The Dallas Cowboys lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Baltimore Ravens in their Week 3 game played in Brazil. Unfortunately, it was just the latest tough loss for the Cowboys, who seem to find new ways to lose.
Despite being in position to win late, the Cowboysblew their opportunity in a seven-play stretch to end the game. In doing so, they failed in all four phases: the offense, defense, special teams and the coaching staff each had their hand in the loss. All four helped snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, which was impressive to do in the span of just seven plays. Here’s a look at how the game was lost over these seven plays in only 23 seconds.
Play 1: 1st-and-goal from the two-yard line with 0:23 left
After a penalty put the ball on the two-yard line, quarterback Dak Prescott threw a backside
fade to wide receiver George Pickens that didn’t connect. It was a low percentage play, and many Cowboys fans wanted the team to run the ball here, which might have been the better decision.
Play 2: 2nd-and-goal from the seven-yard line with 0:20 left
Tight end Luke Schoonmaker’s false start changed the plan for the next two downs. Instead of having all options on the table for the next two plays from the two-yard line, the offense was now at the seven-yard line and forced the Cowboys' play calling hand.
The next play called for a pass on second down, which ended up being a scramble by Prescott for two yards. Brian Schottenheimer quickly called a timeout, which didn’t make much sense if he wasn’t going to call a real play on third down.
If Dak was told to throw it away on third down, why call the timeout with 14 seconds left? He wouldn't have taken a sack in that situation so why not let the clock run down a little more then call the timeout so the field goal attempt ends regulation?
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) September 28, 2026
Play 3: 3rd-and-goal from the five-yard line with 0:14 left
This is the play and something that Cowboys fans may never forgive Schottenheimer for, admitting he coached Prescott to throw the ball away instead of trying to score and win the game. Prescott fired the ball past Pickens, who might have been open at the front pylon if the play develops.
It’s unfathomable not playing to win the game in that situation, to give up and play for a tie when you have one of the worst defenses in the league. It’s even worse knowing the Cowboys have a veteran QB, one of the best in the league, and someone Schottenheimer praises daily, but didn’t trust enough to win the game.
However, Prescott should have the confidence in this situation to let it rip and make a play rather than executing the play call.
Play 4: 4th-and-goal from the five-yard line with 0:10 left
Kicker Brandon Aubrey makes the 23-yard field goal tie the game. Yay!
Play 5: Cowboys kickoff with 0:07 left
Instead of kicking the ball where the Ravens needed to return it and wasting some time on the clock, Aubrey inexplicably blasts it through the end zone, which gave the Ravens the ball at the 35-yard line. Apparently, Baltimore rookie head coach Jesse Minter knew what the Cowboys and special teams coach Nick Sorensen didn’t, by the clock not moving on the kickoff, it gave the Ravens’ offense a play to gain yards and give themselves a chance to win.
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter says thank you very much for the Cowboys gifting them the 35 yard line by not kicking off short. pic.twitter.com/REtudrJbLE
— Ryan Paganetti (@RyanPaganetti) September 28, 2026
Play 6: 1st-and-10 from the 35-yard line with 0:07 left
Lamar Jackson rips a throw to the middle of the field to Zay Flowers for 27 yards. It’s difficult to know what the coverage call was from Christian Parker, but it left Flowers wide open.
The defense also lacked situational awareness, making the tackle right away instead of allowing the receiver to run or give himself up, which likely runs the clock out. Another failure from the Cowboys, who don’t understand situational football, which falls on the coaching staff.
Schottenheimer gave himself an F grade in the game, and that feels generous.
Brian Schottenheimer on his play calling: “I give it a F.”
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) September 28, 2026
Play 7: 1st-and-10 from the Cowboys’ 38-yard line with 0:01 left
Tyler Loop nails the 56-yard field goal, then does the Cristiano Ronaldo celebration.
Seven plays and 23 seconds, that’s all it took for each part of the Cowboys to fail, contributing to losing a game they should have won. Seven plays, only one of which went right, that’s how fast the Dallas Cowboys went from winning to losing and being called the same old Cowboys.
When the (clown) shoe fits, you have to wear it, and every unit on the Cowboys has to own another embarrassing defeat.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Seven plays and 23 seconds, breaking down how the Cowboys lost in Rio
