Texans' DeMeco Ryans Praises Ravens' Lamar Jackson: 'That's Why He's the MVP'

Houston Texans head coach Demeco Ryans had high praise for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson after the Ravens beat the Texans 34-10 in the divisional round of the NFL Playoffs on Saturday.

The Texans kept the game manageable through the first half and went into halftime tied with the Ravens at 10, but Baltimore scored 24 unanswered points in the second half to win the game.

Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Ryans said that Jackson's huge second half is what makes him one of the best players in the NFL.

"That's why he's the MVP," Ryans said after the game.

Jackson had 152 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns through the air while also notching 100 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on Saturday. The Ravens will take on the either the Buffalo Bills or the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship.

Ryans expects Jackson to be the MVP, and it seems the sixth-year quarterback will be taking home his second MVP award. Jackson has the best odds to win the coveted award, and he's made a strong case this year.

Jackson has notched 3,678 passing yards and 24 touchdowns this season while throwing seven interceptions. On the ground, he's picked up 821 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

While Ryans had to watch the likely MVP dismantle his team in the second half on Saturday, Houston still had an encouraging season. After going 3-13-1 a season ago, the Texans finished this season 10-7 and reached the divisional round under the first-year head coach Ryans. Houston rookie quarterback CJ Stroud, who could very well win Offensive Rookie of the Year, proved himself as a franchise-level player and it's clear the Texans' future is bright.

Houston was hoping for better results on Saturday, but as Ryans said, there wasn't much the Texans could do against the MVP-caliber Jackson.