring strike early in the fourth quarter. The touchdown gave the Ravens a 24-10 lead and their fans room to exhale. The 12-play, 93-yard also chewed up 7:03 of the clock and demoralized a Texans team that had, until then, given the Ravens fits. Then Jackson put the game out of reach as he found the end zone on the ground again, this time from 8 yards. The 11-play, 78-yard drive again ate up valuable minutes, with 7:10 ticking off the clock. With Baltimore out to a big lead, the Ravens’ defense, which became the first to lead the NFL in sacks, takeaways and points allowed, could zero in on rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Texans’ offense, which it limited to just 68 yards in the second half. A week after lighting up the Cleveland Browns in a 45-14 blowout with two touchdowns and a 157.2 passer rating, Stroud finished 19 of 33 for just 175 yards with no touchdowns against Baltimore. Houston also struggled with crowd noise for much of the game, committing 11 penalties, many of them coming before the snap. This story will be updated. AFC championship game Bills/Chiefs at Ravens Sunday, 3 p.m. TV: CBS Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson wearing a "Top 10" gold chain as he walks to the locker room. after beating the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson wearing a "Top 10" gold chain as he walks to the locker room. after beating the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Ronnie Stanley, left, and Lamar Jackson celebrate after Jackson ran in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley, left, and quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrate after Jackson's fourth-quarter touchdown run. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely following the touchdown reception against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship.(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, #8 beats Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins to the end zone with his second rushing touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a 4th quarter touchdown to give the Ravens a 30-10 lead. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a 4th quarter touchdown to give the Ravens a 30-10 lead. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely catches a touchdown as Houston Texans' Derek Stingley Jr. attempts to defend against the play in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely catches a touchdown as Houston Texans' Derek Stingley Jr. attempts to defend against the play in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, #80 reaches out after scoring a touchdown in front of Houston Texans cornerback Ka'dar Hollman during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, center stands beetween Houston Texans linebacker Blake Cashman, #53 and cornerback Ka'dar Hollman after a touchdown reception during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely hauls in a touchdown pass over Houston Texans Derek Stingley Jr. in the 4th quarter of the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Jalen Pitre almost intercepts a ball thrown to Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely during the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, #8 celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans with wide receiver Zay Flowers during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, #4 and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. react after quarterback Lamar Jackson scored his second rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, #8 celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans with wide receiver Zay Flowers during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship...(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens running back Dalvin Cook, #31 gains first down yardage to the 25-yard line against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Ravens' #43 Justice Hill is brought down by Texans' #21 Steven Nelson after he made a first down in the 4th quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Jan. 20, 2024: Ravens' Lamar Jackson is congratulated by teammates after his 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Texan's #93 Kurt Hinish sacks Ravens' Lamar Jackson in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Texans' kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn misses a field goal late in the first half. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Dameon Pierce fumbles while tackled by Baltimore Ravens' Malik Harrison on a kickoff return recovered by Houston late during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a first down in the third quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson throws the ball in the third quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' #80 Isaiah Likely uses a stiff-arm to hold off Texans' defender #25 Desmond King II to gain a first down in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs the ball against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Texan's #26 Devin Singletary is tackled by Ravens' #14 Kyle Hamilton and #0 Roquan Smith in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens' #92 Justin Madubuike tackles Texans' #19 Xavier Hutchinson in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout reacts after the Texans score a punt return for a field goal touchdown during the Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout is dejected after the Texans returned a punt for a touchdown during the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Steven Sims runs a punt in for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Charlie Kolar catches the ball against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor celebrates a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor, left, and quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrate a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely after Jackson ran for a touchdown against the Texans on Saturday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson runs in for a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson runs in for a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback runs for a first down in the second quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson celebrates with teammate #15 Nelson Agholor after he caught a touchdown pass in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens Lamar Jackson takes off for a long run in the first quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ka'imi Fairbairn kicks a 50 yard field goal in the first quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens' Justin Tucker celebrates with his teammates after kicking a field goal to make the score, 3-0, against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens #24 Jadeveon Clowney tackles Texan's #26 Devin Singletary during first quarter action. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Ravens fans react to Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker's first quarter field goal against the Houston Texans. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens defeated the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens' Justin Tucker kicks a field goal to make the score, 3-0,, against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks a field goal in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks a field goal in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson breaks from the pocket for a gain against the Houston Texans in the first quarter. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens' Lamar Jackson runs for a first down against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws in the first quarter. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Travis Jones pressures Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Houston Texans' Devin Singletary is tackled for loss by Baltimore Ravens' Justin Madubuike in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson heads out to practice for the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Fans react before the Divisional Round of the playoffs game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Morgan Moses is on the field before a playoff game against the Houston Texans.