Texans DC drops a key hint on Lamar Jackson plans for AFC divisional round

The Houston Texans went all out to make life difficult for Lamar Jackson during their regular season opener against the Baltimore Ravens. The Texans sacked Jackson a total of four times in Week 1. Jackson was also pressured on 29.0 percent of dropbacks in the contest — the fourth-highest mark of his season. The Texans […]

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Sep 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) scrambles against the Houston Texans during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans went all out to make life difficult for Lamar Jackson during their regular season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Texans sacked Jackson a total of four times in Week 1. Jackson was also pressured on 29.0 percent of dropbacks in the contest — the fourth-highest mark of his season.

The Texans are set to once again square off with Jackson, as they will meet the Ravens in the AFC divisional round. Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke is hoping to see his unit not let Jackson have his way in the pocket on Saturday.

"Yeah, obviously at the forefront of what we have to do this week," Burke said during a press conference ahead of the AFC divisional round. "He is a great athlete. He has a great feel in the pocket, he does a great job of escaping, breaking tackles — all those things. It’s going to be sort of like we’ve preached all year, but even at a heightened level of rushing as a unit. … It’s definitely going to be about guys staying in their rush areas. 

"If you get out of your area and out of your lane, and kind of where we’re trying to put it all together, if you get out, then he’s going to make you pay."

Baltimore’s offensive line has gone all out to protect Jackson as of late. Overall, the sixth-year passer was pressured at least seven times in just two out of his eight final appearances of the regular season.

The Ravens are looking to clinch a spot in the AFC title game for the first time in the Lamar Jackson era.