The Ravens and Cowboys enter their Week 3 game in Brazil with similar scoring averages. How they produced those points tells a different story.
Baltimore averages 409 total yards and 155 rushing yards per game. Dallas averages 288 total yards and 67.5 rushing yards per game. The Ravens rank fourth in rushing yards per game, while the Cowboys rank 30th. Dallas has allowed 173.5 rushing yards per game, the third most in the NFL. That makes Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry the clearest statistical advantage against the Cowboys’ run defense.
The ground-game comparison runs in both directions. Baltimore allows 83.5 rushing yards per game, fifth fewest in the league, while Dallas produces only 67.5. If those trends hold, the Ravens can make the Cowboys
rely heavily on Dak Prescott while using their own running game to sustain drives.
Dallas has a strong counterpoint: third down. The Cowboys have converted 15 of 22 opportunities, a 68.2% rate, and have allowed Prescott to be sacked only twice. Baltimore has converted 7 of 18 third downs and allowed five sacks. The Ravens’ five defensive sacks give them a chance to disrupt Prescott, but pressures must become stops; opponents have converted 44% of their third downs against Baltimore.
Dallas’ defensive third-down number is more concerning. Opponents have converted 17 of 25 chances, or 68%. A Ravens offense averaging 155 rushing yards should be able to create manageable distances if it stays on schedule. That could help Baltimore extend its 31:18 average time of possession and limit Dallas’ opportunities.
The matchup: Baltimore owns the clear yardage and defensive advantages. Dallas’ protection and third-down offense are its best answers. For the Ravens, the path is clear: establish the run, finish drives, and avoid the late defensive breakdown that cost them against New Orleans.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Cowboys: Statistical comparison for Week 3 in Brazil
