Houston aims to erase last year’s Christmas Day 31-2 loss at Baltimore, riding momentum from a recent win and Stroud’s rising chemistry with Nico Collins. With Lamar Jackson sidelined, the Ravens present a different challenge, but the Texans believe the prior debacle can fuel a focused, swagger-rebuilding performance on the road.

Voices from Collins, Al-Shaair, Scruggs, and Will Anderson stress staying sharp, fixing the past, and pressing a run-first Ravens attack while stringing together offense. Houston hasn’t won in Baltimore in eight tries, turning this clash into a pivotal test of Ryans’ rebuild and Stroud’s growth.

Houston’s defense has been historic through four weeks, allowing 51 points—the fewest in the Texans’ 24-year history over this span. A Week 4 26-0 win over the Titans underscored their dominance as the offense finally found a spark. If the unit sustains this elite level, Houston’s playoff chances won’t be dead yet.

Burke handled the Texans' defensive calls on Sunday, but the workflow stayed the same with Ryans and the staff deeply involved. Houston rolled to a 26-0 win over Tennessee, the club's first shutout since 2010, and allowed just 175 yards. Burke called it a smooth, collaborative process, a conduit for weeks of prep rather than a dramatic shift.

Ryans’ broader involvement and the on-field voice from Azeez Al-Shaair kept the defense aligned while the offense appeared sharper with Ryans freed up. The win hints Burke could continue to handle gameday calls, though both he and Ryans emphasize the system remains intact and the team remains cohesive.

In the bigger picture, the result underscored a disciplined, well-coordinated unit and the potential for Houston to ride momentum as the staff sticks to its collaborative approach rather than a single delegate taking charge.

Texans fall to 0-3 as C.J. Stroud remains unsettled, finishing 25 of 38 for 204 yards with 1 TD and 2 INTs. The offense lacks a clear identity; the run game stalls despite Nick Chubb and Woody Marks averaging over 4 yards per carry. Nico Collins delivers a 50-yard TD to tie it late, but a fumble deep in Jaguars territory sinks Houston's hopes. Penalties and coaching miscues loom large in a 17-10 defeat at EverBank Stadium.

Houston's defense shows flashes, with Jalen Pitre's fourth-quarter INT and Will Anderson Jr. pressuring the passer, but Jaguars close out on Etienne's 10-yard TD with under two minutes left. Special teams woes—Fairbairn's miss—caps a rough day. DeMeco Ryans faces questions as the Texans regroup after this tough divisional loss.