Key takeaways from first half of Ravens Week 1 matchup vs. Texans

After waiting months, the Baltimore Ravens returned to M&T Bank Stadium, celebrating 25 years as the team hosted the Houston Texans.

Lamar Jackson was somewhat rusty in his first game action since suffering an injury against the Broncos, and both teams struggled to find any rhythm as Baltimore exited the half with a 7-6.

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Here are key takeaways and observations with plenty of football left to be played.

Lamar Jackson rust shows early

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball against the Houston Texans during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Texans sent the house, caused Lamar Jackson to rush the throw. Again, a great pick by Steven Nelson. So far so good from the defense. pic.twitter.com/ZkJ0hH9yr8

— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) September 10, 2023

Jackson was 7-11 for 60-yards passing and one interception in the first half.

Lamar Jackson vs. the blitz today: 1-for-4 for 10 yards and an INT. He was also sacked once and took the intentional-grounding penalty.

Without the blitz: 6-for-7 for 50 yards and no sacks.

— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) September 10, 2023

Patrick Queen motivated

Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Queen had five tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit in the first half.

TURNOVER ON DOWNS AFTER THE @Patrickqueen_ SACK!!

Tune in now on @ParamountPlus and CBS! pic.twitter.com/CYeQdU3QzO

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 10, 2023

Zay Flowers explosive

Sep 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) gains yards after his first quarter catch defended by Houston Texans linebacker Jonathan Greenard (52) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

The rookie had three catches for 29 yards on four targets.

Zay Flowers drops a defender in the first quarter of his first NFL game. Filthy. pic.twitter.com/fhiSmqSvoM

— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) September 10, 2023

Odell Beckham Jr.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Odell Beckham Jr. #3 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the play against the Houston Texans during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Beckham Jr. had zero catches on 1 target in the first half.

J.K. Dobbins

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: J.K. Dobbins #27 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled by Christian Harris #48 of the Houston Texans after catching a pass during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Dobbins had six carries for 22-yards and the touchdown.

JK DIVES IN FOR THE TOUCHDOWN❗️❗️❗️

Tune in on CBS/Paramount+! pic.twitter.com/lVOw2mbobr

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 10, 2023

Ravens offensive line

(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Ravens offensive line is really struggling. Penalties, not picking up blitzes, losing matchups, etc. Texans coming after Jackson and Ravens not doing good job handling it.

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) September 10, 2023

C.J. Stroud

Sep 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) escapes pressure from Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (24) in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

The rookie from Ohio State was 13-20 for 91-yards in the first half.

Lamar Jackson is back

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball against the Houston Texans during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Jackson had five carries for 35-yards in the first half.

Put 'em in a blender 😂🔥

Tune in on CBS/@ParamountPlus pic.twitter.com/jEzHIk7P0G

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 10, 2023