(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Tyler Ott uses a heater to warm up the equipment before a playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo) Wayne Reese known as Uncle Grandpa dances outside of the stadium before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Ken Mioduski of Bel Air, also known as Purple Haze, enjoys the pregame tailgate before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Mark Acton wheels a Ravens MVP sculpture he created through the streets outside of M&T Bank Stadium. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Chris Mills, of Toronto, and wife Chantel Mills, both Odell Beckham Jr. fans, attend their first Ravens game ever and it is the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Governor Wes Moore arrives at M&T Bank Stadium for Baltimore Ravens playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Clarence Thomas known as the Hip-hop Raven enjoys pregame festivities before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens game. NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo) Former Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning watches the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans warm up during the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Adalius Thomas, left and Carmelo Anthony talk as the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans practice during the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo) Comedian Stavros Halkias is on the field before the Divisional Round of the playoffs between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Roquan Smith pumps up the team prior to the divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Roquan Smith takes the field as the Ravens prepare to host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens' Justin Madubuike takes the field as the Ravens prepare to host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Maryland National Guard A10s fly over prior to the start of the divisional playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand View the full article

The Ravens are without two of their most prominent players for Saturday’s AFC divisional round showdown against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who has been out since suffering a calf injury in Baltimore’s blowout of the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 31, was ruled out Thursday and thus declared inactive. Meanwhile, tight end Mark Andrews, who continues to work his way back from ankle surgery he underwent in November, was not activated from injured reserve. Brandon Stephens, who was hospitalized with an acute illness during last year’s wild-card loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, and Ronald Darby are expected to start at cornerback against the Texans, who enter having won eight of their past 11 games thanks in large part to the play of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. Also inactive for Baltimore are wide receiver Tylan Wallace (knee), who had been returning kicks in place of injured receiver Devin Duvernay (back). But Duvernay, a two-time Pro Bowl selection on special teams, was activated from injured reserve this week and will resume his role as the primary kick returner. The remainder of Ravens who are inactive are linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips (shoulder), center Sam Mustipher, guard Sala Aumavae-Laulu and quarterbacks Josh Johnson and Malik Cunningham, with Johnson designated as the team’s emergency quarterback. Running back Dalvin Cook, a four-time Pro Bowl selection who signed with the Ravens earlier this month after being released by the New York Jets, and wide receiver-special teams contributor Dan Chisena are active and will make their team debuts. For the Texans, guard Nick Broeker, defensive end Jerry Hughes, tight end Eric Saubert, defensive tackle Teair Tart and quarterback Case Keenum are inactive. Right tackle George Fant, who missed Thursday’s practice with an illness, and fullback Andrew Beck, who missed two practices with a back injury, are both active after being listed as questionable. View the full article

When the Ravens and the Maryland Stadium Authority recently considered what changes to make to M&T Bank Stadium in the coming years, the idea of adding a roof didn’t get much consideration. The team plays in the AFC North — full of gritty cities that weather bitter conditions — and it likes playing outdoors, Ravens president Sashi Brown has said. During Saturday’s 4:30 p.m. game, players and fans will really feel that outdoor experience. The temperature will be about 25 degrees during the game and, although there is no snow forecasted, 4 to 6 inches fell in Baltimore on Friday. The game won’t be as chilly as last season’s date with the Atlanta Falcons on Christmas Eve, which, at 17 degrees, set a record-low for a Ravens’ home game. Nor will it be as cold as last week’s wild-card game in Kansas City, when the Chiefs beat the Miami Dolphins, 26-7, in sub-zero temperatures. But it will be cold in Baltimore, nevertheless. In fact, wind gusts as strong as 31 mph will make temperatures feel 10 to 15 degrees colder, National Weather Service meteorologist Luis Rosa said, making frostbite and hypothermia a real threat to fans. Players are accustomed to it, and they practiced outside — on a field that the grounds crew cleared of snow — in Owings Mills on Wednesday and Thursday. “We’re not new to the cold,” said cornerback Brandon Stephens, a Plano, Texas, native in his third season with the Ravens. “We have to go out there [and] strap up and play ball.” Rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers, a south Florida native who played at Boston College, said he spent six months training in Florida this past offseason. “Now, I’ve got to get back used to the cold again,” he said. Second-year safety Kyle Hamilton played at Notre Dame, but he also noted his roots: “I’m still from Georgia, so it still takes some getting used to.” Added center Tyler Linderbaum, an Iowa native: “The weather is what it is. I don’t think it’ll be too bad on Saturday.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens tight end Mark Andrews won’t play in playoff opener against Texans Baltimore Ravens | Frozen flock: How to stay warm during Saturday’s freezing Ravens playoff game Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for NFL divisional round: Chiefs vs. Bills, Packers vs. 49ers, Buccaneers vs. Lions Baltimore Ravens | After season of ‘trial and error,’ Ravens WR Rashod Bateman staying true to himself Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Texans staff picks: Who will win Saturday’s playoff game in Baltimore? Houston also had a rare cold snap this week. Instead of the usual 50s or 60s, the Texans practiced in 27-degree weather on Tuesday. Though his players are used to playing in warm temperatures and have a retractable roof at NRG Stadium, first-year coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters, “I don’t think our guys will be worried about weather.” “It was good to experience,” he said of practicing in the cold, “just what the weather would be like — very similar to how the weather will be in Baltimore.” The chilly conditions will affect fans, too, who have dealt with nasty weather at several Ravens games this year. Perhaps because of the weather (and maybe because of anticipation for a potential AFC championship game next week), tickets for the game are relatively affordable. As of early Friday evening, the cheapest ticket on SeatGeek was $64, substantially less than this weekend’s other playoff games. Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Bravvion Roy works on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens linebackers Roquan Smith (0), and Trenton Simpson (51) move to the next drill during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh talks with wide receiver Rashod Bateman during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh (99), right, works with outside linebackers coach Chuck Smith on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92), works with outside linebackers coach Chuck Smith on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92), works on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy works on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews move to the next drill during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy works on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92), works on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Show Caption of Expand View the full article

