Ravens Roll to 31-13 Win in Dallas, Defense Shuts Down Cowboys and Rookie Kicker Tyler Loop Shines

The Baltimore Ravens have now started their preseason 2-0 after a convincing 31-13 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the Lone Star State. It was a game that showcased the Ravens’ defensive dominance and the emergence of rookie kicker Tyler Loop, who continued his strong early-season form. This win not only boosts morale but also gives fans hope that the team is building serious momentum as they move closer to the regular season kickoff.

From the opening whistle, the Ravens’ defense set the tone, suffocating the Cowboys’ offense and keeping them to under 200 total yards for the entire game. This kind of defensive performance is exactly what Baltimore has aimed for all offseason. The unit, known for its speed, discipline, and physicality, looked sharp and well-coordinated. They relentlessly pressured Dallas’ quarterback, broke up passes, and stuffed running plays, making it clear that opposing offenses would have a tough time moving the ball against them this year.

Several defenders stood out throughout the game, delivering hits, tackles, and key stops at crucial moments. The pass rush was particularly impressive, as the defensive line consistently collapsed the pocket and forced hurried throws, resulting in incompletions and turnovers. Linebackers were active all over the field, showing they can both shut down the run and drop into coverage to disrupt passing lanes. The secondary, usually a spot of concern for the team in past years, looked fundamentally sound and aggressive in coverage. This unit appears more prepared than ever to handle the rigors of a tough NFL schedule.

On the offensive side, the Ravens did what they needed to do to complement their defense’s effort. While the highlight of the night was undoubtedly on the defensive front and special teams, the offense did enough to control the game and put points on the board. The Ravens’ balanced attack mixed the run and pass well, ensuring that Dallas’ defense couldn’t key in on one particular aspect. Lamar Jackson, while perhaps still pacing himself in preseason, showed glimpses of his dynamic playmaking ability that has made him one of the league’s most exciting quarterbacks. He extended plays with his legs, found open receivers downfield, and avoided mistakes, all good signs for Baltimore moving forward.

However, one of the biggest stories from this game was rookie kicker Tyler Loop, who has quickly become a revelation for the Ravens’ special teams. Loop connected on five out of six field goal attempts, including two massive kicks from over 50 yards. That kind of range and consistency from a rookie is rare, and it’s a big boost to the team’s confidence in their kicking game heading into the regular season. Field goals from that distance can change games, and Loop’s ability to deliver under pressure gives the Ravens a weapon they lacked in recent years.

The special teams unit as a whole executed well, maintaining good field position and avoiding costly mistakes. Punts were placed effectively, and kickoff coverage limited big returns. The importance of clean special teams play cannot be overstated, especially in tight games, and Baltimore’s unit appears ready to make a difference this season.

The Cowboys, for their part, struggled to generate much momentum against a Ravens defense that simply smothered their offensive efforts. Their total yardage was limited, and they had difficulty sustaining drives or scoring points. Dallas had a few flashes of potential, but those were sporadic and never enough to challenge Baltimore’s control of the game. Turnovers and penalties further hampered the Cowboys’ chances, making it a frustrating outing for the home team.

Baltimore’s coaching staff will surely be pleased with the defensive game plan and its execution. Holding an NFL offense to under 200 yards is no small feat, preseason or not. It shows that the players are buying into the system, communicating well on the field, and staying disciplined. The level of physicality displayed also bodes well for the team’s identity this year as a defense-first group that can create turnovers and put opposing offenses on their heels.

Offensively, while this game was more of a complementary effort, the balanced attack and ability to score efficiently still send a positive message. Lamar Jackson looked comfortable, and the supporting cast appeared capable of stepping up when needed. It will be interesting to see how the offense evolves as the preseason continues and the starters get more reps.

The win pushes the Ravens to a perfect 2-0 in preseason play, a record that’s nice to have but more importantly, it reflects how well the team is coming together on all sides of the ball. The defensive dominance, combined with emerging special teams strength and steady offensive play, creates a foundation for optimism as the regular season draws near.

Fans and analysts alike are starting to take notice of Tyler Loop’s strong kicking performance. His leg strength and accuracy, especially on long-distance kicks, give Baltimore a new weapon in tight games where field goals matter. Kickers often go unnoticed until the moment they miss a crucial kick, so having a reliable rookie like Loop already stepping up is a huge advantage.

Looking ahead, the Ravens will hope to maintain this defensive intensity and continue developing chemistry on offense. Preseason games are always about evaluation, but the clear message from this win is that Baltimore’s defense and special teams are well ahead of the curve. If the offense can continue to grow and avoid turnovers, the Ravens could be a tough out for any opponent this year.

The Cowboys will return to the drawing board, aiming to address the weaknesses exposed by Baltimore’s defense. They’ll want to find better offensive rhythm and tighten up their execution if they hope to compete in the regular season. For Baltimore, though, the focus will be on refining what worked, building on the momentum, and preparing for the challenges ahead.

The Ravens’ defense shutting down Dallas so thoroughly, holding them to under 200 yards, is a statement that reverberates beyond a preseason matchup. It’s a signal to the rest of the league that Baltimore’s defense intends to be a force in 2025. And with a reliable kicker in Tyler Loop, the team now has more weapons than ever to close out games.

Injuries were thankfully minimal, allowing the Ravens to get plenty of valuable reps and evaluate their depth without losing key contributors. The coaching staff’s ability to balance playing time and maintain intensity was on display, showing good management of resources as the preseason marches on.

As the Ravens prepare for their next preseason game, they’ll carry with them the confidence of this dominant win in Dallas. The defense has set a high bar, the special teams are firing on all cylinders, and the offense is poised to take the next step. For fans, the 31-13 victory is a promising sign that Baltimore is building a team capable of making noise come September.

This game was a team effort that showcased what the Ravens are all about: hard-nosed defense, balanced offense, and special teams excellence. Tyler Loop’s clutch kicking adds an exciting element, and the collective performance demonstrates a team ready to compete at a high level.

The season is still young, but with the way Baltimore played in Dallas, there’s a lot to be excited about. The Ravens look like a team that’s hungry, disciplined, and ready to prove themselves once the games start to count. The Cowboys got a glimpse of what they’ll be up against, and for the Ravens, this win is just the beginning of what they hope will be a memorable season.

In the end, the 31-13 win in Dallas isn’t just a preseason score—it’s a statement of intent. Baltimore is showing the league that their defense is elite, their special teams can be a difference-maker, and their offense is ready to support it all. The Ravens are off to a great start, and the journey to 2025’s NFL season looks brighter than ever.