In the aftermath of last weekend's debacle -- the Ravens' fourth consecutive victory -- overshadowed by the abysmal run defense is the improved play of the offensive line.

Quarterback Joe Flacco only was sacked once against the Dallas Cowboys. In the two previous games, Flacco was taken down eight times.

A key adjustment was veteran Bobbie Williams being inserted into the starting lineup at left guard in place of Ramon Harewood. It was Williams' first start as a Raven since he was acquired as a free agent.

Sunday, the Ravens travel to play the Houston Texans and dominant defensive end J.J. Watt, who stands 6-foot-5 and can singe-handedly change a game with his ability to get to the quarterback and knock down pass attempts.

"He does everything. He's big, he's powerful. He's athletic, quick. If you could point to one thing it would just be his motor," Ravens center Matt Birk said. "You got to block the whole play and then some. He's certainly not the only guy they have. They put four guys in there to rush the passer, all those guys are capable of getting there. It's tough to single out one guy."

Right guard Marshal Yanda marvels at the Texans, too.

"They're just a really talented front, Watt and Smith and them guys in the inside. They're damn good players," Yanda said. "Especially Watt. He's so tall with long arms. He can bat the ball down. They're teaching that and it definitely helps. They're just good at it.

"They'll be one of the best fronts we'll see all year. It seems like we say that every week, but it's a different animal every week."

Keeping Flacco free from Watt is a priority. If he has time to pass, he can exploit a Texans secondary that allowed 338 passing yards and six touchdowns in a 42-24 loss to the Green Bay Packers last week.

"There's batting down passes, hits on the quarterback, just getting in the quarterback's face so he can't step, follow through, that affects the passing game," Birk said of Houston's defense. "You get a feel for when the ball is coming out. They have great instincts and great sense to stop and get their hands up to affect it in other ways.

"Nobody has done that great a job against them. It's not like there's a blueprint, but we'll prepare hard like we always do."