Cowboys Vs. Ravens: Matchups To Watch In Week 3

Both the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens hit the road this week, traveling all the way to Brazil for this Week 3 matchup. Although they are thousand miles from home, this is technically a home game for America’s Team, but we shouldn’t expect any kind of home field advantage. It could be quite the opposite with questionable field conditions.

Anyway you want to look at a this is a tough matchup for the Cowboys. The Ravens are one of the better teams in the league despite losing to the Saints a week ago. This is a game chock-full of matchups that could sway the outcome of the game one way or another. Below we discuss which ones we will be watching closely.

Cowboys’ run defense vs. Ravens’ rushing attack

The Cowboys made an effort to improve their run defense this offseason by bringing in Christian Parker and outside players to help, but as of yet there hasn’t been any sign things have changed. In fact, they are still currently one of the worst against the run in the league, allowing 173.5 yards per game, ranking 30^th in the league. That doesn’t exactly inspire much confidence they’ll be able to contain Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry this week. They both headline the fifth-ranked rushing attack so far this year and are averaging 83.5 rushing yards per game.

WR CeeDee Lamb vs. Ravens’ CBs

CeeDee Lamb is coming off a huge game last week against the Commanders and will certainly demand attention from the Ravens cornerbacks in this Week 3 matchup. The last time these two teams played No. 88 had just four catches for 67 yards with no touchdowns and a fumble. This time around Baltimore can’t focus the majority of their attention on him though with George Pickens having to be factored in. Moving Lamb around could create favorable matchups for him or provide one-on-one opportunities for Pickens. It could be a win-win.

Cowboys’ pass rush vs. Ravens’ OL

This is a matchup that could heavily favor the Cowboys considering the Ravens OL is currently allowing a 44% pressure rate through the first two weeks, ranking third-worst in the NFL. The interior of their OL is particularly vulnerable after letting All-Pro C Tyler Linderbaum walk in free agency. Neither Kenny Clark or Quinnen Williams have played up to their typical standards so far, but could both excel in this matchup. And, Donovan Ezeiruaku and Malachi Lawrence could find some success as tackle Ronnie Stanley will be out.