Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens secured a convincing 34-10 victory over the Houston Texans, advancing to the AFC championship game. Jackson’s impressive performance included two touchdown passes and two rushing scores on one of his most productive rushing days of the season.
The Ravens took control in the third quarter, breaking a halftime tie of 10-10. Despite a solid first half by Houston’s C.J. Stroud, the Texans couldn’t convert promising drives into points against the formidable Ravens defense.
Jackson’s 15-yard scoring run in the third quarter gave Baltimore the lead, and they never looked back. The Ravens’ defense played a crucial role in stifling the Texans’ offense, preventing them from capitalizing on potential scoring opportunities.
Baltimore will now host the AFC title game for the first time since 1971, awaiting the winner of the matchup between Buffalo and Kansas City.
Reflecting on the victory, Jackson acknowledged the motivation provided by the defense and emphasized the team’s ongoing mission. Ravens fans, haunted by past playoff disappointments, can now look forward to the team’s fifth appearance in the AFC championship since their arrival in Baltimore.
Despite some moments of anxiety, including a punt return for a touchdown by the Texans’ Steven Sims, the Ravens maintained control. Jackson’s 8-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter sealed the win, marking the second playoff victory in five starts for the fired-up quarterback.
The Texans’ lone touchdown came from Sims’ return, and their offense failed to reach the end zone in both meetings with the Ravens this season. Jackson, a strong contender for his second MVP award, showcased his dual-threat abilities by rushing for 100 yards on 11 attempts and passing for 152 yards.
Houston’s offense faced challenges, with penalties and missed opportunities holding them back throughout the game. Despite Stroud’s 175 passing yards and an impressive showing against Baltimore’s defensive front, the Texans dropped to 0-5 in the divisional round of the playoffs.
Looking ahead, the Ravens are one win away from their first Super Bowl appearance in 11 years. The Ravens did not face the Bills or Chiefs during the regular season, setting the stage for an exciting AFC championship showdown.
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