Mark Andrews’ return to the Ravens’ lineup will have to wait a little longer. Baltimore did not activate the tight end from injured reserve Friday, meaning he will be unavailable when the Ravens host the Houston Texans in Saturday’s divisional round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. Andrews, who suffered an ankle injury in Baltimore’s Nov. 16 game against the Cincinnati Bengals and later underwent surgery, returned to practice during the Ravens’ bye last week. He was a full participant in practice this week but was listed as questionable on the team’s final injury report, with coach John Harbaugh saying Thursday that Andrews’ status was “up in the air.” Even though he won’t play Saturday, however, the Ravens have been encouraged by what they have seen from the 28-year-old since his return. He ran and cut well and at one point made a leaping catch on an out route during quarterback drills on Wednesday. Andrews also said that if he was unable to give it a go against the Texans, he would hopefully be able to play in the AFC championship game the following week should the top-seeded Ravens advance. “I’m starting to feel really good, being able to get after it, get in and out of routes [and] feeling pretty natural with all that stuff,” Andrews said. Asked how difficult the past two months have been, Andrews said it’s been a “test.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Frozen flock: How to stay warm during Saturday’s freezing Ravens playoff game Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for NFL divisional round: Chiefs vs. Bills, Packers vs. 49ers, Buccaneers vs. Lions Baltimore Ravens | After season of ‘trial and error,’ Ravens WR Rashod Bateman staying true to himself Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Texans staff picks: Who will win Saturday’s playoff game in Baltimore? Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: QBs rule the NFL playoffs. Bring on Lamar Jackson vs. C.J. Stroud. | COMMENTARY “It’s the first time I’ve ever been through anything like this,” he said. “It’s tough, but you get around this team and you get around the guys, everybody in this building has been extremely supportive. I can’t tell you how much that means to me, how much it matters, and it makes me want to come here, work every day, come back to this team and help this team win a Super Bowl. That’s what matters.” With Andrews sidelined, the Ravens will continue to use tight end Isaiah Likely to fill the void. In six games without Andrews, he has led the Ravens with 322 yards and five touchdown catches. In other moves, the Ravens activated wide receiver and kick returner Devin Duvernay and defensive back Ar’Darius Washington off injured reserve. They also elevated linebacker Josh Ross and wide receiver Dan Chisena from the practice squad, with both expected to see action on special teams Saturday. Baltimore also re-signed running back Melvin Gordon III to the practice squad after Dalvin Cook was signed to the active roster. Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Bravvion Roy works on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens linebackers Roquan Smith (0), and Trenton Simpson (51) move to the next drill during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh talks with wide receiver Rashod Bateman during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh (99), right, works with outside linebackers coach Chuck Smith on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92), works with outside linebackers coach Chuck Smith on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92), works on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy works on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews move to the next drill during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy works on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92), works on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Show Caption of Expand View the full article

Ravens fans need to plan ahead to stay warm and loud for Saturday’s playoff game against the Texans. Baltimore will be freezing with a forecast temperature below 25 degrees at the 4:30 p.m. kickoff. Meanwhile, wind gusts as strong as 31 mph are expected to swirl around M&T Bank Stadium. The wind will make temperatures feel 10 to 15 degrees colder, National Weather Service meteorologist Luis Rosa said, making frostbite and hypothermia a real threat to fans. “Cover your fingers. Cover your face. Bundle up and drink a lot of hot chocolate,” Rosa said. “By sunset, it’s going to be around 10 degrees with the wind chill. It’s going to be so windy.” By the time fans head home, temps will be headed into the teens. While the Ravens have not shared any special exceptions or plans for the cold, such as warming centers or warm drinks, we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips to fight the cold and keep cheering for the home team. Layer, layer, layer The simplest and best practice in the face of freezing temperatures is to dress in layers, at least three of them. Avoid a cotton shirt as a base layer as it traps moisture. “The most important thing is to layer with a good base layer,” said Alan Davis, president of Princeton Sports, a third-generation, family-owned sporting goods shop in Baltimore that’s been in business since 1936. Polyester, wool or synthetic materials that breathe and don’t cause sweat function best. The second layer should be a thick sweater or fleece, preferably with a hood, covered by a warm shell of an outer layer to serve as a windbreaker. “Your top layer should not only be insulated but it should also be something that is windproof, that can cut the wind so you’re able to hold your body heat,” Davis said. Fingers and toes Outdoors experts also recommend three layers for feet — two pairs of socks and boots. The first pair of socks should be light and then covered by a thicker material for the second. Davis recommends wool socks that will keep feet dry. “Because cotton will absorb moisture and moisture will get cold and then you’ll be freezing.” Fans should also wear two layers on their hands, ideally a lightweight lining glove covered by mittens, which keep fingers in close proximity so they can share the warmth. Keep your head Ears, cheeks and noses are all prone to frostbite. On Saturday, Ravens fans should combine a hood with a winter hat and use a neck gaiter to protect their face. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, children lose more heat through their heads than adults. So it’s most important that kids have a hat or a hood. Also, wearing a scarf will help warm the air you breathe. Cardboard? The Kansas City Chiefs, whose fanbase is battle-tested in freezing playoff games, allowed fans to bring 3-inch by 5-inch pieces of cardboard into last weekend’s playoff game, when temperatures dipped below 0. Standing on cardboard helps the body maintain heat as the airy material acts as an insulator that prevents warm air from escaping to cold concrete floors. Drink warm, non-alcoholic drinks While warm drinks can help increase body temperature, Johns Hopkins Medicine says it’s a myth that drinking alcohol will keep you toasty. “Drinking alcohol may make you feel warm because it causes blood to rush to your skin’s surface. But it actually causes your blood vessels to widen and makes you lose heat faster.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends eating well-balanced meals before heading out and avoiding both alcohol and caffeine, which cause the body to lose heat faster. Davis understands fans want to celebrate but says alcohol is no match for high-quality outwear. “What’s going to be more fun than to drink while we’re kicking their butts? But it’s not going to help you stay warm.” Michelle Deal-Zimmerman contributed to this article. View the full article

