Lamar Jackson shines in Ravens’ dominant 31-2 victory against Texans, boosting his MVP campaign

Lamar Jackson set a new NFL career rushing record for quarterbacks during Baltimore’s 31-2 win over the Houston Texans, strengthening his MVP case while the Ravens moved closer to the AFC North title.

Jackson threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to running for 87 yards and another score. This pushed his career rushing total to 6,110 yards, surpassing Michael Vick’s previous record of 6,109 yards.

The Ravens (11-5) have secured their third consecutive playoff spot and need a win over the Cleveland Browns next week to clinch the division title over the Pittsburgh Steelers, who suffered a third consecutive loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday.

Jackson, the MVP in 2019 and last season, put on an impressive performance reminiscent of the spectacular halftime show by Beyoncé to lead Baltimore to a third straight victory. He was subbed out for Josh Johnson with about 10 minutes remaining in the game, which was already decided by that point.

Jackson threw touchdown passes of 9 and 1 yard, and scored a 48-yard rushing touchdown to make it 24-2 in the third quarter.

Derrick Henry ran for 147 yards, setting a new Ravens season record with his 16th touchdown on a 2-yard run in the first quarter, surpassing Ray Rice and Mark Ingram.

Baltimore dominated a struggling Houston team, who lost receiver Tank Dell to a season-ending knee injury on Saturday.

The Texans (9-7) could only manage a safety in the second quarter for their only points. C.J. Stroud threw for 185 yards but was sacked five times and threw an interception, while Joe Mixon had just 26 rushing yards.

Rookie Kamari Lassiter tackled Henry for a safety, cutting the lead to 10-2 in the first half.

Jackson orchestrated a 99-yard drive to further extend the lead, with a 67-yard completion to Mark Andrews setting up a 9-yard touchdown reception by Isaiah Likely to make it 17-2.

Kyle Hamilton intercepted Stroud’s pass, leading to Jackson’s long TD run to make it 24-2 and set the rushing record on a 6-yard run later in the game.

Injuries: Ravens RB Rasheen Ali injured his hip and did not return, while Texans TE Cade Stover returned after missing two games following an emergency appendectomy.

Up next

The Ravens will host the Browns, and the Texans will visit the Titans next weekend. The game dates are yet to be determined.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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