When the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys squared off in a historic international matchup, they didn't just play a football game; they produced a statistical firefight that came down to the final second. Decided by a walk-off field goal, the 34-31 final score told only part of the story. Beneath the high-scoring exterior lay a clash of contrasting philosophies: Dallas leaned heavily on volume and air yards, while Baltimore maximized efficiency and ground control.
Analyzing the box score reveals how small margins dictate outcomes in modern football. The Cowboys outgained the Ravens in total yardage and ran more plays, yet the Ravens walked away with the win. Let's break down the metrics that shaped this classic contest, examining where the game was won, where the numbers deceived, and what both teams learned moving forward.
Offensive Philosophies: Volume Versus Efficiency
The core narrative of the box score centers on how each offense moved the football. Dallas generated 415 total yards across 71 offensive plays, averaging 5.8 yards per snap. Baltimore countered with 378 total yards on just 58 plays, boasting a much higher clip of 6.5 yards per play.
Dak Prescott orchestrated a high-tempo passing attack that kept the chains moving. He threw 40 passes, completing 25 for 276 yards and one touchdown. His workload was substantial because the Cowboys relied on sustained drives to match Baltimore score for score.
Lamar Jackson took a completely different path. He was hyper-efficient, completing 15 of 20 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception. Jackson's 136.7 passer rating dwarfed Prescott's 91.2 rating. Rather than forcing throws into tight coverage, Jackson relied on quick reads and lethal play-action to keep the Dallas defense off balance.
- Total Yards: Dallas 415, Baltimore 378
- Yards Per Play: Baltimore 6.5, Dallas 5.8
- Total Plays: Dallas 71, Baltimore 58
- Time of Possession: Dallas 30:38, Baltimore 29:22
Ground Attack and Red Zone Execution
The trenches told another vital story. Baltimore established a physical ground game that wore down the front seven. Derrick Henry handled the heavy lifting with 26 carries for 89 yards and two touchdowns, while Jackson chipped in 50 rushing yards on just six scrambles. As a team, the Ravens piled up 192 rushing yards.
Dallas countered with a split backfield that produced 148 yards on the ground. Javonte Williams led the charge with 19 carries for 98 yards and a touchdown, adding tough yards after contact. However, the difference emerged when converting those yards into points inside the 20-yard line.
Baltimore reached the red zone six times and converted four into touchdowns, adding crucial field goals to maximize drives. Dallas also reached the red zone five times, scoring three touchdowns. In a three-point game, those extra conversion margins proved decisive.
Turnovers and Discipline
In games featuring elite quarterbacks, avoiding catastrophic mistakes usually determines the winner. This matchup proved no exception.
Baltimore played a remarkably clean game, committing zero turnovers. They didn't lose a fumble and Jackson avoided interceptions entirely. Conversely, Dallas lost one fumble and faced sustained pressure from Baltimore's linebackers, which disrupted critical third-quarter drives.
Penalties also played a role in stalling momentum. While both squads played relatively disciplined football, defensive holding and false start infractions at crucial moments forced long yardage situations that derailed scoring opportunities.
Defensive Performance and Key Matchups
Defensive coordinators faced a nightmare scenario trying to contain explosive weapons on both sides. Zay Flowers led Baltimore's receiving corps with five receptions for 84 yards, stretching the field vertically and creating space for underneath routes. For Dallas, CeeDee Lamb delivered a stellar performance, hauling in seven catches for 112 yards, while George Pickens added 82 yards on seven receptions.
Linebacker play anchored the middle of the field. Roquan Smith led Baltimore with nine total tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble, constantly shutting down running lanes before they materialized. For Dallas, Jaishawn Barham and Dee Winters tallied seven tackles each, working hard to contain Henry's outside runs, though Baltimore's offensive line ultimately won the battle of attrition in the fourth quarter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Ravens vs Cowboys game?
The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-31 on a walk-off 56-yard field goal by Tyler Loop as time expired.
Who led the game in passing yards?
Dak Prescott led all quarterbacks with 276 passing yards, completing 25 of 40 attempts with one touchdown. Lamar Jackson added 186 passing yards and two touchdowns on 15-of-20 passing.
Why did the Cowboys lose despite outgaining the Ravens?
Dallas gained 415 total yards to Baltimore's 378, but the Ravens averaged more yards per play (6.5 to 5.8), committed zero turnovers compared to Dallas's one, and converted efficiently in the red zone.
Where was this game played?
This regular-season matchup took place at Estadio Jornalista Mário Filho (Maracanã Stadium) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as part of the NFL's international series.
