Ravens vs. Cowboys: 5 keys to victory

On the back of three losses in a row, the Ravens are looking to bounce back on Tuesday night against the Cowboys. Baltimore returns several key starters, including QB Lamar Jackson. Despite being 3-8, Dallas cannot be overlooked. The Ravens are in the fight for their playoff lives currently and cannot afford to take any opponent lightly.

Here are five keys for Baltimore to get their first win in weeks.

1) Pressure Andy Dalton

With the return of several starters on the defensive front, including DE Calais Campbell, Baltimore should have no problem generating a pass rush against one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Pressuring QB Andy Dalton should force him into mistakes against one of the NFL’s best defenses.

2) Contain Ezekiel Elliott

RB Ezekiel Elliott has yet to truly take off this season, and the Ravens need to make sure that doesn’t happen this week. Elliott has struggled with fumbles all year as well and Baltimore’s defense forces fumbles as well as anyone.

3) Run the ball

The Ravens must continue to do what they do best offensively, and that is running the football. The Cowboys currently have the second-worst run defense in the NFL, so Baltimore’s game plan should heavily feature RBs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards.

4) Limit big plays from through the air

The Ravens will face another group of elite receivers this week. Between Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and CeeDee Lamb, Dallas has the firepower to really test Baltimore’s elite secondary. The Ravens will have to eliminate any big plays from this trio in order to keep the Cowboys against the wall.

5) Minimize mistakes

Penalties and miscues have plagued Baltimore all season. The Ravens cannot afford to consistently put themselves in bad situations, especially on offense. Cutting down on self-inflicted mistakes will make life much easier for Baltimore against a bad team.