Ravens 28 Cowboys 25

It was the best of times. It was the stomach-turning-did-that-just-happen-why-does-life-hate-me-so-much-does-anybody-else-smell-toast of times.

But the Ravens needed a win against the Dallas Cowboys, and they got one. And that was what was most important. Let’s look at some grades.

Offense Overall: A-

The Ravens generated 456 yards of offense, dominated the line of scrimmage and were very efficient in the passing game. They were certainly more explosive in the first half, compiling several big plays and producing three touchdowns, and the run game was dominant throughout the game. Some penalties hurt, I thought the game-calling got a little too run-happy in the second half, but it was a good showing overall.

Quarterback: A

Lamar Jackson wasn’t asked to do too much in the passing game, but he was good when he did, going 12-15 for 182 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 87 yards, including a touchdown run in the first quarter and a huge first down at the end of the game. He missed on a throw to Mark Andrews with about six minutes left, but then redeemed himself with a clutch toss to Zay Flowers on third-and-six at the end of the game. He was very, very good.

Running Backs: A

This was the unit of the day, as Derrick Henry was dominant, with 25 carries for 151 yards and two touchdowns, and another big 23-yard catch. We got to see a few of those highlight-reel plays from the King today, and he was a star. Justice Hill did what Justice Hill does, producing a few explosive plays, with 33 yards on the ground and 21 in the air. Patrick Ricard was absolutely destroying people today.

Receivers: B-

Jackson spread the ball around, completing passes to seven receivers among his 12 completions, so there weren’t a lot of balls to be had. Zay Flowers made a clutch catch, and led the team with three catches, matching Rashod Bateman, who had a touchdown on a nice move to spring open. Charlie Kolar had a big 30-yard catch, and Nelson Agholar had one himself, for 56 yards. They looked good when called upon, but… not a lot. Not this game.

Offensive Line: B+

They were good today, which is quite a step up from the first two games, if we’re being honest. There were too many penalties, again, but let’s give this unit credit on a day when Jackson, Henry and Hill each averaged more than 6 yards per carry. It wasn’t always perfect, but they didn’t give up a sack to a team that rushes the passer well and they imposed their will on an opponent for the first time this season. Let’s give Charlie Kolar some credit for his work today on the line, as well. He did a nice job on the edge.

Defense Overall: C-

This looked like a real coming-out performance for much of the game, but that fourth quarter was simply dreadful. The zones, again, got loose. Tackles were, again, missed. Plays weren’t made by defenders who did find themselves in tight coverage, again. Same mistakes every week. However, the defensive line won the battle for the majority of the game, and they continue to do well against the run.

Defensive Line: B-

Nnamdi Madubuike didn’t do much in the box score (one quarterback hit, no tackles), but he was active. He drew a hold on first-and-goal for Dallas at the start of the second quarter, and that pretty much ended that drive, and he nearly had a safety later that quarter. He was also in on the play Tavius Robinson made on Prescott at the end of the third quarter. Travis Jones had a run stuff on the Cowboys’ first drive, and was in on Kyle Van Noy’s third-quarter sack. Michael Pierce was in on some plays early, and then nearly caused a fumble with a hit on Prescott int he third quarter.

Linebackers: B-

I’m putting Van Noy here, but he could have been in the defensive-line category, too. He’s a valuable player, and off to a great start. Roquan Smith had 11 tackles and broke up a pass, and had his best game of the season, but he also was in coverage on a few completions. Odafe Oweh was a menace early, and David Ojabo drew a holding call in the third quarter.

Defensive Backs: C

Nate Wiggins had a first-round rookie corner kind of day. He flashed with a forced fumble on first and goal early in the second quarter, but he got beat several times and had a PI called back because of offsetting calls. Marlon Humphrey was good on the day, and had two passes defensed and a quarterback hit. He also nearly had a pick in the third quarter when he beat the receiver to a back shoulder throw. Kyle Hamilton had 12 tackles and a quarterback hit, but also missed a tackle on a big play in the fourth quarter. He was good off the edge and blew up a few plays, though. Marcus Williams had a nice play on the ball in the first quarter, but got a big flag late that hurt. Brandon Stephens was tight in coverage for most of the game, it appeared. Eddie Jackson had a facemask penalty in the third, but also made a great move on a pass in the fourth that he almost picked.

The biggest problems were giant holes in zones, at the end of the half, and the fourth quarter.

Special Teams: C

Justin Tucker badly hooked a field goal attempt and the Ravens gave up an onside kick late. Those were bad plays. The rest? Pretty good. I thought Jordan Stout rallied from a rough game last week, and some criticism from his coach, and made some big kicks, landing three inside the opponents’ 20, including a clutch moment with six minutes left. Deonte Harty looked good on both kick and punt returns.

Coaching: C-

Something is broken in terms of this team coughing up leads. And something is working in terms of this team getting leads to begin with, right? The Ravens need to fix the disconnect, but it feels better working on that after a win. I loved the early script on the Ravens’ first drive, with Jackson running, some misdirection to Hill and a nice play-action rollout design to Kolar. And those screens to Hill and Henry to move down the field in the 2:00 drive of the first half? Chef’s kiss. But I did think it got too run-heavy in the second half, and the Ravens focused on clock instead of continuing to stack touchdowns.

Defensively, I struggle with the gaps in zones at the end of halves and when teams need to pass to come back. Maybe it’s miscommunication on the field. Maybe it’s scheme. Maybe it’s playcalling. Regardless, the coaches have to get it locked up, and now.

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Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2024/09/22/report-card/ravens-28-cowboys-25/