Baltimore Sun staff writers pick every game of the NFL season. Here’s who they have winning in the divisional round of the playoffs: No. 7 seed Green Bay Packers at No. 1 San Francisco 49ers (Saturday, 8:15 p.m., Fox) Brian Wacker (172-106 season; 3-3 last week): Packers quarterback Jordan Love has thrown 21 touchdown passes and just one interception over his past nine games, seven of them victories. But the 49ers are well-rested off a bye, have an elite defense, coach Kyle Shanahan and one of the most complete and versatile offenses in the NFL going against a Green Bay defense that just gave up 510 yards to the Cowboys after ranking in the bottom half of the NFL in yards allowed. 49ers 27, Packers 10 Childs Walker (175-103 season; 2-4 last week): The Packers resurrected their season and have a bright future with Jordan Love at quarterback, but the 49ers are vastly more talented on both sides of the ball. 49ers 30, Packers 21 Mike Preston (165-113 season; 2-4 last week): Jordan Love has played well down the stretch and has displayed good touch on several passes, but the 49ers have a strong defense and are well-balanced on offense led by running back Christian McCaffrey. Plus, San Francisco has had a week off to rest. That will be too much for the Packers to overcome. 49ers 30, Packers 21 C.J. Doon (182-96 season; 2-4 last week): It’s usually a safe bet to pick the team with the better quarterback, and in this case that’s Green Bay. But the youngest team in the league isn’t quite ready to take down the San Francisco juggernaut, at least not this year. 49ers 28, Packers 23 Tim Schwartz (168-110 season; 4-2 last week): I picked the Packers to upset the Cowboys last week and I’m ready to pick them again in another stunner. Jordan Love is playing at an extremely high level as of late (21-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio over the past three months) and will keep it going to maintain the chaos in the NFC playoffs. Packers 28, 49ers 24 No. 4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 3 Detroit Lions (Sunday, 3 p.m., NBC) Wacker: It’s been more than 65 years since the Lions have won multiple games in the same postseason, and the surprising Buccaneers have won six of their past seven games overall. But expect both of those streaks to end behind a versatile Detroit offense that ranks fourth in yards per pass and fifth in yards per rush. Tampa Bay’s run defense is stout, but its secondary can be had. Lions 28, Buccaneers 17 Walker: A resurgent Baker Mayfield will do some damage against Detroit’s vulnerable pass defense, but the Lions will ultimately outmuscle their visitors. Lions 26, Buccaneers 20 Preston: Baker Mayfield has been surprising and inspiring, but let’s be honest: He doesn’t put a lot of fear into opposing teams. Jared Goff can get hot at times but he panics when he gets hit. Fortunately, the Lions have a bonafide running back in David Montgomery, who is a threat from anywhere on the field. Detroit isn’t physical up front on defense, but the Lions can harass quarterbacks, which is why they will win. Lions 24, Buccaneers 17 Doon: There are plenty of key pieces left from the Buccaneers team that won a Super Bowl with Tom Brady three years ago, but this Lions team is a lot more motivated than the reeling Eagles. Coordinator Ben Johnson’s offense will be too much for Baker Mayfield and company to keep up with. Lions 33, Buccaneers 26 Schwartz: The Buccaneers have been a great story this season, but the Lions are not trending in the same direction the Eagles were. Playing in front of a packed house eager to make more history will help Detroit, and the defense should get after Baker Mayfield and get the job done. Lions 31, Buccaneers 21 No. 3 Kansas City Chiefs at No. 2 Buffalo Bills (Sunday, 6:30 p.m., CBS) Wacker: Finally, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has to go into an opposing stadium in the AFC playoffs. The Bills can draw confidence from their Week 14 victory in Kansas City, and their defense is rolling at the right time. But that defense is also banged up, Mahomes is humming and Kansas City’s defense has been even better, allowing the second-fewest points per game behind only the Ravens. Chiefs 24, Bills 21 Walker: Easily the toughest game to pick this weekend, but Josh Allen’s offense is a touch more dynamic than Patrick Mahomes’ this time around. Bills 24, Chiefs 23 Preston: It was interesting to see whether the Chiefs could turn on the switch, and they did last week in beating Miami. The Dolphins were already soft and they were even weaker in the cold weather in Kansas City. Quarterbacks take over this time of year and this should be a good matchup. Patrick Mahomes played well last week, and he’ll be a tough out. Both teams are used to the cold weather, but I like Mahomes over any quarterback in the NFL. Chiefs 24, Packers 21 Doon: It’s going to be Patrick Mahomes’ first true playoff road game, but that doesn’t scare me. Mahomes is unflappable, the Chiefs’ defense is outstanding and I don’t trust Josh Allen to avoid mistakes against defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Chiefs 27, Bills 24 Schwartz: Flip a coin. These teams are incredibly even — and each has well-known flaws. I’m taking the home team against Patrick Mahomes playing on the road for the first time in his playoff career. Josh Allen and the Bills are ready for the moment. Bills 35, Chiefs 31 View the full article

The Ravens have one of the loudest home crowds in the NFL, an environment that’s both tough on opponents and energizing for many of Baltimore’s players. For Ravens third-year wide receiver Rashod Bateman, however, it’s the early morning quiet long before kickoff where he finds solace and is able to tame his mind and emotions. “We talk before and after every game,” Bateman’s mother, Shonda Cromer, 48, told The Baltimore Sun. “I get up early enough to do my normal prayer with him. I always tell him, go out there and have fun.” That’s been easier said than done at times this season for the 24-year-old former first-round draft pick. As Bateman first told The Sun in September, he struggled physically last summer and believed that he needed another foot surgery after the season-ending Lisfranc procedure he’d undergone in November 2022. He also had a hard time emotionally after his grandmother died of cancer and his teenage cousin killed himself within months of one another early in 2023. And at times throughout this season, he has questioned himself when it comes to his role on the team. Despite elite speed, precise route running and great hands, his 32 catches ranked fifth and his 367 yards sixth on the Ravens during the regular season. He also caught just one touchdown pass, in a Thursday night home win Nov. 16 over the Cincinnati Bengals, and dropped another, in a brutal 17-10 loss Oct. 8 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. After the game, he declined to speak to the media, then briefly deleted his X account (formerly known as Twitter). It was just one of a few signs of the internal battle he has been dealing with over the past several months. “Things were so hard for him, really for all of us, losing my mom and then my nephew right behind it,” Cromer said from Tifton, Georgia, where she raised Bateman and now lives in the house he bought her a few months after Baltimore drafted him 27th overall in 2021. “Rashod was so frustrated [by another foot injury] he just tried to push through. Just making it through the season is a big accomplishment for him. I told him don’t worry about the naysayers because everybody has opinions and nobody knows what’s going on. I’m proud of him. “At first, [the NFL] was hard for him … he came home one day and he said, ‘Mama this is not like playing college football.’ He said, ‘this is a business.’ But he caught on. … I think it gets in his head a little; he wants to succeed so bad. He’s anxious, but he’s ready now.” Finally, Bateman feels he is, too. Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman hasn’t put up the kind of numbers he hoped for this season, but he isn’t letting that weigh on him now. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) He said this season has been one of “trial and error,” but that he has also tried to simplify his approach. Winning has helped, too. The Ravens (13-4) finished the regular season with the best record in the NFL and are the top seed in the AFC playoffs with home-field advantage through the conference championship game. They’ll begin their quest for a Super Bowl title in earnest Saturday against the Houston Texans, whose vulnerable secondary has allowed the sixth-most explosive completions (91) in the league this season, according to TruMedia. Given Bateman’s skill set, it’s an area that the former University of Minnesota standout can help exploit. