After waiting months, the Baltimore Ravens returned to M&T Bank Stadium, celebrating 25 years as the team hosted the Houston Texans.
Lamar Jackson was somewhat rusty in his first game action since suffering an injury against the Broncos, and both teams struggled to find any rhythm as Baltimore exited the half with a 7-6.
Buy Ravens TicketsJohn Harbaugh’s group scored 18 points in the second half, holding Houston to just three points as the Ravens recorded a 25-9 season-opening win.
With the game now over, here’s an instant win analysis.
Ravens injuries pile up
J.K. Dobbins is feared to have a torn achilles, per @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/9WAub21kYf
— PFF (@PFF) September 10, 2023
Baltimore was already without Marlon Humphrey and Pepe Williams, only to see J.K. Dobbins suffer a reported Achilles injury, while Ronnie Stanley left the game as well.
LT Ronnie Stanley (knee) is questionable to return.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 10, 2023
Odell Beckham sighting
Beckham had two catches for 38-yards as he deferred to the rookie Zay Flowers in his debut.
Beckham did get on the board with a 29-yard catch.
LAMAR TO ODELL FIREEEE
Tune in on CBS/@ParamountPlus pic.twitter.com/I7f3OaIYdU
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 10, 2023
Ravens shut down Dameon Pierce
The second-year running back was a vocal point of the Texans offense, and was held to 38-yards on 11 carries as Houston played from behind.
#Texans have rushed for 56 yards on 21 carries, with Dameon Pierce leading them with 38 yards on 11 carries
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 10, 2023
Lamar Jackson first game in 10+ months
Jackson was 17-22 passing, for 169 yards and one interception, while finishing with a 79.5 rating.
Jackson looked rusty at times, but was efficient, had 38 yards rushing and avoided any nasty hits.
Todd Monken debut
Todd Monken made his debut as the Ravens offensive coordinator and he joined his players in clunkered outing.
Lamar Jackson attempted 22 passes, Baltimore ran the ball 32 times, and it took almost an entire half for things to start clicking.
Monken gave Jackson his share of downfield passing attempts, while featuring his rookie pass catcher Zay Flowers often.
Jadeveon Clowney debut
Clowney had one tackle and one quarterback hit, but he was active and likely was responsible for 7+ pressures.
Ravens sack attack
Baltimore has a stout defense, and they dominated a battered Texans offense, sacking rookie C.J. Stroud five times.
Roquan Smith, Patrick Queen, Ar’Darius Washington, Justin Madubuike and David Ojabo all logged opening day sacks.
