'Definitely Improved': Ravens Roquan Smith Gives Thoughts On Texans' Turnaround

Baltimore Ravens star linebacker Roquan Smith share his thoughts on the Houston Texans' surge down the stretch.

DeMeco Ryans said the Houston Texans are a "different team" than they were four months ago when first taking on the Baltimore Ravens in the season-opener. 

One would have to imagine he's telling the truth. Houston lost 25-9 after allowing 15 points in the third quarter. The franchise started off 0-2 before going on a 10-5 run to secure its first division title in four years.

Ryans, a former Pro Bowl linebacker and favorite to win the NFL's Coach of the Year honors, wasn't alone with his theory. Another Pro Bowl defender echoed similar sentiments on Tuesday following practice.

"They’re definitely improved, but so are we when you look at it," said Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith. "The offense is definitely clicking, but we wouldn’t want it any other way. We’re prepared for it, and we’re ready to go to war regardless of who it’s against, and they’re the team that’s coming in here. Business is business handled.”

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The version of Houston that took the field at M&T Bank Stadium in September no longer exists. It's a roster that's proven time after time it can withstand whatever's hurled at its head and remain steadfast on the end goal.

Ryans was making his head coaching debut. The same goes for rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud under center. Since then, Stroud and Ryans have learned from their mistakes and become vital to the team's success.

"I feel like they're a whole different team. C.J.'s a whole different QB," Ravens edge rusher Odafe Oweh said. "I feel like we matured him and he's been balling ever since. I have a lot of respect for him. In the playoffs, obviously, people play harder. So we have to come with a different energy as well."

Stroud completed 28 of 44 pass attempts for 242 yards while being sacked five times and losing a fumble in the fourth quarter. His 5.5 yards per attempt was the second-lowest mark of the season.

After the game, Stroud was upset with his performance and the taste of defeat. Coming from Ohio State, where he posted a 22-4 record and was fresh off leading the Buckeyes to a College Football Playoff berth, losing was an uncommon feeling for the rookie.

Veteran defensive end Jonathan Greenard, who was here for all three losing seasons, pulled him aside to give him advice. He mentioned that Stroud would have a chance to face the Ravens down the line.

"And lo and behold, we do," Stroud said Wednesday.

Stroud has blossomed into one of the league's top passers. He became the fifth rookie quarterback to throw for 4,000-plus yards during the regular season while tossing 23 touchdown passes.

On Saturday, Stroud became the youngest quarterback to win a playoff game in the 45-14 victory over the Cleveland Browns, surpassing Michael Vick's heroics in 2002.

"When we've needed it most, I feel like just throughout the entire season, and now in this moment, he's the leader we need him to be," said Ryans. "He's the player that we need him to be."

Baltimore, who finished the season 13-4, is a different team, too. The Ravens were without pass rusher Kyle Van Noy and starting cornerback Marlon Humphrey in Week 1. Both have been staples of a defense that finished in the top five in total yards and led the NFL in scoring.

The Ravens also have taken a step forward offensively, led by MVP favorite Lamar Jackson. In Week 1, Baltimore players were still working out the kinks with new coordinator Todd Monken. They finished with 264 yards of offense and 4.6 yards per play. 

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Since then, the Ravens are averaging over 370 yards a week and 28.1 points per contest.

"We have to do a really good job of tackling in space," said Ryans. "It’s going to be huge in this game, not just one guy being at the ball, but got to have multiple guys around him because he’s such a dynamic player.”

Kickoff from M&T Bank Stadium is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN and ABC.