The Cowboys didn’t just lose this game—they lost it in the most Cowboys way possible. Let’s start with their offseason blunder: passing on Derrick Henry, who then torched them for 151 yards and two touchdowns like he was running through a flag football defense. If Jerry Jones wasn’t sweating before, he sure is now.
Dak Prescott tried to will the Cowboys back late, throwing for 280 yards and two touchdowns, but once again, their offense sputtered early, reminding fans of last season’s slow starts. The Cowboys managed just 2 measly field goals in the first half compared to the Ravens 3 touchdowns. Prescott looked visibly frustrated as they trailed 21-6 at the break, likely replaying the moment when the front office let Derrick Henry slip through their fingers.
Lamar Jackson, meanwhile, was cooler than the other side of the pillow. He didn’t need to break out any highlight-reel moves, just methodically carved up the Dallas defense with 220 passing yards and a rushing touchdown. If Prescott’s fighting against his history of underperforming in big games, Jackson’s playing to solidify his MVP legacy after a rough start to 2024. Both quarterbacks had the weight of the world on their shoulders, but Lamar played like it didn’t even matter.
You have to wonder: Is this Cowboys team cursed when it comes to early-season success? It feels like every year they show up late to the party. Last year, they couldn’t get their offense rolling in September, and it’s déjà vu all over again.
The numbers don’t lie either—Dallas couldn’t stop the run, allowing 274 total rushing yards, and struggled to protect Prescott, giving up three sacks. In both of this seasons losses the Cowboys defense has allowed 190 rushing yards or more, a glaring stat that speaks to a vulnerability other teams are sure to exploit.
MVP: Derrick Henry. The Cowboys’ offseason whiff on him loomed large as he bulldozed his way to an easy 151 yards and two touchdowns, proving why he should have been in a Cowboys uniform.