Ravens Drum Texans in Divisional Round By Commitment to True Identity

The Baltimore Ravens blew out an upstart Houston Texans team by doing the two things that have brought their franchise success in the past.

Strong defense and a workman-like rushing attack. 

That formula has helped the Baltimore Ravens win two Super Bowls in their franchise's history. It has also just brought them to the AFC championship game for the first time since 2013. 

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Baltimore ran for 229 yards on the ground while their defense held the front-runner for the Offensive Player of the Year to just 175 yards passing while the Ravens blew out the Houston Texans 34-10 in the Divisional round of the AFC Playoffs Saturday evening. 

Whether it was Justice Hill, Gus Edwards, and newcomer Dalvin Cook, the Ravens overwhelmed a Texans defense that did its part to thwart a dynamic passing attack. Baltimore averaged over five yards a carry from each runner in the win.

A big part of the team's success on the ground Saturday came courtesy of the MVP front-runner, though. Lamar Jackson, in his first home playoff game since falling in the Divisional round in 2019, ran for 100 yards and two scores on just 11 carries. 

He was the first Raven in team history to score a rushing and passing touchdown in a single playoff game. He also recorded his third 100+ rushing-yard playoff performance - the most by any quarterback in NFL history,

“That’s why he’s the MVP," Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said of Jackson following the Ravens win. 

The 34-10 win sent the Ravens to the AFC championship game for the first time since 2013. They will host the game for the first time in franchise history, and the first conference title game in Baltimore in 1971. 

'Dialed It Up!' Lamar, Ravens Overcome 'Slow' First Half to Dominate Houston

Like the great Baltimore teams before them, the Ravens know to advance in the playoffs, they need to be able to dominate on the ground. 

If the Ravens stick to that rushing identity, there's a very good chance they'll move to their third Super Bowl appearance as well.