Christmas Day 2024 was nothing short of spectacular for the Baltimore Ravens as they secured a dominant 31-2 victory over the Houston Texans. This win not only bolstered their standing but also marked significant individual achievements, particularly for quarterback Lamar Jackson, who made history by becoming the NFL's all-time leading rusher at the quarterback position.
With this victory, the Ravens moved to 11-5, positioning themselves at the top of the AFC North as they look forward to the post-season. The stakes were high, especially with the Pittsburgh Steelers losing earlier to the Kansas City Chiefs, paving the way for Baltimore to potentially clinch the division title with another win next week.
Jackson had himself quite the game, throwing for 168 yards, with two touchdown passes to tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. His performance was electrifying, highlighted by 87 rushing yards and a breathtaking 48-yard touchdown run at the start of the second half. This brought his career rushing total to 6,110 yards, surpassing the previous record held by Michael Vick, who had 6,109 yards, and doing so in 41 fewer games.
The Ravens' ground game was just as formidable, with running back Derrick Henry leading the charge. He accumulated 147 yards on 27 carries and scored one of Baltimore's touchdowns. Together, the Ravens rushed for 252 yards against the Texans' defense, which had been allowing an average of 106.8 rushing yards per game
Defensively, Baltimore was relentless. The Ravens' defense put on quite the show, sacking Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud five times and recording six tackles for loss. Their only blemish was allowing a safety when Henry was tackled in the end zone, making it Houston's only score for the entire game.
Stroud, who completed 17 of 31 passes for 185 yards, struggled significantly against Baltimore’s defense and threw one interception to All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton, marking Hamilton's first interception of the season. The Texans' inability to find their rhythm was evident as they also failed on two fourth-down attempts against the Ravens' stout defense.
Reflecting on the game, Ravens coach John Harbaugh expressed pride not only in the team’s performance but also commended Jackson for his historical milestone. "Lamar has been phenomenal this season, and it's incredible to see him achieve such greatness on Christmas Day. We're proud of the whole team for stepping up and showing our strength!" he remarked.
The atmosphere was electric, especially with the halftime entertainment provided by Beyoncé, which kept fans engaged during the breaks. But on the field, it was all about the Ravens as they put together yet another comprehensive performance.
The victory kept Baltimore’s hopes alive for not just the division title but also solidified Jackson’s case for MVP honors as he aims for his third accolade. With just one game remaining against the struggling Cleveland Browns, the Ravens are poised to finish the regular season strong.
Fans and analysts alike are hopeful for what lies ahead as the Ravens head to the postseason. Their offensive prowess combined with their defensive tenacity makes them one of the favorites to contend for the championship. The Ravens will face the Browns on January 5, aiming to secure their position and prepare for the playoffs.
Overall, Christmas Day turned out tremendously for the Ravens, reflecting the spirit of the holiday with both celebration and victory, leaving fans eager to see what the new year will bring for this formidable team.
