Ravens Eye View: Ravens-Texans Was a Trap Game, But Not How You’re Thinking

The NFL is no stranger to trap games—those matchups where a team, despite being the clear favorite, struggles unexpectedly against a lesser opponent. Trap games typically happen when a team’s focus is distracted by a looming big game, or when they become overconfident, failing to give their opponent the respect it deserves. However, the recent Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, while it certainly had the hallmarks of a trap game, was a trap for different reasons than many would expect.

Despite the Texans being considered a rebuilding team and the Ravens having their eyes on playoff contention, the game against Houston unfolded in ways that weren’t easily predicted. For many fans, analysts, and even players, this matchup posed challenges that were not purely football-related. The Ravens, riding a high from a strong season, had to battle more than just the Texans on the field—they had to fight off distractions, expectations, and internal pressure.

This article takes a closer look at why the Ravens-Texans game was a trap game for Baltimore, but not for the usual reasons. The unexpected traps weren’t necessarily tied to overconfidence or overlooking the opponent—they were deeper, more nuanced factors that contributed to an underwhelming performance on a day when the Ravens were expected to dominate.

The Expectations Trap: The Weight of Contender Status

The Ravens entered the 2024 season as one of the AFC’s top contenders. With Lamar Jackson continuing to elevate his game as a dual-threat quarterback, the team had made significant strides in recent seasons, both offensively and defensively. Their success in the regular season had them perched near the top of the AFC standings, and there was a growing sense that this year, the Ravens could make a deep playoff run and possibly contend for a Super Bowl.

This high level of expectation was both a blessing and a curse. While it motivated the team to stay sharp and focused, it also placed immense pressure on them, especially during a game like the one against Houston. When you’re a top-tier team, every game becomes about proving that you belong at the top—there are no “easy” wins. Even a team like the Texans, with a young quarterback in C.J. Stroud and a roster still in a developmental phase, was capable of surprising the Ravens if they weren’t fully focused.

In many ways, the Ravens found themselves in a trap of their own making: managing the weight of expectations. It wasn’t just about winning, it was about winning in a way that validated their contender status. This pressure manifested itself in various ways—overthinking plays, trying to make “perfect” decisions, and at times, losing track of what made them successful in the first place: playing loose, confident football.

The Mental Trap: Focusing Too Much on the Bigger Picture

For a team like the Ravens, the long-term goal of making the playoffs and contending for the Super Bowl is always at the forefront. However, in focusing too much on this overarching goal, it’s easy to get distracted in games against seemingly inferior teams, like the Texans.

The Ravens, with their powerful roster, likely thought of this game as a “warm-up” of sorts—a chance to hone their skills against a team that, while dangerous, was not a true playoff contender in their eyes. This mentality led to a lack of urgency early in the game. Players began thinking about what they had to do in the future rather than concentrating on the present. The key to winning trap games is focus: understanding that every opponent must be taken seriously and that each game is its own challenge.

Lamar Jackson, while known for his ability to elevate his game in big moments, is also someone who feeds off momentum and energy. When the Ravens started the game without that necessary fire, it set the tone for the entire contest. Rather than dominating early and putting the game out of reach, they allowed the Texans to stay in the game. When the opponent feels like it has a chance to succeed, it can snowball quickly—especially when the favored team doesn’t deliver its best performance.

The Scheme Trap: Baltimore’s Offensive Struggles

It wasn’t just a mental lapse that hurt the Ravens in this game; they also found themselves falling into a schematic trap. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken had done an impressive job throughout the season of tailoring the offense to Lamar Jackson’s strengths, focusing on the dual-threat nature of his game. However, in the matchup with Houston, the Ravens’ offense seemed out of sync, as though they were trying too hard to force plays instead of allowing their natural rhythm to emerge.

Jackson, while capable of brilliance, sometimes tries to force big plays when the situation doesn’t call for it. The Texans, while not a powerhouse team, have some defensive pieces—like cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and linebacker Christian Harris—that can capitalize on mistakes. The Ravens, instead of being methodical in their approach, tried to hit too many home runs, which led to some crucial turnovers and missed opportunities.

Additionally, the Ravens’ offensive line, which had been solid for much of the season, struggled against the Texans’ defensive front. The running game, which had been a key strength for the Ravens, was stymied by Houston’s defensive line, and this imbalance threw off the entire game plan. When Jackson couldn’t get things moving in the passing game and the run game stalled, the Ravens found themselves in a difficult situation, relying too much on individual efforts rather than team execution.

The Trap of Overconfidence: Houston’s Surprising Tenacity

Another layer to the Ravens’ struggles in this game came from the Texans’ ability to capitalize on Baltimore’s mental and schematic missteps. Houston, under the leadership of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, had nothing to lose and everything to prove. Stroud had been impressive in his rookie season, and the Texans were playing with a sense of freedom, knowing that no one expected them to pull off a major upset. They weren’t fazed by the Ravens’ reputation as Super Bowl contenders.

The Texans’ defense, though not as polished as some of the NFL’s top units, had moments of brilliance in this game. Houston’s defensive coordinator, DeMeco Ryans, had clearly prepared his players well, and they executed a smart, disciplined game plan. The Texans didn’t try to do too much—rather, they capitalized on Baltimore’s mistakes and took advantage of the Ravens’ overconfidence. They were aggressive and opportunistic, forcing turnovers and making key stops when it mattered most.

Houston’s special teams also played a crucial role in keeping the game close. A long return in the third quarter set up a touchdown that gave the Texans the lead. When teams like Houston are able to seize on the mental lapses of a more talented opponent, the result can often be an upset—or at least a much closer game than expected. The Texans made the most of their opportunities, and in doing so, they exposed the Ravens’ vulnerabilities.

The Trap of Complacency: Lack of Urgency

Finally, the biggest trap for the Ravens came in the form of complacency. At times during the game, Baltimore seemed content with their play, thinking they could win simply by relying on their star power. Lamar Jackson, one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the league, has a history of making game-winning plays, and it’s easy to see why the Ravens might believe they can pull out a win without truly committing to each phase of the game.

The Ravens’ defense, which had been stellar throughout the season, also showed cracks in this game. They allowed Houston to march down the field on long drives, and at times, they seemed to lack the intensity needed to shut down the Texans when they needed to. Even with a potent offense, a team cannot afford to relax on defense, particularly against a scrappy team that is hungry to prove itself.