In the AFC Divisional Playoffs today, the Baltimore Ravens beat the Houston Texans 20-13.  The Texans were underdogs coming into the game and almost gave the Ravens all they could handle.

Turnovers were the story of the game for Houston.  The Texans gave up the ball four times, while not forcing any Ravens turnovers.

At the start of the game, Houston had the momentum. The Texans received the opening kickoff and Danieal Manning returned it 60 yards to the Ravens 41 yard line.  Houston converted the great field position into 3 points and the Texans defense then forced a 3-and-out.  However, on the punt, that's where the Texans first turnover occurred. Punt returner Jacoby Jones let the ball bounce within the 20 and then tried to pick the ball up on a hop at the 13 yard line. Jones lost control of the ball and the Ravens recovered the fumble at the Texans 2 yard line.

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With the Ravens back in business, Joe Flacco, on a 3rd and Goal from the 1 threw a play-action pass to TE Kris Wilson for a touchdown (pictured, left).  The touchdown gave the Ravens a 7-3 lead with 9:51 left in the first quarter.  The Ravens also added a second first quarter touchdown with a 10 yard pass from Flacco to Anquan Boldin. Their first quarter lead of 17-3 wouldn't be relinquished for the rest of the game.

Offensively, the Texans were led by running back Arian Foster.  He had 27 carries for 132 yards and 1 touchdown.  He also caught 5 passes for 22 yards. Quarterback T.J. Yates struggled against the Ravens stifling defense, as he was 17/35 passing for 184 yards, no touchdowns and 3 interceptions.  Two of the interceptions came in the fourth quarter (Ed Reed's pictured above).

Defensively, Houston forced 9 Ravens punts and stopped Baltimore on a 4th and Goal from the 1 yard line late in the third quarter.

 

 

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