Texans vs. Ravens: Halftime Observations for the Ravens

This is a crucial game for the Ravens. Coming off a bye, Baltimore wasn't nearly as healthy as expected. Stud OG Ben Grubbs is out and first-rounder Jimmy Smith is still sidelined with a high ankle sprain. 

The Texans have already taken care of the Steelers this year and putting one in the win column against Houston would be another big tiebreaker for the AFC North crown. Let's take a look at what the Ravens need to do in the second half to build on their division lead.

1. Build Joe's Confidence

QB Joe Flacco was completing less than 50 percent of his passes coming into this game. He then proceeded to complete 7-of-8 for 82 yards on their opening drive, capping it off with a rushing touchdown. The Ravens made it look easy on this revamped Texans defense and the bad penalties on the goal line made it even easier to operate. This offense runs through Joe and he needs to keep building his confidence and his completion percentage. 

2. Derrick Mason, AGAIN?

You read that right Ravens fans. After facing Derrick Mason two weeks ago when he was with the Jets, they face him again after he was traded from New York to Houston. He had a few clutch catches in the first half and with Andre Johnson sitting on the sideline he'll be a big part of their offense. There's no way the Ravens allow Mason to run over them. They need to put him on the mat. 

3. O-Line Shaky

The Ravens' first second-quarter drive looked about the exact opposite of their opening one. Joe got no protection and very little time to throw the ball. If Flacco doesn't get the time he needs, he often gets flustered and has a tendency to make bad decisions. Keeping Joe upright is key to the Ravens' second half.

4. Baby Ray Gets Involved

Ray Rice is the best offensive player on the Ravens and it's not even close. I know that Cam Cameron really wants to dial up the offense but he's got to put the ball in the hands of his playmaker. If you get Rice making big plays on the ground it will set up big play-action passes that Cameron can draw up. Everybody wins.