The Baltimore Ravens handled business in Week 1, but slipped in Week 2. That's the NFL. The season opener has stirred many emotions, but their trip to Brazil presents a different kindof challenge.
The Dallas Cowboys possess one of the NFL's most dangerous offenses, plenty of star power on both sides of the ball, and the ability to change a game quickly with explosive plays. Baltimore has shown flashes of a winning team under Jesse Minter. The Ravens can overpower opponents with Derrick Henry and the running game, lean on Lamar Jackson's playmaking ability, or trust a defense filled with difference-makers.
Against Dallas, they'll likely need contributions in all three areas. The team that has more will improve its chances of winning. Here are the six
keys to a Ravens victory, a 2-1 start, and a relaxing flight back to Baltimore.
Keys to the game: When the Ravens are on offense
The Ravens should establish something early and often. The Dallas defense continues to search for answers in several key areas.
Trust the running game vs. the Cowboys' run defense
The formula here seems fairly straightforward. Dallas finished near the bottom of the league against the run last season and hasn't shown significant improvement this year. Baltimore enters Week 3 fresh off a dominant rushing performance and has every reason to continue feeding Derrick Henry behind an offensive line that continues to grow together.
The Ravens don't need to overthink this matchup. If they can establish the ground game early, it will create favorable situations for Lamar Jackson, fuel the play-action game, help neutralize the Cowboys' pass rush, and keep Dallas' offense standing on the sideline.
Stay on the field and win on third down.
Some are probably thinking that's easier said than done. Normally, they'd be right. However, Dallas has struggled badly on third down, allowing opponents to convert an eye-opening 68 percent of their opportunities.
Baltimore's offense has converted just 39 percent of its own third downs, but this matchup presents a chance to improve those numbers. The Ravens don't need to be perfect. They need to take advantage of a Cowboys defense that has consistently failed to get off the field. Sustained drives would help Baltimore control the tempo and limit opportunities for Dallas' explosive offense.
Target all of those backups in the secondary
The Cowboys' injury report could create opportunities for Baltimore's passing attack. Malik Hooker, P.J. Locke, and Cobie Durant are all dealing with injuries, creating uncertainty in the secondary. If those players are limited or unavailable, Lamar Jackson should have favorable matchups to attack throughout the game.
That could mean a productive afternoon for Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews. Even if Zay Flowers is unavailable, Baltimore has enough weapons to challenge a secondary that may not be operating at full strength.
Keys to the game: When the Ravens are on defense
This is where Baltimore can ultimately tilt the game in its favor. It won't be easy. The Cowboys own one of the league's most dangerous offenses.
Win in the red zone
The Cowboys have been lethal inside the opposing team's 20-yard line. They have scored touchdowns on 85.71 percent of their red-zone trips. That's one of the best marks in football. Meanwhile, Baltimore's defense has allowed touchdowns on 80 percent of opponents' red-zone possessions.
The Ravens don't necessarily need to shut down Dallas all game, and the truth is, they may not. They do need a few key red-zone stops. Turning potential touchdowns into field goals could make all the difference in a matchup expected to feature plenty of points.
Solve the Dak Prescott riddle.
Few quarterbacks are more dangerous than Dak Prescott when he's comfortable. Limiting CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens for four quarters feels unrealistic. Both receivers can take over stretches of a game, and Dallas will undoubtedly find ways to get them involved.
Instead, Baltimore should focus on making Prescott uncomfortable, and possibly limiting Lamb or Pickens if that's at all possible. The Cowboys have done a solid job protecting their quarterback, allowing roughly one sack per game. If the Ravens can disrupt Prescott's rhythm, force him off his spot, and create pressure situations, they'll improve their chances of slowing one of the NFL's most productive passing attacks.
Win the turnover battle and shorten Cowboys possessions
This might be the biggest key of all. The Ravens would love to dominate time of possession, keep the Cowboys' offense watching from the sideline, and force Dallas into fewer possessions. That's easier accomplished when an offense stays on schedule, and a defense creates takeaways.
Both teams are traveling across the globe to play on unfamiliar ground. In games like these, momentum-changing plays often become magnified. The defense that creates the most turnovers and steals an extra possession or two may ultimately be the team boarding the flight home with a victory.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Cowboys: 6 keys to a Baltimore victory in Brazil
