Arlington, TX – The Dallas Cowboys mounted a spirited comeback in the fourth quarter but ultimately fell short, losing 28-25 to the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. The game was a tale of two halves, with the Ravens dominating early before the Cowboys clawed their way back into contention, only to come up just shy in the final minutes.
First Half: Ravens Take Control
The game started with the Ravens setting the tone early. After the Cowboys’ opening drive stalled, the Ravens took over and marched down the field with ease. Quarterback Lamar Jackson showcased his dual-threat ability, capping off a 71-yard drive with a 9-yard touchdown run, putting the Ravens up 7-0.
The Cowboys responded with a 65-yard field goal by Brandon Aubrey, cutting the lead to 7-3. However, the Ravens continued to exert their dominance on both sides of the ball. Baltimore’s defense stifled the Cowboys’ offense, forcing quick three-and-outs and preventing them from finding any rhythm.
The Ravens’ offense, meanwhile, continued to roll. Derrick Henry, acquired by the Ravens in the offseason, powered his way into the end zone with a 1-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 14-3 late in the first quarter. The Ravens struck again just before halftime, with Jackson connecting with Rashod Bateman for a 13-yard touchdown pass to make it 21-3.
The Cowboys managed to add another field goal before the half, but they headed into the locker room trailing 21-6, with little going their way.
Third Quarter: Ravens Extend Their Lead
The second half began with the Ravens picking up right where they left off. On their first possession of the third quarter, Jackson led another efficient drive, highlighted by a 29-yard run from Henry. The drive ended with Henry scoring his second touchdown of the day on a 26-yard run, pushing the Ravens’ lead to 28-6.
Dallas’s offense continued to struggle, with quarterback Dak Prescott under constant pressure from the Ravens’ pass rush. The Cowboys’ offensive line, usually a strength, was overwhelmed by the Ravens’ defensive front, leading to multiple sacks and hurried throws. The Cowboys’ only response was a series of short gains that failed to move the chains, and another missed opportunity to score kept them well behind as the third quarter ended.
Fourth Quarter: Cowboys Mount a Comeback
Down 28-6 entering the fourth quarter, the Cowboys needed a spark, and they found it through their passing game. Prescott, who had been frustrated for most of the game, began to find his rhythm. He led a 64-yard drive that culminated in a 1-yard touchdown run by Prescott himself. Although the two-point conversion attempt failed, the touchdown brought the score to 28-12.
The Cowboys’ defense, which had struggled to contain the Ravens all day, finally managed to force a punt on Baltimore’s next possession, giving Prescott another chance. This time, he connected with Jalen Tolbert for a 15-yard touchdown pass, and suddenly, the Cowboys were within striking distance at 28-18 after another failed two-point attempt.
With time running out, the Cowboys executed a successful onside kick, recovering the ball and giving themselves a chance to tie the game. Prescott led a determined drive, highlighted by a 24-yard pass to Hunter Luepke and a 23-yard strike to KaVontae Turpin, which set up a 16-yard touchdown pass to Turpin, making it 28-25 with just under three minutes left.
However, the Ravens’ defense stiffened when it mattered most. The Cowboys, out of timeouts, were unable to stop the clock as Baltimore managed to run out the remaining time, securing the hard-fought victory.
Key Performances
- Lamar Jackson (QB): Jackson was the driving force behind the Ravens’ offense, throwing for 182 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 87 yards and another score. His ability to make plays with his legs kept the Cowboys’ defense off-balance throughout the game.
- Derrick Henry (RB): Henry was a workhorse for the Ravens, rushing for 151 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. His power and vision were on full display, particularly in the third quarter when he broke free for a 29-yard run.
- Dak Prescott (QB): Prescott threw for 379 yards and two touchdowns, but he was under constant pressure and sacked three times. Despite the struggles, his leadership in the fourth quarter nearly brought the Cowboys back from a seemingly insurmountable deficit.
- Jalen Tolbert (WR): Tolbert was one of Prescott’s key targets, catching five passes for 42 yards and a touchdown. His ability to find space in the Ravens’ secondary was crucial during the Cowboys’ comeback attempt.
- KaVontae Turpin (WR): Turpin provided a spark late in the game with a 16-yard touchdown reception. He also contributed in the return game, setting up the Cowboys with favorable field position.
Ravens’ Defensive Stand
The Ravens’ defense was relentless, particularly in the first three quarters. Led by linebacker Roquan Smith and safety Kyle Hamilton, the Ravens pressured Prescott throughout the game, disrupting the Cowboys’ passing attack and limiting their effectiveness on the ground. The Ravens’ secondary also played a key role, with Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Williams making several crucial pass breakups.
Despite the late surge by the Cowboys, the Ravens’ defense held firm when it mattered most. On the final drive, they forced the Cowboys into difficult down-and-distance situations, ultimately securing the win.
Looking Ahead
The Cowboys, now 1-2 on the season, will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for a challenging stretch of games. Protecting Prescott and finding consistency on offense will be key focus areas in practice.
The Ravens, improving to 3-0, continue to demonstrate why they are considered one of the top teams in the AFC. With a balanced offense and a defense capable of making big plays, Baltimore looks poised to make a deep playoff run.
Final Thoughts
The Cowboys showed tremendous heart in their fourth-quarter comeback, but their slow start and inability to contain Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry ultimately cost them the game. The Ravens’ ability to control the line of scrimmage and capitalize on turnovers proved to be the difference. Both teams have plenty to work on, but the Ravens leave Dallas with their undefeated record intact, while the Cowboys are left to ponder what could have been.
