Did the Ravens Hit Rock Bottom? Experts React to Devastating Loss Against the Texans

Offense Struggles Without Jackson

It was a rough day for the Ravens’ offense. Cooper Rush, making his first start for Baltimore, threw three interceptions. The running game was even worse, managing just 44 yards on 19 carries, averaging only 2.3 yards each run. Derrick Henry, despite having 15 carries, only gained 33 yards. These stats show a clear lack of offensive power.

Kevin Patra from NFL.com noted that it was a tough matchup for Rush, who struggled against the Texans’ strong defense. He had to deal with constant pressure and couldn’t find his rhythm. Mistakes and penalties only made things worse. With a weak running game to support him, Rush focused mainly on short passes. Surprisingly, almost half of his passing yards—85 out of 179—came from just two plays.

The issues became clear during the second half. After one of Rush’s interceptions, the Ravens tried to get Henry going with three consecutive runs, but they only gained eight yards. When they faced a fourth-and-2 situation down 31-3, a false start forced them to punt instead. In a late surge, a big 56-yard pass to Zay Flowers followed by a short touchdown from Henry gave a glimmer of hope, but it was too little, too late. Interestingly, Henry was still getting carries in the fourth quarter, even when the game was out of reach. If he continues to struggle, the Ravens’ offense will have a tough time moving the ball while Lamar Jackson is sidelined.

In a broader context, teams often struggle when their starting quarterbacks are injured. According to a study from the NFL, teams lose about 22% of their games when they miss their starting QBs. This statistic highlights just how critical a player like Jackson is to the Ravens’ lineup. Without him, the team’s dynamics shift dramatically, impacting both the passing and running games.

Fans have taken to social media to voice their frustrations. Many are expressing disappointment over the team’s performance, especially given the high expectations set before the season began. As the Ravens look to find their footing again, the support from fans and adjustments in the coaching strategy will be essential.

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