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for NFL divisional round: Chiefs vs. Bills, Packers vs. 49ers, Buccaneers vs. Lions Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Texans staff picks: Who will win Saturday’s playoff game in Baltimore? Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: QBs rule the NFL playoffs. Bring on Lamar Jackson vs. C.J. Stroud. | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens aren’t facing the same Texans or the same C.J. Stroud they beat in Week 1 Baltimore Ravens | The Ravens and Orioles thrived in 2023. Now, fans thirst for playoff success. “I know I can make plays,” he told The Sun. “For me, [it’s] just [about] opportunity. But it’s not just about me. It’s about this team and how I can help this team and now I understand what my role is and that’s just to help the team in whatever way is possible.” That’s what he did last month against the Dolphins. In a battle for conference supremacy and with the top seed on the line in Week 17, the Ravens blew out Miami, 56-19. Bateman had a season-high six catches for 54 yards and in the locker room afterward was summoned to the center of the celebration by coach John Harbaugh, who shouted out “Big Day Bate!” and embraced him. As the room hushed, Bateman spoke with verve of how much he loved playing with his teammates, that he’d been through a lot and how “amazing” the moment felt. What he’s been through has been well-documented, but it bears repeating: As a young boy, Bateman was witness to the cries of his mother as his drunken stepfather beat her. Even after she divorced him, life was hard, with Cromer and her three boys moving around rural Georgia often, at one point living in a trailer and sometimes going without running water or electricity. And even when Bateman was a star in college, his uncle, Anthony, died suddenly. “Your struggles are either going to break you or make you greater,” said Leah Knight of Roc Nation, who now represents Bateman after he switched to the agency in early October. “He’s used them to become a better version of himself.” Off the field, that’s included delving deeper into fashion, with plans to launch his own apparel line soon. He’s also found joy in helping others. In October, Bateman dressed up as “Batman,” of course, as Ravens players hosted a Halloween party for kids at a local Ronald McDonald House. On the field, he’s tried to be just as intentional with his devotion to his craft, being one of the first receivers on the field at practice each day, staying healthy and maintaining a positive outlook in the face of keyboard warriors on social media, even as he averages 3 1/2 targets per game. Those around him have noticed, too. “I believe [he’s a] very dangerous [playmaker],” quarterback Lamar Jackson said. “But we have so many guys — great receivers and great tight ends and great running backs. Everyone can’t shine at once. Everyone is going to shine all together. He can’t get all the flowers he deserves, but to us, he definitely gets his flowers because he is one of the [key contributors].” Bateman hasn’t put up the kind of numbers he hoped for this season, but he isn’t letting that weigh on him now. And he figured out something else along the way to help guide him. “I feel like life is short,” Bateman told The Sun. “I’ve been through a lot, childhood up to now. I’ve just learned to cherish moments rather than, you know, just the game of football. “My family is important, my mom’s important, my teammates are important. From Year 1 to now, though, the person I learned to depend on the most is myself. Nobody knows you better than you, so just being able to stack these days mentally has been good. I continue to stay true to myself, taking it one day at a time. That’s how I’ve been approaching this year and my life.” View the full article

Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Saturday’s AFC divisional round playoff game between the Ravens (13-4) and the Houston Texans (11-7) at M&T Bank Stadium. Brian Wacker, reporter Ravens 27, Texans 17: Both teams are drastically different from the first time they met in Week 1, so forget just about everything from that game. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is playing at an elite level and Houston’s two tight ends, Dalton Schultz and Brevin Jordan, are capable of destroying defenses on intermediate and deep routes and especially over the middle, an area of the field the Ravens have at times been vulnerable. But don’t read as much into Houston’s blowout of the Cleveland Browns last week, either. Stroud torched the Browns when they blitzed, and the Ravens are only middle of the pack in blitz rate along with boasting one of the league’s best pass rush win rates. Then the game got out of hand when Joe Flacco threw a pair of interceptions that were returned for touchdowns. Houston’s defense, meanwhile, is strong against the run but one of the worst against the pass, particularly down the field. Expect Baltimore to lean on Lamar Jackson to strike early, set up the run, take an early lead then zero in on Stroud. If Houston can force an early turnover or two and control the clock with the running game, things could get uncomfortable for the Ravens. But the more likely scenario is for Baltimore to do what it has done all season: harass Stroud, get out in front and lean on its defense and ground game to close it out. Mike Preston, columnist Ravens 28, Texans 21: DeMeco Ryans has done an excellent job during his first season in Houston, especially with a rookie quarterback. Few, if any, picked the Texans to play in the divisional round. Houston has an outstanding prospect in rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Nico Collins will cause the Ravens some problems, but the Ravens will outclass the Texans’ secondary. Houston has two decent cornerbacks in Derek Stingley Jr. and Steven Nelson, but their safeties are suspect and the Ravens should be able to hit a couple of big plays. On the flip side, if the Ravens’ defense can limit big plays, they should win. Childs Walker, reporter Ravens 31, Texans 20: The Ravens will enter as heavy favorites and deservedly so given their dominant close to the regular season. The Texans established themselves as a dangerous team against the Browns. Stroud is a poised, accurate passer, and Houston has young defensive stars to complement him. But Jackson will come out firing against a vulnerable pass defense, and the Ravens will come up with enough different looks to keep Stroud less comfortable than he was against Cleveland. They will begin their Super Bowl push with a convincing victory. C.J. Doon, editor Ravens 33, Texans 20: Simply put, this Ravens team is better and more mature than the 2019 version that went one-and-done. They did not have veterans like Roquan Smith, Jadeveon Clowney, Kyle Van Noy and Odell Beckham Jr. when they lost to the Titans, and Lamar Jackson was not the leader he is today. The Texans will enter with plenty of confidence and young stars ready to grab the spotlight from the NFL’s best team, but the Ravens have answered every challenge with authority over the past few months behind a dominant defense and the league’s Most Valuable Player. Expect more of the same with their season and reputation on the line. Tim Schwartz, editor Ravens 34, Texans 24: There is undoubtedly a lot of pressure on Lamar Jackson and the Ravens to win this game and get that 2019 failure behind them. But Jackson has been about as even-keeled as a quarterback can be this season and has talked consistently about moments such as these, understanding the importance of winning in the playoffs. He must win this game, or the narrative about him not getting it done when it matters will live on and grow louder. Fortunately for Jackson, he’s surrounded by the NFL’s best roster, one that is about as healthy (and fresh) as it can possibly be. That matters this time of year. C.J. Stroud and the Texans are playing with house money but Baltimore’s defense led the league in sacks, takeaways and points per game, and if there’s one way to slow the rookie down, it’s pressure. Expect Stroud to get his numbers but for the Ravens to, in the end, comfortably win a high-scoring game. View the full article

