Lamar Jackson, Ravens thwart Cowboys' late comeback to earn first win: Key takeaways
Ravens Secure First Win of Season Against Cowboys #
The Baltimore Ravens emerged victorious in a close game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, marking their first win of the season. The Ravens’ quarterback played a crucial role, throwing for a touchdown and rushing for another while collaborating effectively with the team’s newly acquired veteran running back.
The Ravens’ ground game proved to be a key factor in their success, with the new running back contributing two touchdowns to the win. In contrast, the Cowboys struggled to find their offensive rhythm for much of the game.
Ravens Establish Offensive Identity #
After facing criticism about their lack of offensive identity in the first two weeks, the Ravens made a statement with their performance. They relied heavily on their run game, a strategy that has historically been successful for the team. While the quarterback had another strong showing, the team only attempted 15 passes throughout the game.
Dominant Performance by Ravens’ Running Back #
The Ravens’ new running back, who had shown interest in joining the Cowboys during the offseason, delivered an impressive performance against Dallas. He rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries, also adding a 23-yard reception. His contributions were crucial in securing the win for Baltimore.
Penalty Issues Persist for Ravens #
Despite their dominant win, the Ravens continued to struggle with penalties. They entered the game ranked near the bottom of the league in penalties and penalty yards, and added 13 more penalties for 105 yards against the Cowboys. While some penalties are unavoidable, the team needs to address this issue moving forward.
Cowboys’ Late Offensive Surge Falls Short #
The Cowboys’ offense found its spark late in the game, but it wasn’t enough to overcome their earlier struggles. The quarterback led a fierce rally in the final minutes, but time ran out before they could complete the comeback. Early mistakes, including a fumble in the red zone and a costly penalty, proved to be the difference in the game.
Defensive Struggles Continue for Dallas #
For the second consecutive week, the Cowboys’ defense struggled to contain their opponents. They allowed too many open receivers, big runs, and significant plays when the game was still competitive. Despite a late push from the offense, the defense couldn’t make the crucial stops needed to secure a win.
The loss drops the Cowboys to a 1-2 record for the season, while the Ravens celebrate their first victory.