The Baltimore Ravens came into Dallas like a team fighting for their lives. Their 0-2 start put them in a much more desperate situation than the Cowboys’ 1-1 beginning and in many ways, both teams played like it. Baltimore jumped to an early lead, seemingly putting things away by halftime. Despite poor body language and suspect effort all around, the Cowboys quietly fought back, narrowing the gap to three. But two clock-killing first down conversions by Baltimore sealed the deal preventing Dallas from mounting one last attack.
What started out as an embarrassment for Cowboys fans, ended as a much more respectable heartbreaker. Dak Prescott essentially dragged the team into contention kicking and screaming. As the tide turned so did the mood on the sideline and the once-dejected faces began showing some fight. It didn’t result in a win, but it showed the team isn’t throwing in the towel yet.
The Cowboys won the penalty battle, logging 61 fewer penalty yards than Baltimore in Week 3. But repeated pre-snap penalties stuck out like a sore thumb. Pre-snap penalties are inexcusable for a team playing at home. They are drive killers and a sign of an undisciplined team.
But that’s not the only takeaway from the Cowboys Week 3 loss.
Run-stopping woes
Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Cowboys are a poor run-stopping team. There’s no other way to slice it and very few cures to fix it. While the broadcast booth and many disgruntled Dallas fans gushed over the awesomeness of Derrick Henry, the real reason Baltimore enjoyed so much success was the defense they were going up against.
Three Ravens rushers averaged over six yards per carry on Sunday. Lamar Jackson, Justice Hill, and Henry. While Henry received the bulk of those carries, he posted the lowest per carry average (6.0). Jackson (6.2) and Hill (6.6) proved with their 19 carries it didn’t matter who was running the rock against this defense.
It should be no surprise the Cowboys got better against stopping the run once their effort increased. Feeding off the offense’s success, the defense started to do the things necessary to be a good run stopping unit. While it’s clear the Cowboys need more talented players on their defensive interior, effort goes a long way in fixing their run stopping woes.
Motion
(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Motion is a great way to manufacture space, change run blocking angles and identify coverages. It’s a cheat code for many offenses and a staple in some of the NFL’s best attacks. The Cowboys have at times been reluctant to use it, but on Sunday they switched things up.
Upon first watch (subject to change) the Cowboys used motion before the snap 10 times and motion during the snap five times. The play was deemed successful 20 percent of the time when using pre-snap motion and 40 percent of the time when there was motion at the snap.
The success rate for either wasn’t anything special but it does highlight how much more effective motion at the snap can be and should be something the Cowboys stick with going forward.
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First down issues
. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
First downs are typically the most fruitful down for an offense. Play options are wide open and circumstances don’t tip off intentions to opposing defenses. Yet the Cowboys have been struggling on first downs this season. Dallas came into their Week 3 contest ranked 29th in first down EPA and 28th in first down success rate. They were squandering their biggest opportunities.
Upon first watch (subject to change) the Cowboys only posted successful first down plays on two of nine runs and on 5-of-14 passing attempts. It’s an ongoing issue that explains the overreliance on third downs this season.
Brandon Aubrey is the early MVP
Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
As if there was any question leading up to the day, the Cowboys second year kicker appears to be their early season MVP this year. Not only has Aubrey revolutionized the art of kickoffs under the new format but he just nailed a 65-yard field goal with relative ease in Week 3.
As if that wasn’t enough, Aubrey was able to slip an onside kick through the Baltimore hands team, stealing a possession and prompting a fourth quarter scoring drive. If the Cowboys can just keep themselves in close games, Aubrey could be a major difference maker.
Sloppy play ruins the day
. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Play fakes ruled the day for the Ravens and ruined the day for Dallas. The final play of the game, a Jackson keeper, came off a fake sweep in the backfield. It sealed the win and highlighted why read-options, zone-reads, play-action and RPOs give this defense fits.
Missed tackles were also an issue on Sunday. At the end of the third quarter the broadcast team pointed out 14 missed tackles from the Cowboys defense. That’s as inexcusable as the effort shown. Add in CeeDee Lamb’s drop in the second half and fumble inside the redzone in the first half and you have a lot to work on heading into the short week.
Final thoughts
Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
There is a lot still to unpack from the Cowboys Week 3 loss to Baltimore. Dak Prescott wasn’t as sharp as he’s been in the past, but he looked better than he has over the last three games we’ve seen him. Pass protection continues to be an issue in Dallas, and receivers continue to struggle to create separation which doesn’t help things a bit.
Defensively it was nice to see the Cowboys willing to mix up their personnel packages. DeMarvion Overshown, typically just a nickel linebacker, and Marist Liufau, typically the base defense linebacker, were both on the field together at times in the Cowboys base defense. Maybe it was a reaction to the Ravens personnel or maybe it was a sign of more to come. Regardless, it shows the Cowboys are willing to adjust, which is something to be celebrated.
