The Ravens nearly blew a 22-point lead in a game they had to win, but with a clutch throw and run. Here are five things we learned from the game: They could not start 0-3. No way, no how.
They were the best team in football going into last year’s playoffs. They’re loaded with Pro Bowl talent, led by reigning Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson. They expect to play meaningful games in January.
But the history could not have been clearer. None of that would have mattered if the Ravens lost three games to start the season. NFL teams rarely dig pits that deep and climb out to play in the postseason.
For three quarters in Dallas, they answered this threat to their very identity with overwhelming force, running as they pleased and clamping down on any threat from the other side. They led 28-6 to start the fourth quarter, and narratives of a season reborn danced in all our heads. Then, they did everything they could to toss it away, just as they had a week earlier .
Too many penalties? Check. The Ravens committed 13 for 105 yards, not aided by an embarrassingly misguided roughing call on a routine hit by outside linebacker Odafe Oweh. Shoddy coverage and missed tackles? Check.
Dak Prescott drove the Cowboys to three touchdowns in six minutes. Special teams nightmares? Check. The Ravens could not corral a slippery onside kick, and Justin Tucker hooked another field goal attempt, this one from 46 yards, outside the left upright.
Vanilla play calling? Check. They went just 40 yards .