Ryans on unsuccessful debut as Texans coach: 'We gave up too many points'

In a disappointing debut for head coach Demeco Ryans, the Houston Texans suffered a 25-9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The game also marked the beginning of the C.J. Stroud era, as the rookie quarterback took the field for his first professional game. Stroud threw for 242 yards but was sacked five times by the Ravens defense. One notable play saw Stroud catching his own pass after it was tipped by a Ravens defender.

Despite a strong first half, the Texans struggled to keep up with the Ravens in the second half. Defensively, Houston managed to hold the Ravens to under 300 yards of offense, with quarterback Lamar Jackson limited to 169 passing yards. However, Baltimore rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers proved to be a challenge, making nine catches for 78 yards.

On a positive note for the Texans, rookie defensive end Will Anderson, Jr. recorded his first NFL sack, making him the first rookie in team history to achieve this feat in their debut. Looking ahead, the Texans will face their division rivals, the Indianapolis Colts, in their home opener for Week 2. This matchup will feature a battle between rookie quarterbacks, with Stroud going up against Anthony Richardson.

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• The contest also marked the start of the C.J. Stroud era.

  Stroud, the second overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Ohio State University, threw for 242 yards on 28-of-44 passing and was sacked five times by the Baltimore defense in his pro debut.

  Houston CBS station KHOU News reported that the rookie field general began his professional career by catching his own pass after it was tipped by a Ravens defender.

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• For at least the first half, it appeared Houston had a solid chance at victory as the Texans kept pace with their hosts on the scoreboard, but Baltimore easily imposed its will on both sides of the ball once halftime was over.

  The Texans defensively held the Ravens to below 300 yards of offense, with quarterback Lamar Jackson, who’s perceived to have a non-traditional approach to the position, limited to 169 yards through the air, KHOU reported.

  According to the station, Baltimore rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers acted as Jackson’s security blanket as he hauled in nine catches for 78 yards.

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• First-year Texans defensive end Will Anderson, Jr., the No. 3 whom Houston traded for last April, recorded his first NFL sack and earned the distinction of becoming the first rookie in team history to collect a sack in their debut, KHOU reported.

  The Texans move on to Week 2, their home opener against division rivals, the Indianapolis Colts.

  The matchup pits Stroud against fellow rookie signal-caller, Anthony Richardson.

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