"Im not saying it will be easier, but without him it will certainly help us out," were the words from Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco regarding the Houston Texans (3-2) Defensive End Mario Williams being inactive for this game.
The Ravens (3-1) have been playing great football this year so far. They understand that Sunday evenings game will not be an easy one. But without Mario Williams and pro bowl wide receiver Andre Johnson both sidelined, they will have an advantage.
The Ravens have done one thing that the fans of Baltimore have complained about in previous years, that is blow teams out. This year, they are number one in the AFC in points differential with +62 and number one in the NFL with points allowed with 57. So who is unable to blow teams out now?
With Arian Foster and Ben Tate coming into M&T Bank stadium this Sunday, the Ravens understand they have a tough task at hand. The Texans rank fifth in the league in rushing with 132.8 yards per game. However, the Ravens defense has been able to shut down every running back this year. Opposing rushers only average 72.5 yards per game. The Ravens have yet to allow a 100 yard rusher this season.
Joe Flacco looks to rebound after a disappointing performance against the New York Jets in week four. When Flacco faced the Texans on December 13, 2010, he threw for 235 yards with a pair of touchdowns.
Matt Shaub remembers the last time he faced the Ravens. After being down 21-7 at half, he rallied a 15-point fourth quarter to force the game into overtime. On the verge of possibly pulling off a huge comeback victory, Shaub would throw a pick-six to then Ravens cornerback, Josh Wilson has the Ravens defeated the Texans in overtime 34-28.
This season seemed to finally be the one that would put the Texans over the Colts. But with the Ravens coming up and the Tennessee Titans making a surprise run in the AFC South, Matt Shaub really needs to step up and display leadership and find another target while Andre Johnson is sidelined.
The Ravens on the other hand are riding solid in the AFC North. However, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers are both a game behind, and anytime the AFC North is up for grabs, it is anyone's ball game.
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