After waiting months, the Baltimore Ravens returned to M&T Bank Stadium, celebrating 25 years as the team hosted the Houston Texans.
Lamar Jackson was somewhat rusty in his first game action since suffering an injury against the Broncos, and both teams struggled to find any rhythm as Baltimore exited the half with a 7-6.
Buy Ravens TicketsHere are key takeaways and observations with plenty of football left to be played.
Lamar Jackson rust shows early
Texans sent the house, caused Lamar Jackson to rush the throw. Again, a great pick by Steven Nelson. So far so good from the defense. pic.twitter.com/ZkJ0hH9yr8
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) September 10, 2023
Jackson was 7-11 for 60-yards passing and one interception in the first half.
Lamar Jackson vs. the blitz today: 1-for-4 for 10 yards and an INT. He was also sacked once and took the intentional-grounding penalty.
Without the blitz: 6-for-7 for 50 yards and no sacks.
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) September 10, 2023
Patrick Queen motivated
Queen had five tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit in the first half.
TURNOVER ON DOWNS AFTER THE @Patrickqueen_ SACK!!
Tune in now on @ParamountPlus and CBS! pic.twitter.com/CYeQdU3QzO
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 10, 2023
Zay Flowers explosive
The rookie had three catches for 29 yards on four targets.
Zay Flowers drops a defender in the first quarter of his first NFL game. Filthy. pic.twitter.com/fhiSmqSvoM
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) September 10, 2023
Odell Beckham Jr.
Beckham Jr. had zero catches on 1 target in the first half.
J.K. Dobbins
Dobbins had six carries for 22-yards and the touchdown.
JK DIVES IN FOR THE TOUCHDOWN❗️❗️❗️
Tune in on CBS/Paramount+! pic.twitter.com/lVOw2mbobr
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 10, 2023
Ravens offensive line
Ravens offensive line is really struggling. Penalties, not picking up blitzes, losing matchups, etc. Texans coming after Jackson and Ravens not doing good job handling it.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) September 10, 2023
C.J. Stroud
The rookie from Ohio State was 13-20 for 91-yards in the first half.
Lamar Jackson is back
Jackson had five carries for 35-yards in the first half.
Put 'em in a blender 😂🔥
Tune in on CBS/@ParamountPlus pic.twitter.com/jEzHIk7P0G
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 10, 2023