Introduction
In an intense NFL showdown, the Baltimore Ravens squared off against the Dallas Cowboys, delivering a game that left fans and analysts alike dissecting the performance of both teams. The Ravens, who came into the game with an undefeated record, dominated the Cowboys in a commanding 31-13 victory. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the player stats and key highlights that defined the match.
First Half Overview
From the outset, the game showed a clear disparity between the two teams. The Ravens, who played with efficient offense and aggressive defense, controlled the tempo. On the other hand, the Dallas Cowboys struggled to generate consistent offense, especially in the first half.
In the first quarter, the Cowboys initially had a slight advantage, leading 7-5, but this would quickly change as the game progressed. The Ravens exploded in the second quarter with a 13-0 run, showcasing their offensive dominance. By halftime, they led 18-7, and it was clear that the Cowboys would need a major turnaround to challenge the Ravens’ supremacy.
Offensive Stats Comparison
Baltimore Ravens Offensive Performance
The Ravens dominated on offense with a balanced attack that proved too much for the Cowboys’ defense. Below is a breakdown of their key offensive statistics:
- Total Yards: 399 yards
- Total Plays: 79
- Yards per Play: 5.1
- Passing Yards: 251 yards
- Rushing Yards: 148 yards
- Completions / Attempts: 25/40
- Interceptions Thrown: 2
- Sacks: 0 (The offensive line did a solid job protecting Lamar Jackson)
- Rushing Attempts: 39
The Ravens’ offensive attack, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, was able to move the ball with ease. Jackson threw for 251 yards, completing 25 of 40 passes. However, despite the yardage, he did throw two interceptions, which kept the Cowboys within range at times. The Ravens’ running game also excelled with Mark Ingram II leading the way, rushing for 72 yards on 17 carries.
Dallas Cowboys Offensive Struggles
In contrast, the Cowboys’ offense struggled to put together effective drives. The Cowboys’ total offensive output was just 176 yards, a stark difference from the Ravens’ performance. Here’s a breakdown of the Cowboys’ offensive stats:
- Total Yards: 176 yards
- Total Plays: 47
- Yards per Play: 3.7
- Passing Yards: 125 yards
- Rushing Yards: 51 yards
- Completions / Attempts: 10/23
- Interceptions Thrown: 1
- Sacks: 4 (Total yards lost: 30)
The Cowboys’ passing game was ineffective, with Dak Prescott completing only 10 of 23 passes for 125 yards. Prescott struggled under pressure, throwing an interception and getting sacked four times for a loss of 30 yards. Ezekiel Elliott, known for his powerful running, was held to just 51 rushing yards on 20 attempts, averaging a meager 2.6 yards per carry.
Third and Fourth Down Efficiency
Another significant factor in the game was the third and fourth down efficiency.
- Baltimore Ravens:
- 3rd Down Efficiency: 8/17 (47%)
- 4th Down Efficiency: 1/1 (100%)
- Dallas Cowboys:
- 3rd Down Efficiency: 2/11 (18%)
- 4th Down Efficiency: 0/2 (0%)
The Ravens showed impressive ability to convert third downs, extending drives and maintaining possession. Their 1/1 success rate on fourth down only added to the disparity, highlighting their offensive control. In contrast, the Cowboys were unable to convert third downs consistently, leading to many stalled drives and a lack of offensive rhythm.
Red Zone Efficiency
In football, red zone efficiency can often make or break a game. The Ravens took advantage of their red zone opportunities, while the Cowboys faltered in this crucial area.
- Baltimore Ravens: 2/4 (50%)
- Dallas Cowboys: 0/2 (0%)
The Ravens were able to capitalize on their trips to the red zone, scoring two touchdowns, while the Cowboys failed to score on their two red zone appearances, which was a critical failure in a game they were already struggling in.
Turnovers and Penalties
Turnovers are often a deciding factor in football games, and this matchup was no exception. Both teams committed two turnovers each, but the difference in how those turnovers impacted the game was notable.
- Baltimore Ravens:
- Turnovers: 2 (2 interceptions)
- Penalties: 10 for 56 yards
- Dallas Cowboys:
- Turnovers: 2 (1 interception, 1 fumble lost)
- Penalties: 7 for 59 yards
While the Ravens had more penalties, the Cowboys’ turnovers were more damaging. Dak Prescott threw an interception and fumbled the ball, allowing the Ravens to gain key field position and take control of the game.
Defensive and Special Teams Play
While the Ravens’ defense was solid, keeping the Cowboys’ offense in check for most of the game, it was the Cowboys’ special teams that gave them a glimmer of hope. A defensive / special teams touchdown by Cedrick Wilson of the Cowboys, though a bright spot, was ultimately overshadowed by the Ravens’ commanding lead.
On defense, the Ravens were able to put pressure on Prescott, sacking him four times. Despite the pressure, the Cowboys were unable to capitalize on the turnovers, leaving them with limited scoring opportunities.
Possession and Time Control
One of the most telling stats of the game was possession time. The Ravens had an overwhelming 40:11 of possession, while the Cowboys only had 19:49. This disparity was a direct result of the Ravens’ ability to sustain drives with their balanced offense. The longer possession also wore down the Cowboys’ defense, preventing them from being effective when they needed to make stops.
Key Players to Watch
Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson: The young quarterback showed his dual-threat ability with 251 passing yards and a solid rushing game, though he did throw two interceptions. He also displayed poise under pressure, consistently moving the ball down the field.
Mark Ingram II: Ingram’s hard-nosed running style wore down the Cowboys’ defense, leading the Ravens with 72 yards on 17 carries.
Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott: Prescott’s struggles under pressure were evident, with only 125 passing yards and multiple turnovers. His performance was below expectations for a quarterback of his caliber.
Ezekiel Elliott: While Elliott is a key part of the Cowboys’ offense, he was stifled by the Ravens’ defensive line. He averaged just 2.6 yards per carry, a far cry from the explosive performances he’s known for.
Final Thoughts
The Baltimore Ravens’ 31-13 victory over the Dallas Cowboys highlighted the vast differences between the two teams, particularly in terms of offensive efficiency and execution. The Ravens’ ability to balance the run and pass, combined with their strong defense, proved to be too much for the Cowboys, who struggled to get anything going offensively. Key stats such as third-down efficiency, red zone scoring, and turnover ratios all pointed to the Ravens’ dominance in this matchup. While the Cowboys’ defense had a few flashes of brilliance, it was clear that their offense, led by Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott, was unable to find a rhythm against the Ravens’ defense. This game serves as a reminder of the importance of a balanced offensive attack and the ability to capitalize on key moments, especially in the red zone.
As both teams continue their respective seasons, the Ravens’ performance solidified their position as one of the league’s top teams, while the Cowboys will need to make adjustments if they are to remain competitive in their division.
FAQS
1. Who was the standout player in the Baltimore Ravens vs Dallas Cowboys match?
Lamar Jackson’s all-around performance led the Ravens to victory with 251 passing yards and a strong rushing game.
2. What was the key difference in the Ravens’ offense?
The Ravens had a balanced offensive attack, with strong contributions from both the passing and rushing game.
3. How did Dallas Cowboys struggle in the match?
The Cowboys struggled with passing efficiency, as Dak Prescott completed just 10 of 23 passes for 125 yards.
4. Which team had better red zone efficiency?
The Ravens were more efficient in the red zone, scoring on 2 of 4 trips, while the Cowboys failed to score.
5. What was the total time of possession for both teams?
The Ravens dominated possession with 40:11, while the Cowboys had only 19:49 of possession.
