Ravens vs. Cowboys Grades By Position Group
By Brett Foote
Aug 16, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) looks to pass in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Offense: B
We thought about giving the offense a lower grade after their disappointing start, but ultimately decided to give them a little benefit of the doubt since the run game had a second straight excellent effort. Joe Flacco and his pass catchers had a rough go the first couple of series before settling in and moving down the field thereafter.
The running backs made up for all the dropped passes and miscommunication, rushing for 151 yards on 31 carries for a stellar 4.9 yard average as a team. Bernard Pierce (7 carries for 55 yards, 7.9 avg) and Lorenzo Taliaferro (16 carries for 59 yards, 3.7 avg) once again led the way.
What is concerning for the run game is fumbles. Once again Ravens running backs had two, this time committed by Justin Forsett and Lorenzo Taliaferro. Ball security is a big concern at this point and something that the backs need to work on in practice, especially Forsett, who has had one in back to back preseason games.
We expected a bit of a rocky road for the passing game, and feel like they will work the kinks out as the preseason progresses.