In the only game of the divisional playoffs that matched two defensive-focused teams, the Ravens held off the Houston Texans for the win, 20-13, and will go to Foxboro next week to face the top-seeded New England Patriots for the AFC Championship.
The Ravens dominated the turnover battle, 4-0, as Texans rookie QB T.J. Yates threw 3 interceptions. The Ravens played a tight, clean game as they had no turnovers and no penalties.
Given the turnover differential, it was amazing that the Texans kept the game that close, but they played exceptional defense as they had done all year long. The Texans limited Baltimore to 4 of 16 on third downs and forced 9 punts. Rookie J.J. Watt, the star of the Wild Card game for the Texans last weekend, had 12 tackles and 2.5 sacks, while linebacker Brooks Reed added another 2.5 sacks.
Flacco was efficient if not spectacular, completing 14 of 27 passes for 176 yards and 2 TDs. The Texans largely held running back Ray Rice in check, as he was limited to 60 yards rushing on 21 carries, along with 4 receptions for 20 yards.
Arian Foster was the offensive star of the game, rushing for 132 yards on 27 carries, and adding another 22 receiving yards. But defense ruled the day, and as good as the Texans defense was, the Ravens defense was better.
The four turnovers were the biggest difference, and the Ravens D held the Texans to 5 of 15 on third down. Ray Lewis had 8 tackles and 1 pass defense, and cornerback Lardarius Webb had 2 of Yates’ 3 interceptions.
The Ravens defense will have their hands full next weekend as they take on Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, who rolled over the Broncos in Saturday’s matchup. The Ravens are looking to get back to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2000 season.
