Lamar Jackson excels, but the Ravens’ brilliant defense wins over the TexansRavensLamar Jackson excels, but the Ravens’ brilliant defense wins over the Texans

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While Lamar Jackson rightfully commands attention, being on the verge of a second NFL MVP title, the Baltimore Ravens’ success in reaching the Super Bowl isn’t solely attributed to him. The impact is evident when observing the Houston Texans’ offense.

To alleviate the pressure on Jackson, who has yet to make a deep postseason run, the Ravens made a strategic move to ensure he didn’t have to carry the entire load. Jackson delivered a notable performance in the second half on Saturday, but it’s essential to acknowledge the significant contribution of the Ravens’ defense, which played a pivotal role in preventing the Texans from securing a victory.

Houston faced difficulties establishing a running game, star rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud struggled to make significant plays, and the Texans’ offense failed to reach the end zone in a 34-10 victory for the Baltimore Ravens. As the AFC’s top seed, the Ravens advance to the conference championship game, awaiting the winner of the Sunday matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills. While the Ravens are not invincible, their performance on Saturday suggested they might be the strongest team in football.

While much of the season’s narrative has centered around Lamar Jackson, the focus shifted from his exceptional regular season to revisiting old criticisms about his postseason track record. Despite Jackson’s strong performance, especially in the second half, the true standout was the Ravens’ defense. This defensive prowess is what elevates the Ravens beyond having an exceptional quarterback to being a team with the potential to win the Super Bowl.

The Ravens’ defense showcased a standout performance, and while the team has a history of great defensive units, this one differs from the era of Ed Reed and Ray Lewis.

Distinct from past defenses that featured obvious superstars, the current Ravens’ defensive lineup consists of several highly skilled players without a single elite pass rusher akin to Myles Garrett or T.J. Watt. Despite this, they led the NFL in sacks with a total of 60. The strength of the Ravens’ defense lies in its collective excellence rather than relying on a singular standout player.

The Ravens excel in the linebacker position, with the acquisition of inside linebacker Roquan Smith last season proving transformative for their defense. The versatility of safety Kyle Hamilton adds a dynamic element to the defensive strategy, allowing for a range of effective approaches. Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald’s impressive season has not gone unnoticed, earning him consideration for head coaching positions.

The Ravens’ defensive prowess was evident in Saturday’s performance, a testament to their excellence on that side of the ball. Coming off a bye week as the top seed, the Ravens demonstrated speed, teamwork, and effective tackling. While opposing quarterback C.J. Stroud managed a few commendable plays, the Ravens’ coverage was generally solid. Their pressure, although not always resulting in sacks, disrupted Stroud’s comfort in the pocket.

Throughout the season, the Ravens have showcased remarkable achievements. While Lamar Jackson rightfully receives accolades and is poised to receive an MVP trophy, the defense deserves equal credit for its significant contributions to the team’s success.

In the first half of the game, the Ravens faced some challenges, particularly in protecting their quarterback, Lamar Jackson. Despite scoring a touchdown with a connection to Nelson Agholor and preventing Houston from scoring an offensive touchdown, the Ravens had only 118 yards by halftime. Jackson faced pressure, taking three sacks, and the special teams allowed a significant 67-yard punt return for a touchdown by Steven Sims.

Entering the second half, the Ravens needed a strong start, and they achieved it with a well-executed kickoff return leading to a touchdown drive, where Jackson ran for a 15-yard touchdown. The team excelled in both running the ball and defensive stops. Jackson’s performance was pivotal, accumulating 100 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, along with 152 passing yards and two passing touchdowns.

As a result, the Ravens dominated the second half, extending their lead to 21 points. Despite the challenges in the first half, Baltimore demonstrated resilience and excellence, ultimately securing a convincing victory.

As the Ravens advance to the AFC Championship game, the spotlight shifts to Jackson’s quest for his first Super Bowl appearance. Supported by a formidable defense, he faces the challenge of reaching the pinnacle of the sport.