Not every winning play makes the headlines. The Baltimore Ravens’ last-gasp win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3 rightfully has the names Lamar Jackson, Zay Flowers, and Tyler Loop front and center. It wasn’t possible without everyone stepping up when their best was needed, though.
Yes, that even includes a defense that struggled in the second half. Specifically, it was Travis Jones who had a subtle impact on making Baltimore’s impossible game-winning drive possible.
In his press conference on Saturday, head coach Jesse Minter made sure to shout out Jones for a savvy decision he made on Dallas’ last offensive drive.
“Travis Jones got hurt on a second-down play when [Dallas] had the ball, and he got himself off the field,” Minter said. “If he lays there, it forces us to use a timeout…By him being able to get up and get off the field, knowing that that’s a thing, allowed us to save that last timeout, which we needed for the last play.”
Don’t worry. Minter added that Jones is fine, calling it something minor that happens in the moment. Still, it showcases the winning mentality Jones carries on a down-to-down basis. Each year he’s taken another step, and he did so again in Week 3.
Travis Jones plays his part in Baltimore Ravens’ Week 3 win
In a game where the Ravens secondary struggled down the stretch and open-field tackling was horrendous once again, their defensive line came to play. According to Pro Football Focus, Baltimore’s top-five graded defenders were all defensive linemen. That includes Travis Jones.
Highest graded Ravens in the Rio win vs. Cowboys, via @PFF:
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) September 28, 2026
Offense:
Zay Flowers (83.5)
Matt Hibner (78.3)
Lamar Jackson (74.8)
Derrick Henry (69.2)
Vega Ioane (65.8)
Defense:
Nnamdi Madubuike (90.1)
Zion Young (78.6)
Calais Campbell (78.5)
Tavius Robinson (77.7)
Travis Jones…
The stat sheet says Baltimore’s defense as a whole has issues limiting explosive plays. Dak Prescott threw for 276 yards, and Javonte Williams ran for 98 yards on 5.2 yards per carry. Jones and others held up their end of the bargain, though.
Jones finished Sunday’s matchup with 3 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 pressure. And most importantly, his calling card was on full display again: eating blocks.
The 26-year-old continues to be one of the most double-teamed defensive linemen in the NFL, and his ability to hold his own and demand that attention opens up opportunities for his teammates. Calais Campbell had the best day of the bunch with 6 pressures and 3 QB hits.
Sure, you want Jones to make a bigger impact. He inked a three-year, $40.5 million contract back in December 2025, and 8 total tackles and 0 sacks through the three weeks might feel underwhelming.
However, Jones has never been a stat-stuffer; he’s the glue guy of the defensive line and is there to ensure the dam doesn’t break in the run game. He’s done that at a good rate thus far.
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