Sunday’s Week 3 matchup between Baltimore and Dallas already had game-of-the-year implications before both clubs got off to sluggish and disappointing starts. The heavyweight matchup has some urgency, with both teams coming off losses in Week 2.
The Ravens (0-2) and the Cowboys (1-1) will meet at AT&T Stadium.
The contest will feature star power at quarterback: Lamar Jackson and Dak Prescott, along with Derrick Henry, Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, Trevon Diggs, Zay Flowers, and Roquan Smith, among the big-name players who’ll have a crucial impact.
With preparation set to begin, here are five more stats to know for Week 3.
Cowboys struggling to run the football
Sep 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) hands off to running back Rico Dowdle (23) in the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
This is from the Cowboys Wire:
The Cowboys’ leading rusher has just 56 yards through two games, with the most efficient rusher averaging just 3.7 yards/carry. Deuce Vaughn is leading the unit in missed tackles forced and in yards after contact/attempt.
Investment in Odafe Oweh is paying off
Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh (99) sacks Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
The Ravens didn’t bulk at paying Oweh his fifth-year option, which could turn into an All-Pro season and long-term contract for the pass rusher.
Cowboys TE could eat
Sep 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) makes a catch during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Kyle Hamilton is the ultimate eraser, but when Dallas tight ends get matched on Baltimore linebackers, it could provide the perfect opportunity for Luke Schoonmaker to eat.
Baltimore secondary must improve
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Jakobi Meyers #16 of the Las Vegas Raiders is tackled by Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The Ravens’ secondary hasn’t lived up to expectations on the backend, allowing the fifth-most points through two weeks. Zach Orr’s unit allowed 27 points against the Kansas City Chiefs and 26 to a Raiders offense that only scored 10 against the Chargers in Week 1. The Ravens surrendered 26 points twice last season.
Ravens can pressure the Cowboys
Sep 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) lines up behind center Cooper Beebe (56) for the snap during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Baltimore has been able to pressure the quarterback through the first two weeks, and they’ll face a Cowboys’ offensive line that generated mixed results in pass protection against the Saints in Week 2. Dallas’ interior offensive line surrendered just four pressures, while offensive tackles Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele gave up 11 in the loss to New Orleans.
Rookie center Cooper Beebe has only allowed one pressure — albeit a sack — against the Saints. According to PFF, Beebe has allowed pressure on 1.1% of pass plays this season, the third-best rate among NFL centers.
Tyler Smith’s 83.9 PFF pass-blocking grade after Week 2 ranks fifth among all guards.