It’s time for the C.J. Stroud vs. Lamar Jackson showdown. Pro football is the ultimate team game, but the postseason belongs to the quarterbacks. It’s part of NFL history and it was repeated last week in the wild-card round. Jordan Love completed 16 of 21 passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns as the Green Bay Packers routed the Dallas Cowboys, 48-32. Patrick Mahomes looked like the best quarterback in the league again as he completed 23 of 41 passes for 262 yards to lead the Kansas City Chiefs over the Miami Dolphins, 26-7. Josh Alllen was 21-for-30 for 203 yards and three touchdowns in the Buffalo Bills’ 31-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even Baker Mayfield threw for 337 yards and three touchdowns as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers crushed the Philadelphia Eagles, 32-9. That set the stage for Saturday’s divisional round game between the No. 4 seed Houston Texans (11-7) and the No. 1 Ravens (13-4) at M&T Bank Stadium. In one huddle, we have Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft and former Ohio State star who has already made a name for himself. In the other is Jackson, the presumptive NFL Most Valuable Player who is trying to cement his legacy not only in Baltimore, but throughout the NFL. The question is, which quarterback will make the most big plays? The odds are in Jackson’s favor. He is driven by the fact that the Ravens have yet to win more than one playoff game during his time in Baltimore, even though he has missed the end of the previous two seasons with injuries. But the injuries don’t hide the fact that Jackson hasn’t played well in the postseason. He has struggled to throw accurately downfield and outside the numbers, especially when opposing defenses stacked the line of scrimmage. The Ravens brought in Todd Monken to replace Greg Roman as the offensive coordinator in February to upgrade the passing game and continue Jackson’s development. It has worked out well. The Ravens also signed free agent wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. (35 catches, 565 yards, three touchdowns) and Nelson Agholor (35 catches, 381 yards, 4 TDs) during the offseason and drafted Boston College receiver Zay Flowers (77 catches, 858 yards, 5 TDs) with their top pick in April. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson threw for a career-high 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns with only seven interceptions this season. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) Jackson responded by throwing for a career-high 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. He had the fourth-best passer rating (102.7) in the league and a career-best completion rate of 67.2%. Jackson also led the Ravens in rushing with 821 yards on 148 carries and averaged an NFL-best 5.5 yards per attempt. That’s what makes him special. Despite the new passing concepts, philosophies and audibles, the team’s best play is still Jackson ad libbing, running around and giving his receivers time to get open. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for NFL divisional round: Chiefs vs. Bills, Packers vs. 49ers, Buccaneers vs. Lions Baltimore Ravens | After season of ‘trial and error,’ Ravens WR Rashod Bateman staying true to himself Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Texans staff picks: Who will win Saturday’s playoff game in Baltimore? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens aren’t facing the same Texans or the same C.J. Stroud they beat in Week 1 Baltimore Ravens | The Ravens and Orioles thrived in 2023. Now, fans thirst for playoff success. Jackson is also driven by another factor. If he loses Saturday, he will be lumped into the same category as Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who has a 2-5 postseason record. Jackson is 1-3. The Ravens signed Jackson to a five-year, $260 million deal last April. He should be focused and ready for the Texans. Houston is certainly ready for Jackson. “Yeah, obviously at the forefront of what we have to do this week, he is a great athlete,” Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said about Jackson. “He has a great feel in the pocket, he does a great job of escaping, breaking tackles — all those things. It’s going to be sort of like we’ve preached all year, but even at a heightened level of rushing as a unit. We can’t have independent contractors out there. “It’s definitely going to be about guys staying in their rush areas. If you get out of your area and out of your lane, and kind of where we’re trying to put it all together, if you get out, then he’s going to make you pay. So, I would probably say just from a discipline — a rush discipline level — this is the ultimate [challenge] this week, for sure.” The 6-foot-3, 218-pound Stroud isn’t as elusive as the 6-2, 212-pound Jackson. No one is, but Stroud is slightly bigger and can rifle a pass. He is mobile enough to escape pressure and, like Jackson, allows his receivers time to get open. There doesn’t appear to be a game too big for this rookie. He completed 63.9% of his passes for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns during the regular season with only five interceptions. He finished with a passer rating of 100.8 and ranked fourth in the NFL with 19 completions of 20-plus yards on third down. Stroud was better in the fourth quarter, throwing for 1,093 yards with nine touchdowns, which put him in the top six in the league. He did it largely without two of his top receivers in rookie Tank Dell and Noah Brown, who are both on injured reserve. Nico Collins has emerged as the Texans’ top receiver with 80 catches for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns. He has great range and his 6-4, 215-pound frame makes him a big target inside the red zone. But the running game, paced by Devin Singletary, is only slightly above average, even though Houston has the best left tackle in the NFL in Laremy Tunsil. The focus will be on Stroud. “He can make any throw from any part of the field,” Ravens safety Geno Stone said. “He has that big arm, and he’s playing smart with the ball. He’s not putting the ball in jeopardy, so he’s making plays for his guys and being smart with the ball. That’s my biggest takeaway from [watching] him.” The Ravens, though, counter with a defense that is ranked No. 6 overall, allowing 301.4 yards per game, including 191.9 through the air. They lead the league in scoring defense (16.5 points per game) and sacks (60) and are tied with the New York Giants for the most takeaways (31). Houston is ranked No. 14 in total defense, allowing 330.7 yards per game and are ranked No. 23 in pass defense. The Texans have solid pass rushers in defensive ends Jonathan Greenard (12 1/2 sacks) and rookie Will Anderson Jr. (eight). They have two respectable cornerbacks in Derek Stingley Jr. and Steven Nelson, who each have five interceptions, but their safeties can be exploited and Jackson should be able to hit on some deep passes. That puts the pressure back on Jackson, but it’s Stroud who’s playing in only his second playoff game. He had a good performance last week, completing 16 of 21 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns in a 45-14 win against Cleveland, but the Ravens aren’t the stumbling, bumbling Browns. This is a good matchup. It’s Stroud vs. Jackson. Or is it Jackson vs. Stroud? Either way, it’s on. View the full article

