John Harbaugh Calls Ravens’ 44-10 Loss ‘Complete Disappointment’ as Season Hits Crisis Mode

The Ravens dropped to 1-4 after losing to the Texans in Week five.

John Harbaugh Calls Ravens’ 44-10 Loss ‘Complete Disappointment’ as Season Hits Crisis Mode

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (Image via IMAGO)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Turnovers, penalties, and a lackluster defensive performance contributed to the Baltimore Ravens’ worst lopsided defeat in the club’s history. Despite boasting favorable odds against the Houston Texans ahead of the week five clash, John Harbaugh’s team suffered a 30+ point loss.

Cooper Rush deputized for the injured Lamar Jackson on Sunday but failed to replicate his previous success as a starting quarterback. Rush conceded three turnovers and was sacked twice while completing less than 200 passing yards.

Jackson wasn’t the only key player missing from the game. The Ravens fielded a team without Nnamdi Madubuike, Roquan Smith, Kyle Hamilton, and Marlon Humphrey—all Pro Bowl defenders. The replacements couldn’t gel properly.

Harbaugh’s team was penalized nine times for 49 yards, while the Texans only committed four.

Just a complete disappointment.

John Harbaugh said after the game (H/T: NBC Sports)

After recording 13 combined penalties through the first three games, the Ravens committed 15 in the last two—mostly by the defense.

We’re going to have to find a way to turn it around and figure out who we are this next week and then into the bye… I told the guys, this becomes a measuring stick for all of us. I’m looking for people to come out fighting and give their best in those kinds of situations.

Harbaugh added

The Ravens’ run game must improve

The Ravens had to take a different approach to the game against the Texans. Rush, despite being one of the better backup quarterbacks in the league, cannot match Lamar Jackson’s capabilities. He may have a quick release and can deliver a powerful deep ball, but he severely lacks mobility and effectiveness in the pocket.

John Harbaugh Calls Ravens’ 44-10 Loss ‘Complete Disappointment’ as Season Hits Crisis Mode
John Harbaugh (Image via IMAGO)

Harbaugh planned to increase Derrick Henry’s touches on the ball to help the run game. However, the All-Pro running back managed just 33 yards from 15 carries. Even though Henry scored a touchdown, it barely made any dent on the scoreboard.

Moreover, Houston safety Jalen Pitre undercut Derrick Henry for an interception (one of his two picks), which allowed the Texans to take a 28-point lead after just three plays.

It’s just not clicking right now. We just need to play better. It’s easy to finger-point when everything is going bad. We haven’t been playing good [and] have not been a good football team, but you just have to go back to work.

Derrick Henry said, who has struggled with fumbles recently

This Sunday’s game in Baltimore was a stark contrast to how the same matchup unfolded last year. The Ravens traveled to Houston and secured a decisive 31-2 victory. Jackson completed just 10 passes for 168 yards, but he still made a significant impact with two touchdown passes, in addition to rushing for 87 yards and scoring once on the ground.

Solely blaming Rush for the defeat isn’t fair, but the three turnovers hurt the Ravens badly. The backup QBs aren’t always expected to win games, but they are also encouraged to eliminate the risk factor and play to their strengths. Rush did not, or rather, Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Todd Monken failed to orchestrate a sound game.

With the Texans game now in the rearview mirror, the only choice the Ravens have is to look forward to hosting the Los Angeles Rams in week six. Jackson’s status is day-to-day, but he might still miss the game, so the Ravens have to continue with Rush.

Also Read: