Ravens Soar over the Texans at Home

With one of the most balanced attacks of the season, the Ravens defeat the Houston Texans at home 29-14.

With all the pressure from the front five coming his way, Joe Flacco was able to withstand the Wade Phillips defense and throw for another 300 yard game. Even though he did not throw for a touchdown, Flacco ended the game with a 60.6 completion percentage. However, he did throw an interception and was sacked twice.

The Ravens defense would not be denied. Ray Lewis led the team with 12 tackles including one sack. The defense finished with a total of four. Ben Tate and Arian Foster, who many knew would be keys for the Texans if they were going to win, were both shut down by the Ravens defense, only rushing for 41 and 49 yards.

The ground attack would be different for the Ravens. The team's leading rusher, Ray Rice finished with 101 yards, and backup running back, Ricky Williams scored his first touchdown as a Raven.

The Ravens also were able to attack the Texans in the passing game. Flacco found both Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith for tremendous plays. Boldin and Smith finished with 132 and 84 yards receiving.  Finally the city of Baltimore has been treated with an offense that can attack opponents with both a great ground game and passing game.

Next week the Ravens travel to Florida to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) on Monday Night Football. The Jaguars, who were on the losing end to the Steelers (17-13), are a team who is clearly rebuilding with rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert.

The Ravens prepare for the Texans

"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.

Week 2 NFL Predictions (Current Record 7-9)

Curr

 New Orleans vs Chicago   Chicago

Detroit vs Kansas City  Lions

 NY Jets Jacksonville  Jets

Buffalo vs Oakland  Bills

Washington vs Arizona  Redskins

Baltimore vs Tennessee  Ravens

Pittsburgh  vs Seattle  Steelers

Green Bay vs Carolina  Packers

Minnesota  vs Tampa Bay  Buccaneers

Cleveland vs Indianapolis Browns

Dallas vs San Francisco Cowboys

Houston vs Miami  Dolphins

New England vs San Diego  Patriots

Denver vs Cincinnati  Broncos

Philadelphia  vs Atlanta Falcons

 NY Giants vs Louis Giants

The Atlanta Falcons are looking to rebound after a disappointing lost in Chicago last week. What better way to do it, then to ruin Michael Vick's homecoming. Vick was the first overall pick by the Falcons in 2001. He was the cover boy of the NFL during his stay there. He was then released and sentenced to jail after being involved in illegal dogfighting. When Vick was reinstated in the NFL he was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles. After proving himself, he earned a mulit-year contract. Last year he led the Eagles to a division championship, and this matchup was my prediction for the NFC Conference Championship game. However both teams would be eliminated by the eventual Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers. Vick and the Eagles played at a very high level against the St Louis Rams last week, however, with the Falcons looking to bounce back and they lose at home very often, I predict that the Falcons will defeat the Eagles in a very close and epic battle