C.J. Stroud played like a rookie — a bold, gifted one to be sure, but the Ravens invaded his personal space early and often on their way to a comfortable season-opening victory over the Houston Texans. “I feel like the first game we played them, he would sense me or sense another rusher and get rattled, try to throw it out,” Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh recalled. When Oweh and his teammates watched more recent film of Stroud in preparation for Saturday’s AFC divisional round matchup with the Texans, they saw someone else entirely. “C.J.’s a whole different quarterback,” Oweh said. “I feel like we woke them up, we matured them, and he’s been balling ever since. But I feel like everyone on that team is a little different.” “He can make any throw from any part of the field,” safety Geno Stone added. “He’s got that big arm, and he’s being smart with the ball, not putting the ball in jeopardy.” Stroud has already put together one of the greatest rookie quarterback seasons in NFL history, and he’s only getting better if his performance in Houston’s 45-14 wild-card demolition of the Cleveland Browns is any indication. Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, a rookie play caller himself, trusted Stroud to throw aggressively on early downs against the Browns’ top-ranked defense, and the No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft answered with a near-perfect performance, completing 16 of 21 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns with no sacks and no turnovers. “He played better than I did in my rookie playoff game,” said Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, the favorite to win NFL Most Valuable Player honors. Steelers Texans FootballDavid J. Phillip/APTexans wide receiver Nico Collins, left, and quarterback C.J. Stroud celebrate after they connected for a touchdown against the Steelers on Oct. 1. (David J. Phillip/AP) The Texans averaged 3.7 yards per play in their opening loss in Baltimore but bumped that to 5.4 for the season and 8.1 in their dissection of the previously fearsome Browns defense. “I think we’ve grown in a multitude of areas,” Stroud told the Texans’ website. “I think at that point, we weren’t really identified as who we are now, and we’ve grown in a lot of aspects.” The NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite has seemingly every former quarterback who now works as a television analyst gushing about his poise and accuracy downfield at age 22. “The respect I have for his season — I can’t describe it enough because of what my rookie season was like,” Peyton Manning said on ESPN’s “This is Football” with Kevin Clark. “I always say, ‘Well, it’s tough being a rookie in the NFL.’ C.J. Stroud is like, ‘It doesn’t look that tough.'” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for NFL divisional round: Chiefs vs. Bills, Packers vs. 49ers, Buccaneers vs. Lions Baltimore Ravens | After season of ‘trial and error,’ Ravens WR Rashod Bateman staying true to himself Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Texans staff picks: Who will win Saturday’s playoff game in Baltimore? Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: QBs rule the NFL playoffs. Bring on Lamar Jackson vs. C.J. Stroud. | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | The Ravens and Orioles thrived in 2023. Now, fans thirst for playoff success. The Ravens will look to change that by conjuring the same chaos they did in the season opener, when they sacked Stroud five times, hit him six and hurried him 19 times, as charted by Pro Football Focus. The Browns, by contrast, managed just five hurries and one quarterback hit last Saturday. Pressure makes all the difference against Stroud, who completed 69.1% of his passes and averaged 9.3 yards per attempt from a clean pocket, compared with 53.2% and 6.4 yards per attempt when the heat was on, according to PFF. Even in that area, Ravens defenders have watched him make strides. In Houston’s Nov. 26 loss to Jacksonville, for example, Stroud completed 26 of 36 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns despite taking four sacks and seven quarterback hits. “I would say he is just really accurate, really poised in that pocket, even when there is some pressure in there,” Oweh said. “He’s done a better job at that.” Which helps explain why the Texans, led by Stroud and first-year coach DeMeco Ryans, have greatly exceeded expectations. The Ravens’ 25-9 win in September might have seemed like routine business against an overmatched opponent that went 3-13-1 in 2022. But even then, coach John Harbaugh warned that Houston would be heard from. “They’re going to win a lot of football games this year,” he said the day after, “Mark it down. You’ll see. That’s a good, young football team.” Harbaugh nodded back to those remarks Wednesday. Any coach of a 9 1/2-point favorite, which the top-seeded Ravens are, would likely talk up the opponent. But the Texans’ resounding win over a Cleveland team many analysts viewed as a greater threat to the Ravens eliminated any doubts about their legitimacy “They haven’t surprised me, or they haven’t surprised us,” Harbaugh said. “They are very talented. They play very hard. They execute at a high level. C.J. is just doing a phenomenal job. [Wide receiver] Nico Collins, a Michigan guy, man, he’s a go-to guy for them. A lot of skill players, a good offensive line playing very physical, the defense is all over the field, as you’d expect. They’re just a really good football team.” As Harbaugh suggested, Houston’s young talent base goes beyond Stroud. Edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. was the No. 3 pick in the 2023 draft out of Alabama. Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. was the No. 3 pick in the 2022 draft out of LSU. Both have lived up to expectations this year, Stingley after an injury-riddled rookie year. Just as Stroud looks more assured on offense, the Texans’ defense turned into one of the league’s stingiest against the run and broke the Browns’ spirit with a pair of pick-sixes against quarterback Joe Flacco. “It’s the same coaches. [It’s] the same scheme that you’ve seen,” Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken said. “They seem to be doing it better, and they’re aggressive.” As they praised the Texans, however, the Ravens hastened to add that they’re a different, better team as well. The squandered leads of the first 10 games became footnotes as they routed the the San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins to clinch home-field advantage and a first-round bye. “I was coming off the couch,” outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney joked, referencing the fact he had signed with the Ravens less than a month before he faced the Texans, the team that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2014, in the opener. “As [Stroud] got better, I done got better.” “Their offense is definitely clicking, but we wouldn’t want it any other way,” linebacker Roquan Smith said. “We’re prepared for it. We’re ready to go to war regardless of who it’s against, and they’re the team that’s coming in here.” AFC divisional round Texans at Ravens Saturday, 4:30 p.m. TV: ABC, ESPN Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: Ravens by 9 1/2 View the full article

The rain had already accumulated, so much so that it cascaded down stairwells and formed puddles on a 37-degree, soggy, downright miserable Saturday that called for couches and hot tea, not prolonged time outdoors. But there Carltrel Washington and his fiancée, Cherinna Hardeman, stood, in the upper deck of M&T Bank Stadium overlooking the soaked field more than an hour before the Ravens hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers on Jan. 6. For the Ravens, the game lacked meaning: They’d already sealed the No. 1 seed in the AFC and, with it, a first-round bye. There was nothing else for them to gain, nothing more to squeeze out of a dominant regular season. But still, Washington and Herdeman braved the sloppy conditions, eager for a glimpse. “I need to see everything. I ain’t trying to miss nothing,” Washington said. It’s been that kind of don’t-miss-a-moment stretch for Baltimore’s pro sports teams as the Orioles and Ravens’ success has snowballed over the past 12 months to reach a rare level. One year ago, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was hurt and his future with the team was cloudy. The Orioles had shown promise, but had still not made the playoffs in years. But that was then. Now, Baltimore pro sports are thriving. No city in America had two teams win as many MLB and NFL regular-season games as Baltimore’s 114 in 2023, and the city witnessed the Ravens and Orioles both win their division in the same year for the first time. What’s more, each team finished with the best record in their respective league (doing so in the toughest divisions, too), making Baltimore the first city to boast such a distinction since Dallas saw the NFL’s Cowboys and MLB’s Rangers have first-place campaigns in 2016. “I don’t remember the last time Baltimore has had both teams like this,” said fan Mike Harlan, of Ellicott City. “So it’s awesome.” For him, he’s been just as happy with some contracts the teams have recently signed as he has with their on-field success. The Ravens inked Jackson to a lucrative, five-year contract last year and the Orioles, last month, committed to at least 15 more seasons in Baltimore by agreeing to a lease with the state, which owns the pro stadiums. “I think that’s the best part about being a Baltimore fan. You got Lamar signed, you got the lease signed for Camden Yards,” he said. Kevin Richardson / Baltimore SunRavens quarterback Lamar Jackson talks with the media before throwing the ceremonial first pitch at an Orioles game in July 2019. