Ravens vs Cowboys Highlights – 2025 Preseason Week 2

Game Highlights and Player Performances

Opening Drive and Special Teams

• The game begins with a kickoff that hits inside the five-yard line, then trickles into the end zone, resulting in a touchback.
• Cooper Rush, making his first completion of the day, drives downfield, showcasing his experience and composure.
• Rush, with seven seasons in Dallas, has been a backup to Prescott for years. His recent contract and performance drew attention, especially with the Ravens viewing him as a valuable asset behind Lamar Jackson.

Defensive Stands and Key Tackles

• The Cowboys’ run defense is tested early but stands firm.
• Damone Clark, wearing LSU’s number 18, along with linebacker Trenton Simpson from Baltimore, stops a run in the backfield.
• Tyler Booker, a round draft pick at right guard, is involved in blocking but faces challenges against aggressive defensive fronts.
• A bobble in the backfield by Sanders results in a five-yard loss, illustrating the physicality and precision required in the trenches.

Defensive Dominance and Turnovers

• The Ravens’ defense forces a safety when Milton is sacked in the end zone, highlighting their pass rush effectiveness.
• Keion Martin, stacked over the tight end, blitzes and sacks Milton, exploiting coverage lapses.
• A field goal by Tyler Loop, a Lovejoy High School product, extends Baltimore’s lead, demonstrating the importance of special teams in the game.

Interceptions and Defensive Picks

• Andrew Booth intercepts a pass, baiting the quarterback with eye discipline.
• Booth’s pick-six is a highlight, showcasing his ball-hawking skills and awareness.
• The commentary emphasizes Booth’s intentional eye movement, reading the quarterback’s intentions and taking advantage of the miscue.
• Booth’s return to the house energizes the defense and shifts momentum.

Offensive Efforts and Key Plays

• The Cowboys’ offense struggles to find rhythm early but connects on a deep pass to Jonathan Mingo, who makes a spectacular catch.
• Milton demonstrates excellent footwork, sliding to avoid pressure and delivering a precise throw.
• The offensive line provides solid protection, allowing Milton to drop a dime over the middle.
• Brandon Aubrey, the reliable kicker, nails a 36-yard field goal, adding points and boosting confidence.

Special Teams and Field Goals

• Aubrey’s directional kick and accuracy are praised, with coverage teams limiting returns.
• The Ravens’ field goal from beyond 50 yards by Tyler Loop extends their lead to 18-7 at halftime.
• The game features multiple field goals, emphasizing the importance of special teams in controlling the scoreboard.

Second Half and Defensive Adjustments

• The Ravens capitalize on turnovers, with a strip sack leading to a fumble recovery.
• Will Grier, the Cowboys’ quarterback, struggles under pressure, leading to sacks and incompletions.
• Malik Ham, a two-time Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year, sacks Grier, demonstrating the Ravens’ pass rush prowess.
• The Ravens extend their lead with a long field goal from Tyler Loop, now beyond 50 yards.

Offensive Breakthroughs and Big Plays

• The Cowboys execute a deep pass to Jonathan Mingo, showcasing precision and timing.
• Mingo’s footwork and route running are highlighted as key to success.
• The offensive line is praised for creating time and protecting the quarterback.
• The Cowboys score a touchdown on a run by Ernest Johnson, capitalizing on good blocking and execution.

Defensive Highlights and Key Tactics

• The Ravens’ defensive line shifts and stunts, trying to disrupt the Cowboys’ offense.
• Damone Clark continues to play downhill, tracking the ball and making tackles.
• Coverage tightens with good pressure from Israel Mukuamu and Troy Pride, limiting the Cowboys’ passing options.
• The coverage units are effective in limiting returns and pinning the opposition inside their own 10-yard line.

Special Player Moments and Coaching Insights

• Tyler Loop, the rookie kicker, successfully converts from 42 yards, mirroring Justin Tucker’s long-range accuracy.
• Booth’s second interception demonstrates his consistency and ball skills.
• The game features several opportunities for players to stand out, with rookies and veterans alike making impactful plays.
• Coaches analyze and adjust, with Coach Eberflus emphasizing discipline and execution.

Outro: Strategic Takeaways and Final Thoughts

• The game underscores the importance of special teams, with field goals and coverage playing pivotal roles.
• Turnovers and big plays significantly influence the momentum swing, highlighting the need for ball security.
• The defensive front remains dominant, with pass rushers like Malik Ham and linebackers such as Damone Clark making key stops.
• The offensive unit shows promise with deep throws and effective blocking, but consistency remains a focus.
• Coaching staff appears focused on correction, especially in pass protection and coverage schemes.
• The game sets the stage for upcoming matchups, with Eagles vs. Philadelphia on Thursday Night Football as a notable future event.
• The rookie performances, especially from Tyler Loop and Jonathan Mingo, offer optimism for the team’s future prospects.
• The defensive resilience and special teams execution are key themes, emphasizing the balanced approach needed for success.
• Overall, the game reflects the ongoing development of both teams, with areas of strength and opportunities for improvement clearly visible.

Summary Table of Key Players and Plays

Final Remarks

This game exemplifies the dynamic nature of football, where offense, defense, and special teams intertwine to create a compelling contest. The players’ performances, combined with coaching strategies, shape the narrative, offering fans and analysts a rich tapestry of athleticism, tactics, and resilience. As teams prepare for future challenges, the lessons learned from this game will inform training, adjustments, and game plans, ensuring continuous growth and competitive excellence.