The Houston Texans and the Baltimore Ravens will meet on Sunday in their AFC divisional round matchup and one of the keys, as it always is against the Texans, is stopping the run. The Texans run the ball more than any other team in the league and sit second in rushing yards. You can't disguise what you're going to do too much with numbers like that.
AFC Divisional Playoffs: Run Defense Is Key In Texans Vs. Ravens Game
The Ravens, as they often are, ranked in the top three this year in rushing defense. That's the matchup to watch in this game and if the past is any indication the Ravens may have the edge. Earlier in the year the Ravens beat the Texans, 29-14, and in that game the Texans rushing attack couldn't do much of any thing and Arian Foster had 15 carries for just 49 yards.
Harbaugh said on Wednesday that it’s not an easy rushing attack to stop. Via CBS Sports:
"You have to stay square and maintain gap control and control the blocker," Harbaugh said.
This is one of those situations where you really have to stick to your assignment. The Broncos used to run a similar scheme back in the Mike Shanahan days and it's incredibly effective when run right. The Texans, as you've seen this year, often run it right. (And it doesn't hurt to run the ball well on the road and keep the crowd out of it.)
For more on the Ravens, check out SB Nation’s Baltimore Beatdown and for more on theTexans check out Battle Red Blog. Here’s a look at the complete2012 NFL playoffs schedule.
See More:
