C.J. Stroud, Texans Hope Blowout Loss to Ravens Will ‘Wake’ Them Up Ahead of Postseason
Houston, Texas – The Houston Texans suffered a humiliating 49-17 defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, raising concerns about their readiness for the upcoming postseason. Quarterback C.J. Stroud, who had been impressive in recent weeks, struggled mightily against the Ravens’ fierce defense.
Stroud’s Dismal Performance
Stroud completed just 15 of 33 passes for 148 yards and two interceptions. He was sacked five times and fumbled the ball twice, one of which was returned for a touchdown. The Ravens’ defense dominated the Texans’ offensive line, constantly pressuring Stroud and forcing him into mistakes.
“I didn’t play well enough today,” Stroud said after the game. “I need to be better for this team. We have a lot of potential, but we need to find a way to put it all together consistently.”
Texans’ Defense Overwhelmed
The Texans’ defense, which had been a strength for much of the season, was unable to contain the Ravens’ high-powered offense. Quarterback Lamar Jackson threw for 324 yards and three touchdowns, while running back J.K. Dobbins rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns. The Ravens scored on their first seven drives of the game, putting the Texans in an insurmountable hole.
“We need to find a way to get more stops,” said Texans head coach Lovie Smith. “We gave up too many big plays today, and that’s something we can’t afford to do in the playoffs.”
Hope for the Playoffs
Despite the disappointing performance, the Texans still have a chance to make noise in the playoffs. They have a talented roster led by Stroud, wide receiver Brandin Cooks, and running back Dameon Pierce. However, they need to find a way to improve their consistency and avoid the costly mistakes that plagued them against the Ravens.
“We need to use this game as a wake-up call,” said Stroud. “We can’t afford to make the same mistakes in the playoffs. We have to be better prepared and more focused. I believe in this team, and I know we can make a run if we play to our potential.”
Upcoming Matchup
The Texans will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in their Wild Card game on Sunday. The Jaguars are a young and hungry team led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne. The Texans will need to be at their best to defeat the Jaguars and advance to the Divisional Round.
Conclusion
The Texans’ blowout loss to the Ravens was a disappointing setback, but it also provides an opportunity for them to learn and grow. If they can use this game as motivation and improve their play in the playoffs, they have the potential to make a deep run and surprise some people.