Cowboys Now 0‑2 in Preseason After 31‑13 Loss to Ravens—Ravens Dominate, Cowboys Struggle in Every Phase
The Dallas Cowboys started their preseason with hopes of building momentum and ironing out the final wrinkles before the regular season kicks off, but after dropping their second consecutive game, those hopes are beginning to look fragile. Saturday night’s 31-13 loss at home to the Baltimore Ravens not only dropped the Cowboys to 0-2 in the preseason but also exposed some glaring weaknesses across the board. While preseason games don’t officially count in the standings, the performance and struggles that Dallas displayed raised concerns for fans and analysts alike as the team gears up for the real deal.
From the opening kickoff, the Cowboys seemed out of sync and unable to impose themselves on the field. The Ravens struck early with a safety when Dallas quarterback Joe Milton III was sacked in the end zone, immediately putting the Cowboys on the back foot. This early mistake set the tone for much of the night, as Dallas found itself battling not just an opponent but also its own inconsistent execution. The offensive line, usually a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ identity, struggled to contain Baltimore’s defensive pressure. This pressure disrupted the rhythm of the offense and made it difficult for Milton or any other quarterback to settle in. Without the calming presence of Dak Prescott, who sat out to rest and recover, the offense looked tentative and occasionally confused.
Milton had moments where he showed promise, most notably a 49-yard completion to Jonathan Mingo that briefly sparked some excitement. However, those flashes of potential were overshadowed by poor decision-making and an overall passer rating under 50. Milton finished the night completing 9 of 18 passes for 122 yards with one interception. The interception was especially costly, shifting momentum heavily in Baltimore’s favor and putting more pressure on an already struggling offense. Milton’s inability to consistently handle the defensive pressure or read the field effectively raised serious questions about his readiness and development as a backup quarterback. Whether he can be a reliable option behind Prescott remains uncertain, and this game did little to assuage those doubts.
On the ground, the running game offered little relief. Miles Sanders, one of the Cowboys’ key offensive weapons, carried the ball seven times for just 15 yards. The offensive line failed to create meaningful running lanes, and as a result, the rushing attack never developed the kind of rhythm or threat that might have balanced the offense. Without a consistent running game, the Cowboys became predictable, allowing the Ravens to focus more aggressively on pressuring the quarterback and shutting down short to intermediate routes. This lack of balance hurt Dallas’s ability to sustain drives and put points on the board.
Defensively, the Cowboys showed moments of resilience but ultimately couldn’t match the intensity or execution of the Ravens. The defense gave up over 400 yards of total offense, with Baltimore efficiently mixing runs and passes to keep Dallas off balance. However, there were bright spots. The Cowboys forced two turnovers, including a spectacular 40-yard interception return for a touchdown by cornerback Andrew Booth, which gave Dallas its only lead of the night. Booth’s pick-six was a highlight in an otherwise difficult game for the defense and a reminder of the playmaking ability the Cowboys possess in the secondary.
The linebacking corps also had some encouraging moments. Damone Clark, Shemar James, and Jack Sanborn each showed good instincts, especially in run support, where they managed to limit some of Baltimore’s rushing success. Rookie guard Tyler Booker also flashed his potential, demonstrating physicality and effort on the few snaps he received. While the defensive line couldn’t consistently pressure the Baltimore quarterback, these glimpses of talent and effort offered some reason for optimism moving forward.
Still, the positives were not nearly enough to offset the bigger problems Dallas faced. The offensive line’s struggles in pass protection and run blocking were stark reminders that this group needs significant improvement. If the Cowboys can’t get more consistent play from the trenches, both their passing and rushing games will continue to suffer, making it hard to compete in what promises to be a challenging NFC East division. The lack of rhythm and confidence on offense also affects the defense, as they are often left on the field for extended periods due to quick three-and-outs, leading to fatigue and breakdowns.
This loss also puts added pressure on the quarterback competition in Dallas. With Prescott sidelined for these preseason games, players like Joe Milton III and possibly others are tasked with proving they can provide stability when called upon. So far, the performance from the backups has been underwhelming. The mental lapses and lack of poise under pressure on display Saturday night raise questions about the depth behind Prescott. As the Cowboys approach the regular season, the health and readiness of their starting quarterback will be critical, but so will the competence of those behind him in case injuries or poor performance force changes.
Dallas’s next preseason game, their final before the season opener, will be crucial. Facing the Atlanta Falcons, the Cowboys have an opportunity to show improvement, correct some of their mistakes, and build a bit of confidence. However, with limited time left to gel as a unit, they must act quickly. The coaching staff will need to address issues with the offensive line, quarterback decision-making, and overall execution if they hope to compete with divisional rivals and make a run in 2025.
Beyond just Xs and Os, this game highlighted some deeper concerns about the team’s identity. The Cowboys have long been known for strong offensive lines, a balanced offense, and a tough defense. But Saturday night’s showing called all of that into question. The offense was one-dimensional and predictable; the defense struggled to contain a balanced attack; and special teams failed to make any impactful plays beyond the interception return. These issues underscore that the team needs to come together quickly and find cohesion before the regular season kicks off.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Cowboys respond in the coming weeks. The preseason is meant for trial and error, but at some point, those errors become concerning if not addressed. Dallas is still loaded with talent and potential, but talent alone won’t win games without execution and discipline. The next few weeks will be critical for the coaching staff as they work to iron out wrinkles and prepare the team for the real battles ahead.
In conclusion, the Cowboys’ 31-13 loss to the Ravens on Saturday night was more than just another preseason defeat. It was a reminder that despite the offseason hype, this team has serious work to do. Offensive struggles, questionable quarterback play, and defensive lapses all combined to produce a game that left more questions than answers. With the regular season just around the corner, Dallas must quickly find answers, improve fundamentals, and build confidence if they hope to turn their fortunes around. The preseason may not count officially, but the lessons from these early games could prove vital in shaping their 2025 campaign.
