With the Ravens advancing to the AFC championship game for the first time in 11 years with a 34-10 victory over Houston on Saturday evening, I’ve offered a dozen thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. Lamar Jackson’s second half owned the spotlight, but the Baltimore defense prevented an unnerving halftime from feeling worse. Houston moved inside the Ravens’ 30-yard line just twice and never reached the red zone. Mike Macdonald’s group now getting a shot to enhance its legacy against Patrick Mahomes is only fitting.
2. Making the performance even more impressive was the Ravens doing that without recording a single sack or takeaway. Saturday was a great example of not judging a pass rush solely on sacks as Baltimore pressured C.J. Stroud on more than half of his dropbacks, per Next Gen Stats.
3. Despite the rush defense being a relative weakness, Houston’s utter inability to run stood out as the Ravens allowed just 38 rushing yards. Nearly half of that came on one Devin Singletary run in the third quarter. The Chiefs aren’t great on the ground, but they’ll pose a bigger challenge.
4. The Ravens didn’t activate Mark Andrews for the divisional round, but Isaiah Likely again reinforced how impressive he’s been in the three-time Pro Bowl tight end’s place. The wide receivers have certainly improved, but the tight end remains so critical to Jackson’s strengths as a passer.
5. The final score overshadowed a massive moment when Baltimore went for a fourth-and-1 from the Houston 49 with only a seven-point lead late in the third quarter. It reminded me of those unsuccessful fourth-and-1 tries against Tennessee four years ago, but Jackson — or Ronnie Stanley — wasn’t going to be denied.
6. An underrated outcome from Saturday was the Ravens reporting no new injuries. That doesn’t guarantee they made it out of the game completely fine, but they appear to be in good shape beyond the uncertain status of Marlon Humphrey, who’s been sidelined over three weeks. Kansas City is hurting.
7. Ronald Darby made his presence felt in Humphrey’s place with a pass breakup on the second play of the game and finished with another breakup and three tackles. How many would have predicted in July that Baltimore would still have an elite pass defense despite Humphrey missing eight games?
8. Watching Ka’imi Fairbairn miss a go-ahead field goal before halftime and Tyler Bass miss the game-tying 44-yarder in Buffalo reinforced the fragility of kickers this time of year. Justin Tucker didn’t have his best season, but I’m still taking him before anyone in NFL history without thinking twice.
9. Speaking of special teams, Devin Duvernay’s 37-yard kick return gave an offense trying to find its way great field position to open the third quarter. Duvernay hadn’t looked as explosive this season even before the December back injury, but that was a much-needed lift from the two-time Pro Bowl returner.
10. Though the pregame backfield buzz centered around Dalvin Cook, Justice Hill rushed for a career-high 66 yards and led Baltimore backs in snaps. Hill has had a rock-solid season and stepped up after the Keaton Mitchell injury. He is good in pass protection and has improved his ball security too.
11. Kudos to a raucous crowd contributing to Houston’s five false starts and delay of game. Baltimore has benefitted from the most opponent false starts (19) and delay of game flags (nine) by any home team this season, but I suspect the pre-snap distress created by Macdonald’s defense factors heavily too.
12. We’ve watched the Ravens win two Super Bowls in their history, but Baltimore hosting the AFC title game for the first time in 53 years is truly special and a day when many will remember Ravens and old Colts fans no longer with us. Never take these moments for granted.
