Week 17: 10 Ravens-Texans Stats That Defined the Game
The Baltimore Ravens' Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans wasn't a nail-biter, but it was a game filled with significant statistical performances that shaped the final outcome. Let's delve into ten key stats that tell the story of this Ravens victory.
1. Lamar Jackson's Rushing Prowess: Lamar Jackson rushed for 109 yards, showcasing his incredible dual-threat ability. This performance highlighted his continued dominance on the ground, proving a key factor in the Ravens' overall success. This impressive rushing total significantly contributed to the Ravens' total offensive yards, keeping the Texans defense on their heels.
2. Dominant Time of Possession: The Ravens controlled the clock for over 37 minutes. This time of possession dominance wore down the Texans' defense, limiting their opportunities to score and control the pace of the game. Maintaining possession is a crucial element in securing victory, and the Ravens masterfully executed this strategy.
3. Mark Andrews' Consistent Receiving: Mark Andrews secured 7 catches for 121 yards and 1 touchdown. Andrews' consistent performance in the receiving game once again demonstrated his value as a top-tier tight end. His contributions were vital in keeping the Ravens' offense moving efficiently.
4. Ravens' Sacks: The Ravens' defense delivered a powerful performance, saccoing Texans' quarterback Davis Mills 4 times. This consistent pressure disrupted the Texans' offensive rhythm and forced crucial turnovers. This pressure was a key indicator of the Ravens' defensive superiority.
5. Limited Texans' Rushing Yards: The Ravens' defense effectively contained the Texans' rushing attack, holding them to under 100 rushing yards. This limited the Texans' offensive options, forcing them to rely heavily on the passing game, where the Ravens' defense proved superior.
6. Turnover Margin: The Ravens secured a crucial turnover advantage, forcing multiple Texans turnovers while avoiding turnovers themselves. Turning the ball over is a crucial factor in winning games, and the Ravens' superior turnover margin contributed significantly to their victory.
7. Third-Down Conversions: The Ravens excelled on third down, converting a high percentage of their attempts, demonstrating efficiency in sustaining drives and preventing punts. This high third-down conversion rate ensured sustained possession and prolonged offensive opportunities.
8. Ravens' Passing Yards: The Ravens amassed over 200 passing yards, demonstrating a balanced offensive approach that prevented the Texans from focusing solely on stopping the run. This passing yardage added another layer to the Ravens' offensive attack, keeping the Texans guessing.
9. Texans' Penalties: The Texans were penalized multiple times throughout the game, hindering their offensive and defensive efficiency. These penalties significantly hampered the Texans’ progress, giving the Ravens additional field position and offensive opportunities.
10. Total Yards: The Ravens significantly outgained the Texans in total yards, demonstrating their overall offensive and defensive dominance. This significant advantage in total yards underscores the Ravens' overall control of the game's tempo and momentum.
Conclusion:
The Ravens' victory wasn't just a win; it was a statement of their offensive and defensive prowess. The ten stats highlighted above clearly illustrate their dominance in key areas of the game, solidifying their position heading into the playoffs. The consistent performances of Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews, and the overall defensive dominance paint a clear picture of a team clicking on all cylinders. The game served as a strong demonstration of the Ravens' potential for continued success throughout the postseason.