Brett's Cowboys Corner

Both teams are upset by their week 2 performances, we will see which teams made the proper adjustments over the week and who is ready to play Sunday. These are teams that came into the season believing they are playoff contenders, and both teams are trying not to hit an early panic button.

The Cowboys and Ravens have matched up 6 times, and currently, the Ravens hold the series lead 5-1. The lone Cowboy win came from the only time Dak played against the Ravens in 2016.

The Ravens have not been a sound team through two weeks and are looking to figure out some defensive problems, while they are the #1 ranked run defense in the NFL, they are the #31 in passing defense. They have not been able to get a lot of free rushers and generate pressure, while the offense has had some issues navigating the redzone. The Cowboys have not figured out their run game woes offensively or defensively, but some might suggest the offense lean pass-heavy this week and figure it out later. As for the defense, Dallas needs to figure out their run problems quickly if they want to stop the tandem of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.

X-Factors for the game, based on matchups and potential target areas, not necessarily the best players every week.

• The QB Spy will be tasked with the ultimate job, keeping an eye on Lamar Jackson and following him as he moves in the pocket and rolls out. The spy needs to be fast and athletic enough to keep Lamar behind the line of scrimmage. Fourtentuley Mike Zimmer is a veteran and knows not to tell the enemy who will be tasked with that job, it could be multiple people rotating plays, so the Ravens will never know. Some potential spies are DeMarvion Overshown (most likely), Micah Parsons, or Jourdan Lewis.
• Ferguson is making his return to the team after dealing with a week 1 injury. We forget how important his role is in the offense until he’s gone. Ferguson is a big security target for Dak, which helps limit risky throws, knowing Jake can be there on a two-yard pass that he will turn into 8 yards. He also makes a big impact down the seams for a deep ball.
• Parsons needs to be the defensive player of the year for this team like he has the potential to be. Maxx Crosby was able to dominate the Ravens line and is a big reason the Raiders won the game. Micah has not had the big game yet, and no better time to do it than against a tough opponent.

• Flowers is their motion man, it seems he runs a couple of miles a game. This is someone you need to keep track of as he gets great separation and always finds an open place 14 yards downfield to allow Lamar an easy target.
• Roquan Smith is the defense tackling machine, as well as a great playmaker in the pass with an interception against the Chiefs. He is someone to watch out for presnap and can be a difference-maker if the Cowboys try to run the ball.
• Jackson has been talked about plenty and is the low-hanging fruit for an X-factor here. But the two-time MVP can impact the field of play passing or running and can beat a team single-handedly if unaccounted for.

1 – Don’t Let Them Run All Over You

The number 1 key to victory is avoiding what killed you last week. The Cowboys should be looking to fix their problems in the run game, and they will have a team that isn’t afraid to power run the football. Dallas needs to sell out against the run and live by Lamar Jackson throwing for 300 yards. If you lose to Jackson’s arm, I think you can live with it better than if they beat you with the Saints game plan. The Ravens, if they are smart, should take no risk and run the ball every time until Dallas can stop them.

This will be a frustrating part of the game, as Baltimore runs the ball, we will see multiple times where they get into a 3rd and 3 situation and Jackson will drop back to pass but immediately tuck the ball and run for 8 yards. Jackson is a huge part of the Ravens’ run attack, he is not afraid to use his legs and will roll out of the pocket if there’s trouble and pick up yards on the ground if he doesn’t like the receivers downfield, Lamar doesn’t throw into tight windows often. Jackson averages 61.2 rushing yards a game, which will need to be limited severely.

2 – Attack the Raven’s secondary

The biggest flaw in the Raven’s defensive struggles has been the secondary. As a unit they have allowed a league-high 14 explosive plays (15+ yards) per Next Gen Stats, the outside corners have been responsible Brandon Stephens and rookie Nate Wiggins are the guys we should look to attack when they rotate onto the field. Brandin Cooks should be able to create separation at the top of his routes on those two.

2a – Get Ceedee the BALL

Lamb is your offensive weapon, while it is great to spread the ball around and get everyone involved. McCarthy needs to focus on getting his best player the ball. Lamb lines up in the slot and outside and will motion from time to time…all of that just to throw to UDFAs on 4th down and guys who are slipping and sliding on the turf.

CD will line up against Marlon Humphry who has had a challenging year, he just let Devante Adams have 110 yards. Humphry lines up in the slot and outside so he may be a guy to follow Lamb around. It is imperative that Lamb has a great day against the former standout corner, and we look to getting him the ball creatively.

3 – Offense Needs to Find its Rhythm Quick

The Cowboys struggled to find their identity last week, and before they knew it they were trailing big time. The Cowboys do not have time to experiment, they need to be ready to go toe to toe with the Ravens offense, just in case the defense has troubles in the run game. The Ravens are a good team, but if they struggle anywhere it is finishing games. Getting a lead and forcing their offense to drive and win the game, forces the Ravens to lose their rhythm and tempo they like to play with and creates panic with the QB to try and save the day with his arm.

4 – Dominate the Offensive Line

The Ravens have struggled with pass blocking, especially on the right side. Maxx Crosby dominated the line including one quick sack on Jackson where he was almost untouched. The right guard has had issues with speed, setting up a perfect opportunity for Micah Parsons to take on Crosby’s role from last week and rush the inside. Jackson will happily roll out of the pocket when he senses pressure, so it is important to get to him quickly and wrap up.

This will make it difficult for Lamar to find his targets, as mentioned in the film study, the Ravens like to get stationary open targets for Lamar when he is on the run, and he has a lot of quick receivers to create separation and find a soft part of the defense and wait for the ball.