4 Things Dallas Cowboys Fans Want to See Against Baltimore Ravens
The Dallas Cowboys didn’t fare well in their preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams. While there were some bright spots and issues to clean up, the Cowboys do have a better idea of what to clean up heading into this matchup versus the Baltimore Ravens.
Here are 4 things to keep an eye on for the Cowboys this Saturday night.
1 — Pad Level against the Run Game
Thankfully, the Cowboys won’t compete against Derrick Henry for 60 minutes as if this was a regular season game. Henry would be a nightmare for this defense that has struggled in camp and last week. The Cowboys are one of the worst run defenses in the league and they play with their pad level too high. That combined with a lack of skill at the defensive tackle position makes it tough to stop the run.
The Cowboys don’t have any safe options outside of Osa Odighizuwa. Mazi Smith needs to play like a former first round pick. Jay Toia is trying to earn a spot on the roster with a different body type. Solomon Thomas and Payton Turner are trying to earn their keep after coming in free agency. If the Cowboys can stop a team that will challenge them in the run game like this Ravens team, they will make a big impression.
2 — Does Jaydon Blue Play; Others Getting Opportunities
The Cowboys didn’t play Javonte Williams or Miles Sanders in the opener, while rookie Jaydon Blue was out with an injury. This opened up opportunities for Phil Mafah and Malik Davis after signing Davis the week-of. With a crowded backfield, it is vital for these backs to separate themselves from the competition with every rep they can get.
Cowboys fans are intrigued at what home-run speed Jaydon Blue can bring to this offense. Blue was getting first team reps at points during camp, so everyone is high on his potential. But if Blue can’t go, you’re going to hear a lot of noise from Phil Mafah trying to make his way on the roster while Malik Davis wants to prove last week wasn’t a fluke, averaging 9 yards per carry.
3 — Who Stands Out On Special Teams
It’s not always about being the best at your position to make the 53-man roster, but can you contribute on special teams? The Ravens had an 87-yard punt return from rookie LaJohntay Wester in their contest against the Indianapolis Colts last week. Wester is fast and if he can, he’ll break another one.
The Cowboys don’t need to allow that to happen. While this receiving core is tight, they need to show they can be trusted as gunners on special teams. If they can contain a guy like Wester, this might give them an edge as the coaching staff decides on their roster. Guys like Traeshon Holden, Jalen Brooks, and Jalen Cropper come to mind as receivers who need to play well on special teams.
4 — Can Joe Milton Build Off Week 1
Joe Milton III had flashes in the second half of the Rams loss, but he had wide-open throws he completely whiffed on in Week 1. For your backup quarterback, you want him to feel comfortable in the offense and make smart decisions. Once Milton settled down, his performance felt better, but he needs to put together a complete game for himself.
The Ravens are notoriously known for being well coached, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Milton isn’t thrown weird blitz packages, but he is challenged by the defensive effort of the Ravens. If Milton can withstand that, they might not have to look elsewhere in the case Prescott goes down with an injury.
What are your expectations for the Cowboys in this preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens? Let us know what you’ll have your eye on in the comments below.