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Next up for Baltimore would be playoff success, the almost singular mark of a memorable year. Regular season wins are worthless currency in the postseason — as the Orioles witnessed in a three-game sweep at the hands of the eventual champion Texas Rangers in October — and the Ravens will need to knock off the upstart Houston Texans on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium at 4:30 p.m. to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive. Jackson has remained laser-focused on such aspirations this year and linebacker Roquan Smith said the regular season is behind them. “This is a new year right here. Everybody is 0-0 going into each and every game,” he said. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Texans injury report: CB Marlon Humphrey out, TE Mark Andrews questionable Baltimore Ravens | Upgrades are coming to Ravens’ M&T Bank Stadium. How will they affect fans, businesses? Baltimore Ravens | How to watch Ravens vs. Texans: Game time, TV, odds and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Texans scouting report for AFC divisional round: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: DeMeco Ryans, leader of youth movement among NFL coaches, has made the Texans a contender | COMMENTARY Postseason success has evaded Baltimore recently and not just dating back to last season, when the Jackson-less Ravens came up short in Cincinnati. The city has seen only one playoff victory by either of its pro teams (Ravens over Titans in 2021) since 2015. But the Ravens, who have looked to be the class of the NFL over the season’s second half, will seek to shake painful memories from 2019 by winning a playoff game Saturday. Then, next month, the young, talented Orioles will report to spring training with an eye on another playoff appearance. Patrick Queen, who wore an Orioles hoodie and a Ravens beanie in the locker room Thursday, said he often hears words of encouragement from fans in public — they’ll say “so proud of y’all,” or “good luck this week” to him — but in recent days there’s been “way more” support as Baltimore gears up for the postseason. Queen, however, is one of the reasons why it would behoove the Ravens to have a strong playoff run this year, not hope for one down the road. While the Orioles seem to be in the midst of a yearslong run of success because of their roster makeup, the Ravens could have a different look next season. Jackson’s future with the team is secure, but more than 20 players are set to become free agents after this season, including Queen, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Plus, several coaches and front office personnel, including both offensive coordinator Todd Monken and defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, are being wooed by rival franchises. But those are concerns for another day. For now, the Ravens can do something that neither Baltimore pro team has done since 2013 — win a home playoff game. View the full article

The Ravens will be without three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marlon Humphrey after he missed practice each day this week with a calf injury. He’s listed as out on the team’s final injury report Thursday ahead of the Ravens’ playoff opener 4:30 p.m. Saturday against the visiting Houston Texans, which will mark Humphrey’s eighth missed game of the season. Humphrey has been hurt since the Ravens’ dominant win over the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 31. After a field goal by Miami in the first quarter, Humphrey limped to the sideline and did not return. Brandon Stephens, who had a serious illness last year and was unable to play in the Ravens’ wild-card loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, and Ronald Darby will be expected to start at cornerback against the Texans, who have won eight of their past 11 games thanks, in part, to strong play from rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. On the other side of the ball, it’s unclear whether the Ravens will get a lift at tight end. Mark Andrews, who left the Ravens’ Nov. 16 game against Cincinnati with an ankle injury, practiced this week but is listed as questionable, and coach John Harbaugh said Thursday his status is “still up in the air.” Devin Duvernay, who suffered a back injury last month, is listed as questionable, but Harbaugh said the two-time Pro Bowl kick returner “looks good. I’d say he’s going to play for sure.” Wide receiver Tylan Wallace, who missed practice this week with a knee injury, is listed as out, while linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips (shoulder) and safety Ar’Darius Washington (pectoral) are listed as questionable. Rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers (calf), who missed practice last week, and outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (illness), who sat out Wednesday, are both expected to play. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Upgrades are coming to Ravens’ M&T Bank Stadium. How will they affect fans, businesses? Baltimore Ravens | How to watch Ravens vs. Texans: Game time, TV, odds and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Texans scouting report for AFC divisional round: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: DeMeco Ryans, leader of youth movement among NFL coaches, has made the Texans a contender | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | John Harbaugh, with mix of love and old-school rigor, has Ravens set for playoff run Running back Dalvin Cook is also expected to make his team debut after being signed to the practice squad earlier this month. The four-time Pro Bowl selection was released by the New York Jets after rushing for just 214 yards in 15 games, but he ran for more than 1,000 yards in each of the previous four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He called the decision to sign with the Ravens “a new breath, a new opportunity.” Cook said Thursday he’s looking to “add a little flavor” to the running back rotation led by Gus Edwards and Justice Hill after digging into the playbook over the past two weeks. “I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for him and for us,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll be looking forward to seeing how he does. It’s new. We haven’t seen him out there. We’ve seen him in practice. He looks good, and he’s going to be out there like everybody else trying to do whatever he can do to help us win the game.” For Houston, defensive end Jerry Hughes (ankle) is out, while right tackle George Fant (illness) and fullback Andrew Beck (back) are questionable. Defensive ends Will Anderson Jr. and Jonathan Greenard, who were limited Tuesday and Thursday with ankle injuries, will play, as will linebackers Blake Cashman (knee), Christian Harris (calf) and Denzel Perryman (ribs), defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (ribs/shoulder) and wide receivers Robert Woods (hip) and John Metchie III (foot). Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Bravvion Roy works on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens linebackers Roquan Smith (0), and Trenton Simpson (51) move to the next drill during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh talks with wide receiver Rashod Bateman during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh (99), right, works with outside linebackers coach Chuck Smith on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92), works with outside linebackers coach Chuck Smith on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92), works on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy works on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews move to the next drill during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy works on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92), works on pass rushing drills during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Show Caption of Expand View the full article