The Baltimore Ravens faced off against the Dallas Cowboys in a thrilling NFL Week 3 matchup on September 22, 2024, at AT&T Stadium. The Ravens secured a 28-25 victory, avoiding an 0-3 start, while the Cowboys fell to 1-2 after a late rally fell short. This article provides a detailed analysis of the player stats, key performances, and game-changing moments, optimized for fans seeking in-depth insights into this high-stakes game.
Overview of the Ravens vs. Cowboys Game
The Ravens dominated early, leveraging their powerful rushing attack and Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat ability. Derrick Henry was a standout, while the Cowboys struggled defensively until a fourth-quarter surge led by Dak Prescott. Below, we break down the player stats, highlight top performers, and offer insights into what the numbers mean for both teams.
Key Player Stats: Ravens vs. Cowboys (September 22, 2024)
Here’s a detailed table summarizing the standout player performances from the game:
| Player | Team | Position | Passing (Comp/Att-Yds-TD-INT) | Rushing (Car-Yds-TD) | Receiving (Rec-Yds-TD) | Tackles/Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamar Jackson | Ravens | QB | 12/15-182-1-0 | 14-87-1 | – | – |
| Derrick Henry | Ravens | RB | – | 25-151-2 | 1-23-0 | – |
| Nelson Agholor | Ravens | WR | – | – | 1-56-0 | – |
| Rashod Bateman | Ravens | WR | – | – | 1-13-1 | – |
| Kyle Van Noy | Ravens | LB | – | – | – | 5/2.0 |
| Dak Prescott | Cowboys | QB | 28/51-379-2-0 | 2-7-1 | – | – |
| Jalen Tolbert | Cowboys | WR | – | – | 1-15-1 | – |
| KaVontae Turpin | Cowboys | WR | – | – | 1-16-1 | – |
| Brandon Aubrey | Cowboys | K | – | – | – | 2 FG (65, 51 yds) |
| Micah Parsons | Cowboys | LB | – | – | – | 4/0.0 |
Data sourced from ESPN, Sportskeeda, and NFL.com
Breaking Down the Stats: What Stood Out?
Lamar Jackson’s Efficient Performance
Lamar Jackson was the catalyst for Baltimore’s offense, completing 12 of 15 passes for 182 yards and one touchdown, while adding 87 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. His 80% completion rate and clutch third-down throw to Zay Flowers in the final minutes sealed the victory.
- Key Moment: Jackson’s 9-yard touchdown run on the opening drive set the tone, showcasing his elusiveness.
- Insight: His ability to avoid sacks (zero in the game) highlights Baltimore’s improved offensive line play.
Derrick Henry’s Dominant Ground Game
Derrick Henry was unstoppable, rushing for 151 yards on 25 carries (6.0 yards per carry) and scoring two touchdowns. He forced 12 missed tackles, the second-most in a single game that season, per NFL Next Gen Stats.
- Highlight: A 26-yard touchdown run in the third quarter extended Baltimore’s lead to 28-6.
- Tip for Fans: Henry’s performance underscores why he’s a fantasy football must-start against weaker run defenses like Dallas’.
Dak Prescott’s Late Surge
Dak Prescott struggled early, completing just 28 of 51 passes for 379 yards, but his fourth-quarter heroics nearly staged a comeback. He threw touchdown passes to Jalen Tolbert (15 yards) and KaVontae Turpin (16 yards) and scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown.
- Stat to Note: Prescott’s 379 passing yards were inflated by garbage-time production, as Dallas trailed 28-6 entering the fourth.
- Takeaway: The Cowboys’ offense needs to start faster to avoid playing catch-up against strong teams.
Defensive Standouts
- Kyle Van Noy (Ravens): Recorded two sacks on Prescott, both on third downs, disrupting Dallas’ rhythm.
- Micah Parsons (Cowboys): Had four tackles but was quiet against Baltimore’s run-heavy attack, a concern for Dallas’ defense.
How Did the Ravens Win the Game?
The Ravens’ victory was built on three pillars: a dominant rushing attack, efficient passing, and timely defensive stops. Here’s how they pulled it off:
- Ground and Pound: Baltimore rushed for 274 yards, with Henry and Jackson combining for 238. This controlled the clock and kept Dallas’ offense off the field.
