In a much-needed bounce-back performance, the Baltimore Ravens (1-2) secured their first victory of the 2024 NFL season, edging out the Dallas Cowboys (1-2) in a thrilling 28-25 win on Sunday. Powered by a dominant running game, the Ravens snapped their 0-2 start, with Derrick Henry leading the charge, rushing for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Lamar Jackson, the two-time MVP, made key plays late to fend off a Dallas comeback that nearly saw a monumental rally.
The Ravens wasted no time getting on the board, scoring touchdowns on their first two drives. Henry showcased his elite power and speed, bulldozing through the Cowboys’ defense early, while Jackson played efficiently, accounting for two touchdowns of his own. Baltimore controlled the clock and pace, racking up 274 rushing yards—the most Dallas has allowed since their defensive struggles in 2020.
Jackson’s poise and Henry’s punishing runs put Baltimore up 28-6 in the fourth quarter, but the Cowboys weren’t finished.
Dak Prescott, who struggled to find consistency throughout the game, finally found his rhythm late in the fourth quarter. Aided by a 1-yard quarterback sneak and some late-game heroics, including a 15-yard touchdown catch by Jalen Tolbert, Prescott led the Cowboys to a near comeback.
Dallas recovered a rare onside kick, and wide receiver KaVontae Turpin hauled in a 16-yard scoring pass to cut the Ravens’ lead to 28-25. But Baltimore’s defense held strong when it mattered most.
With under three minutes remaining and the Ravens clinging to a three-point lead, Lamar Jackson stepped up when the team needed him most. Facing third-and-6, Jackson completed a crucial 9-yard pass to rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers, extending the drive. Moments later, Jackson sealed the victory with a perfectly executed fake and 10-yard run to drain the final seconds from the clock.
“It was all about staying composed,” Jackson said postgame. “We knew they were going to make a run, but we trusted in our game plan. Derrick [Henry] was unstoppable today.”
For the Cowboys, this game marked another concerning defensive performance. Over the last three home games, including a playoff loss to Green Bay, Dallas has allowed 120 points—a trend that plagued them against Baltimore. Their inability to stop the run was glaring, as Henry’s 151-yard day marked the second consecutive game where Dallas has given up more than 250 yards on the ground.
“We’ve got to be better,” said Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. “We’re not getting enough stops, and it’s putting too much pressure on our offense to always come from behind.”
While the Cowboys’ defense struggled, special teams provided a bright spot. Kicker Brandon Aubrey connected on a career-long 65-yard field goal, just shy of the NFL record. The Cowboys also managed to recover an onside kick, setting up their late push for the lead.
For the Ravens, this win is a vital confidence booster after their 0-2 start to the season. Derrick Henry’s performance reminded everyone why he’s still one of the NFL’s elite backs, and Lamar Jackson continues to demonstrate his leadership in crunch time.
The Cowboys, on the other hand, face mounting pressure after consecutive home losses. With their defense in disarray, they’ll need to find answers fast if they hope to contend in a competitive NFC.
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