For the second consecutive week, the Dallas Cowboys fell short in front of their fans, though a strong late-game effort nearly turned the tide.
Mike McCarthy’s team attempted to rally against the Baltimore Ravens, who ultimately secured a 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium, thanks in part to a two-touchdown performance from running back Derrick Henry.
The Cowboys’ run defense struggled significantly, failing to contain “King” Henry, who was instrumental in leading the visitors to a series of first downs and accumulating 151 rushing yards.
Henry’s impressive afternoon was complemented by 87 rushing yards from star quarterback Lamar Jackson and a 33-yard reception from backup running back Justice Hill.
Just last Sunday, in week 2, Dallas (1-2) exhibited troubling signs, being overwhelmed at home by the New Orleans Saints, 44-19.
Meanwhile, the Ravens secured their first win in three games after beginning the 2024 season with losses to the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders, both from the American League West division.
“Every game is crucial because we want to achieve our goals,” Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson stated. “We need to win these games to reach the playoffs and eventually the Super Bowl. It all starts with the next game.”
The Ravens have not begun a season 0-2 since 2015.
Offense Lights Up 4th Quarter
While the Cowboys’ defense struggled to close gaps, Dak Prescott’s offense performed only slightly better in the first three quarters.
After managing only two field goals up to that point, McCarthy’s squad accelerated their pace as the clock ticked below 10 minutes remaining.
Prescott executed a half-yard quarterback sneak before finding receiver Jalen Tolbert in the end zone a few minutes later, following a well-placed short kick by Brandon Aubrey that was recovered by a teammate.
However, the Cowboys attempted two two-point conversions after touchdowns, both of which failed, leaving the score margin at ten despite the quick touchdowns.
Following a brief Ravens possession, Dallas regained possession and scored with 2:53 left, marking the third touchdown in as many drives, courtesy of KaVontae Turpin.
Crucial first downs came from a key catch by Zay Flowers and a run by Jackson, allowing John Harbaugh’s squad to solidify their lead.
“Lamar is phenomenal,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “I didn’t want it to come to that, but it did. He made a decisive play.”
Nelson Agholor made a 56-yard catch setting up Henry’s first touchdown, which extended the Ravens’ lead to 14-3.
The visitors opened the game with a five-play, 71-yard drive capped off by a rushing touchdown from Jackson.
Henry, who averaged six yards per carry, became the first Ravens running back to score a touchdown in each of his first three games with the team.
Jackson completed 12 of 15 passes for 182 yards, including a 13-yard touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman, along with 87 rushing yards.
Prescott completed 28 of 51 passes for 379 yards and threw two touchdown passes but received little assistance from his running game.
The Cowboys (1-2) have allowed 120 points in their last three home games, including a 48-32 defeat to the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the playoffs in January, ending their 16-game winning streak at AT&T Stadium.
Mike McCarthy’s team has lost two consecutive home games in the same season for the first time since 2020.
“You certainly want to take the lead against this team,” McCarthy said. “They play to their strengths and style. We weren’t precise enough to secure the win today.”
“You need to ensure that guys don’t dwell on it too much,” Prescott said. “They might feel bad tonight, but by morning, it’s done. If you hold onto it, you’re not going to prepare properly. You’ll fixate on what you could have done differently.”
Cowboys Face Tough Loss Against Ravens: A Recap of NFL Matchup
For the second week in a row, the Dallas Cowboys underperformed in front of their fans, even as a thrilling late-game effort almost proved miraculous. Coach Mike McCarthy‘s team attempted a comeback against the Baltimore Ravens, who held on to win 28-25 at AT&T Stadium thanks to a two-touchdown performance from running back Derrick Henry.
Defensive Struggles for the Cowboys
The Cowboys’ run defense was woeful, struggling to contain “King” Henry, who helped the Ravens secure a series of first downs, accumulating 151 rushing yards. Henry’s excellent performance was further supported by Lamar Jackson, who rushed for 87 yards, and backup running back Justice Hill, who added 33 yards through the air.
Looking Back: Week 2’s Warning Signs
Last Sunday during week 2, Dallas (1-2) showed concerning signs by being overwhelmed at home by the New Orleans Saints, suffering a 44-19 defeat. The Ravens, meanwhile, celebrated their first win of the season, having started the 2024 calendar with losses to the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders.
“Every game is very important because we want to get somewhere,” Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said. “We have to win these games to get to the playoffs and we have to get to the Super Bowl. It starts with the game in front of us.”
A Thrilling Fourth Quarter
As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, while the Cowboys’ defensive unit struggled to make stops, Dak Prescott‘s offense also lagged for a considerable portion of the game. Up to the final 10 minutes, the Cowboys had only managed two precision kicks.
Cowboys Make a Late Push
In a turn of events, Prescott executed a half-yard quarterback sneak and later connected with receiver Jalen Tolbert for a touchdown, following a short kick recovered by one of his teammates. However, Dallas attempted two two-point conversions after their touchdowns, both failing, which left them trailing by ten points.
After forcing a short Ravens sequence, Dallas scored again with just 2:53 left on a touchdown from KaVontae Turpin.
Key Players’ Performance
Here’s a breakdown of the leading players in this matchup:
| Player | Team | Rushing Yards | Touchdowns | Passing Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derrick Henry | Baltimore Ravens | 151 | 2 | N/A |
| Lamar Jackson | Baltimore Ravens | 87 | 1 | 182 |
| Dak Prescott | Dallas Cowboys | 8 | 2 | 379 |
Derrick Henry’s Impact
Henry’s productive afternoon included becoming the first Ravens running back to score a touchdown in each of his first three games with the organization. He averaged six yards per carry throughout the matchup, making him a vital asset for the Ravens.
Lamar Jackson’s Efficiency
Jackson completed 12 of 15 passes for 182 yards, including a touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman. He was not only effective through the air but also racked up significant rushing yards, demonstrating his dual-threat capability and pivotal role in leading his team to victory.
Analyses of the Game Dynamics
The Cowboys have allowed 120 points in their last three home games, which is a concerning statistic for the franchise. This includes a previous 48-32 loss to the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs that ended a 16-game winning streak at AT&T Stadium.
Coaches’ Perspectives
Mike McCarthy acknowledged the need for improved precision from his squad:
“You definitely want to take the lead against this team. They play to their strengths and their style. We weren’t precise enough to win today.”
Prescott’s mindset: “You have to make sure guys don’t worry too much about it… If you hang on to that, you’re not going to prepare for it. You’re going to think about things you should have done.”
What This Means for the Cowboys Going Forward
The loss against the Ravens marks the second consecutive home defeat for the Cowboys in the same season since 2020. The team must regroup quickly as they look to improve their performance in upcoming games and make adjustments to their strategy, particularly regarding run defense and offensive execution.
Upcoming Challenges
The Cowboys face a crucial next few games where they need to focus on:
- Improving their defensive strategies to contain opposing teams’ running games.
- Enhancing their offensive precision, especially in the red zone.
- Building team morale and focusing on teamwork to overcome pressure situations.
Benefits of Learning from Defeats
While defeats can be tough, they also offer invaluable learning experiences for teams. Continuous evaluation of gameplay, fostering a resilient mindset, and implementing strategic changes can help the Cowboys navigate their season more effectively.
