Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSunday, June 21, 2026

Ravens vs. Texans: Baltimore punt return pushes lead to 17-9 at half

Baltimore’s defense and special teams made big plays to make up for the team’s lackluster offense.

Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
James Dator
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.

The Houston Texans lead the Baltimore Ravens in every category except points on the scoreboard. Through two quarters on Sunday, the Ravens have leaned on their defense and special teams to jump out to a 17-9 lead.

Houston has 157 yards of offense to Baltimore's 65, but the team's inability to score holds it back. Quarterback Matt Schaub has thrown for 96 yards, including a costly interception that was returned for a touchdown by linebacker Daryl Smith.

Shortly before the end of the half, Tandon Doss struck for the Ravens with an 82-yard punt return for a touchdown. Houston had time to answer back, but the story remained the same as the Texans settled for a third field goal when the offense was unable to score.

Baltimore needs to find a way to move the ball on offense, because it’s unlikely the Ravens can lean on defense and special teams all game long. Without Ray Rice, the offense has just 14 rushing yards so far.

More from SB Nation NFL:

Week 3 picks: Beware of big spreads

An illustrated guide to playing cornerback

NFL hot seat watch: Ryan loses, Allen wins

Mike Holmgren blasts Trent Richardson trade

Browns trade Trent Richardson to Colts | What it means for Indy | Who wins?

See More:

More in NFL

NFL
WNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in FriscoWNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in Frisco
NFL

The Women’s National Football Conference Championship will air on ESPN2 this weekend.

By RJ Ochoa
From SBNationExternal Link
Which fictional quarterback would you have lead your team?Which fictional quarterback would you have lead your team?
From SBNationExternal Link
By James Dator
NFL
Best bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the YearBest bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
NFL

There are some good longer-shot options on offensive side of ball for the NFL’s Rookie of the Year.

By Bill Williamson
NFL
Brendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go inBrendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go in
NFL

This is a no-brainer for some NFL teams.

By James Dator
NFL
Fernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before himFernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before him
NFL

Fernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before him

By RJ Ochoa
NFL
Brendan Sorsby intends to enter NFL Supplemental Draft, per reportsBrendan Sorsby intends to enter NFL Supplemental Draft, per reports
NFL

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is entering the NFL Supplemental Draft, per reports

By Mark Schofield