- Early Lead: Touchdowns on their first two drives (Jackson’s run and Henry’s 1-yard score) put Dallas in a 14-3 hole.
- Clutch Plays: Jackson’s third-down completion to Zay Flowers and a 10-yard run with a fake in the final minutes clinched the game.
For Fans: Want to predict game outcomes? Focus on time of possession and rushing yards—teams that dominate both often win close games.
Why Did the Cowboys Fall Short?
Despite a valiant fourth-quarter rally, the Cowboys’ loss stemmed from early miscues and defensive struggles:
- Porous Run Defense: Dallas allowed 274 rushing yards, with Henry averaging 6 yards per carry. This exposed the absence of former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn’s influence.
- Slow Start: The Cowboys scored just six points (two field goals) through three quarters, digging a 28-6 hole.
- Missed Opportunities: CeeDee Lamb’s fumble at the Baltimore 10-yard line in the second quarter killed a promising drive.
Tip for Cowboys Fans: Advocate for a stronger running back in the offseason—Dallas’ lack of a ground game (Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott combined for under 50 yards) is a glaring weakness.
Who Were the Game’s MVPs?
- Derrick Henry (Ravens): His 151 yards and two touchdowns earned him the game’s top honor. His physicality overwhelmed Dallas’ front seven.
- Lamar Jackson (Ravens): His dual-threat performance (269 total yards, two touchdowns) kept the Cowboys guessing.
- Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys): Despite the loss, Aubrey’s 65-yard field goal set a franchise record and kept Dallas in the game early.
What Can We Learn from the Stats?
The stats reveal critical insights for both teams moving forward:
- Ravens’ Run-First Identity: With 274 rushing yards, Baltimore reaffirmed their ground-and-pound philosophy. Expect them to lean on Henry against teams with weak run defenses.
- Cowboys’ Defensive Woes: Allowing 120 points in their last three home games (including a playoff loss to Green Bay) signals a need for defensive reinforcements.
- Prescott’s Resilience: His 379 passing yards show he can produce under pressure, but Dallas needs a balanced offense to maximize his talents.
Practical Tip: If you’re a fantasy football player, start Ravens RBs against teams ranked in the bottom 10 for run defense. Conversely, temper expectations for Cowboys’ pass-catchers in games where they face early deficits.
How Do These Stats Impact Fantasy Football?
The Ravens vs. Cowboys game had significant fantasy implications:
- Lamar Jackson: His 26.8 fantasy points (standard scoring) solidify him as a top-5 QB. His rushing floor makes him matchup-proof.
- Derrick Henry: His 29.4 fantasy points were a boon for managers who started him. He’s a set-and-forget RB1.
- Dak Prescott: His 27.9 fantasy points salvaged a rough game, but his slow starts are a concern for consistency.
- CeeDee Lamb: A disappointing 4 catches for 67 yards (no touchdowns) hurt fantasy owners, especially after his early fumble.
Fantasy Tip: Monitor game scripts—players like Lamb thrive in competitive games but struggle when their team trails big.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
- Ravens (1-2): They face the Buffalo Bills in Week 4 on Sunday Night Football. A strong rushing attack will be key against Buffalo’s stout defense.
- Cowboys (1-2): They play the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football. Improving their run defense and offensive balance is critical to avoid a 1-3 start.
Fan Advice: Follow beat reporters on X for real-time injury updates before setting your fantasy lineups or betting on these teams.
See Also: hindiwow.com
Conclusion
The Baltimore Ravens’ 28-25 win over the Dallas Cowboys was a masterclass in physical football, led by Derrick Henry’s bruising runs and Lamar Jackson’s clutch plays. While the Cowboys showed fight in the fourth quarter, their defensive struggles and lack of a running game proved costly. The player stats tell a story of Baltimore’s dominance on the ground and Dallas’ reliance on passing to stay competitive.
For fans, this game offers valuable lessons: prioritize rushing in fantasy football, expect tight contests between these teams, and keep an eye on Dallas’ defense as they adjust without Dan Quinn. Whether you’re a Ravens or Cowboys supporter, this matchup was a reminder of why NFL football captivates millions.
