Head coach Bill O'Brien admits he didn't watch many of the NFL games over the bye weekend. Facing the 7-2 Baltimore Ravens on the road next, the Houston Texans have a tall task ahead of them on Sunday.
"I'd love to give you all my thoughts on all the games, but I'll be honest with you, I've been basically immersed in watching the Ravens," O'Brien said Monday. "You've watched the Ravens. Have you watched the Ravens on film? There's a lot to watch, so I haven't even thought about those other games."
After winning five consecutive games, Baltimore is currently in first place in the AFC North with a 7-2 record.
Second-year quarterback Lamar Jackson, coming off another performance with a perfect passer rating, completed 15-of-17 for 223 yards and three touchdowns in the Ravens 49-13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Jackson also scored on a 47-yard touchdown run, one of his seven carries for 65 yards rushing.
"It's impressive," O'Brien said. "I mean, he is very instinctive, very smart, has great command of their offense. Competitive, great runner, great thrower. He can do it all. He is an MVP candidate for a reason."
On Sunday, Jackson and Deshaun Watson will square off for the first time as NFL quarterbacks when the two teams meet in Baltimore. Through nine games this season, Watson has thrown for 2432 yards, 18 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 107.1 passer rating. Jackson has thrown for 2036 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions and a 101.7 passer rating. Watson is tied for first in the AFC with 18 touchdown passes while Jackson is third with 15. Jackson is tied for an NFL-best six rushing touchdowns through nine games, while Watson ranks second with five rushing touchdowns.
The Texans head to Baltimore to face the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday. Kickoff is set for noon CT on CBS and SportsRadio 610.
