Ravens' Stifling Defense Fuels Dominant 34-10 Win Over Texans

The Baltimore Ravens' top-ranked defense came to play in Saturday's Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans.

Throughout their history, the Baltimore Ravens have gained a well-earned reputation as a team that thrives on great defensive play, and the 2023 squad has upheld that tradition beautifully.

After finishing the regular season No. 1 in points allowed and No. 6 in yards allowed, the Ravens' biggest challenge awaited them in the playoffs. Baltimore had essentially two weeks off by winning the AFC's top seed and resting its starters in Week 18, and facing a good offense in the upstart Houston Texans, it looked to be a good test coming out of the extended bye.

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Throughout Saturday's 34-10 win, though, the Ravens' defense showed why it was arguably the league's best statistically. Baltimore held Houston to 213 total yards, including just 38 on the ground,  10 first downs, and most importantly, no offensive touchdowns. The Texans' only touchdown came on a punt return by Steven Sims.

Even without any sacks or forced turnovers, the Ravens' defense dominated from pretty much every angle and made life miserable for quarterback C.J. Stroud and co.

Some of the top performers on defense were All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith, who had a team-high seven total tackles and two tackles for loss, and defensive lineman Justin Madubuike, who had three total tackles, a tackle for loss and two passes defended.

Much of the attention will be on Lamar Jackson and the offense, but with the Ravens' defense putting together one of its best performances of the season, Mike Macdonald's unit deserves love too.

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The Ravens now advance to the AFC championship game, and whether it's the Buffalo Bills or Kansas City Chiefs coming to town, they'll face a dangerous offense once again next week. If their defense plays like it did on Sunday, though, then they can take on any foe.