Cowboys vs. Ravens: The good, bad, and ugly from a close one in Week 3
Due to a late fourth-quarter resurgence, the Dallas Cowboys avoided yet another embarrassing loss in back-to-back weeks. They were able to fight their way back into the game scoring three late touchdowns in the fourth quarter, only to lose 28-25 in the Week 3 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens.
For the majority of the game the Cowboys looked out of sync and lethargic both offensively and defensively. While they were able to show signs of life late in the game on the offensive side of the ball, defensively they still look undisciplined and outmatched. If we learned anything though, there is still plenty of room for improvement in every aspect.
Today, we are going to take a look at what little good can be taken away from this Week 3 matchup with the Ravens as well as some of the bad and the ugly. Unfortunately, the bad and ugly dominated this week, much like it did last week against the New Orleans Saints.
THE GOOD – Brandon Aubrey
It’s starting to sound like a broken record, but Brandon Aubrey is without a doubt the only consistent good thing to take away from the Cowboys Week 3 matchup against the Ravens. He made two more kicks from beyond 50+ yards (65, 51) and also helped to convert an onside kick that helped the Cowboys claw their way back into the game. While we all love to see him split the uprights on a consistent basis from just about any distance, we would all agree we’d probably prefer him kicking more extra points after touchdowns.
THE BAD – Dak Prescott and Company through three quarters
The Dak Prescott-led Cowboys offense couldn’t get anything going on the ground or through the air through the first three quarters of the game, but finally showed signs of life in the fourth quarter. It was almost as if the switch was finally turned on for the Cowboys offense in the fourth quarter. They played with an energy we have yet to see from them this year and as a result they fought their way back into the game after scoring three quick touchdowns. It unfortunately wasn’t enough, but something they can hopefully build upon.
THE UGLY – Defense. Defense. Defense.
The Cowboys defense was once again their Achilles’ heel against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3. Baltimore’s offense had a total of 456 yards, 238 of which came from QB Lamar Jackson and RB Derrick Henry on the ground. We knew heading into this matchup this QB/RB tandem would be a problem for the Cowboys run defense and that ended up being the case. Sadly, it’s difficult to believe Dallas’ run defense will improve much moving forward unless there are some significant personnel changes made.