The best run defender for the Cowboys will be the Baltimore Ravens play-calling

It cannot be stressed enough—the Baltimore Ravens need a win against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3. Despite showing they’re capable of winning, undisciplined play, unforced errors, and questionable play-calling have held them back.

While the penalties and unforced errors will likely improve as the season progresses, the play-calling remains a concern. Adjusting play-calling may seem simple, but it’s not always something coordinators are willing to do.

After watching last week’s Dallas Cowboys vs. New Orleans Saints game, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken has a clear blueprint to exploit a vulnerable Cowboys defense—if he chooses to follow it.

The Baltimore Ravens need to run the ball all over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday

Last week, the Cowboys’ struggles against the run were on full display as Saints running back Alvin Kamara racked up 115 yards—his first 100-yard game since Week 5 of 2022. He made it look effortless.

While Mazi Smith was one of Dallas’ few bright spots in run defense, he hasn’t practiced all week and is likely to miss Sunday’s game. Without Smith, Dallas will turn to Carlos Watkins, fresh off the Washington Commanders’ practice squad, to help plug the gap. The absence of a reliable run-stopper leaves the Cowboys exposed to a Ravens team built to dominate on the ground.

The Cowboys’ inability to stop the run last week raises the question: how will they handle a Ravens offense that features both Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson? The short answer is they won’t if Baltimore sticks to the run. The real question is whether Todd Monken will take advantage of this opportunity.

Head coach John Harbaugh has made it clear that Derrick Henry wasn’t brought in to carry the ball 30 times a game, aiming to keep him fresh for the playoffs. But if the Ravens fall to 0-3, what’s the point of saving him?

This is the game where the Ravens need to return to their roots: establish the run, feed Derrick Henry, and mix in some option plays with Lamar to keep the defense guessing. Field 12 personnel, run play-action, and get both tight ends involved in the passing game to maximize the offense’s unpredictability.

Baltimore has all the tools to exploit Dallas’ defense. With no competent run-stopper available for the Cowboys, the only way the Ravens lose is if they beat themselves by abandoning the run. Their greatest challenge may not be Dallas, but their own play-calling.

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