Ravens rushing vs. Texans run defense -- TEXANS -- The Ravens didn't get any push off the line and running back Jamal Lewis got smothered when trying to cut back against the Texans' defense, which dropped eight men in the box. Lewis' average of 2.5 yards per carry was a season low. The Ravens' biggest runs came on a 15-yard Todd Heap reverse and a 17-yard Jeff Blake scramble.
Ravens passing vs. Texans pass defense -- RAVENS -- Blake got in a rhythm and played under control behind a line that didn't give up a sack for just the second game this season. On the Ravens' two touchdown drives, the 11-year veteran quarterback was 8-for-9 passing for 148 yards. When Blake doesn't throw an interception, the Ravens are 3-0. The Ravens used some rookie weapons to spark a limited passing game in running back Chester Taylor (three catches for 40 yards) and tight end Terry Jones (two for 35).
Texans rushing vs. Ravens run defense -- TEXANS -- The 30th-ranked rushing attack had success against the Ravens, sealing the inside to allow its runners to hit the edges. Jonathan Wells and James Allen combined for 94 yards against a Ravens run defense that hasn't been at the top of its game the past two weeks. The Texans could have committed more for the run if not for the penalties that kept pushing them backward.
Texans passing vs. Ravens pass defense -- RAVENS -- Despite not getting strong pressure on quarterback David Carr, the Ravens capitalized on his mistakes. Ed Reed's interception set up the game-opening field goal and Chad Williams' pick sealed the victory with 1:57 left in the game. The Ravens recorded just two sacks, which ties a season low for Houston. The Ravens' biggest problem was getting a defender on tight end Billy Miller (eight catches for 77 yards).
Special teams -- EVEN -- The Ravens let the Texans back in the game at the end of the third quarter when Avion Black returned a punt 76 yards for a touchdown by going up the middle of the coverage team. The Ravens' Lamont Brightful averaged 31.7 yards on three kickoffs to put the offense in good field position, and Matt Stover kicked a 47-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. Houston downed four punts inside the Ravens' 15-yard line.
NICKEL PACKAGE
Thumbs up
Ravens' rookies. The team got timely production from dime back Chad Williams (fourth-quarter interception), backup running back Chester Taylor (first career touchdown) and starting safety Ed Reed (team-leading fifth interception).
Thumbs down
Lack of killer instinct. The game shouldn't have come down to the final minutes of the fourth quarter, but giving up a touchdown off a punt return and a late field goal kept Houston within striking distance. The Ravens have yet to win a game by more than 11 points.
Stat of the game
2. Penalties by the Ravens, their second-lowest total of the season, as compared to the Texans' nine penalties for 58 yards.
Quotable
"All week we talked about not turning the ball over. We kept our defense in a win situation." - Blake on the Ravens committing no turnovers after making five last week against New Orleans.
Trainer's room
Defensive end Adalius Thomas (bruised knee) was out briefly and returned. ... Guard Bennie Anderson (temporary nerve injury in neck) missed time in the fourth quarter and was replaced by Casey Rabach.