Jerry Jones has seen enough from the Dallas defense to know Sunday’s game will not be simple. The Cowboys have already struggled against mobile quarterbacks, and they now must face Lamar Jackson in Brazil.
Dallas allowed Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart to rush for 54 yards in Week 1. Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels added another 69 rushing yards in Week 2. The Cowboys won last week, but those numbers showed where their defense remains vulnerable.
Ravens A Bad Matchup
Jones discussed the Ravens during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan and pointed directly to the problem. He said Jackson is difficult to contain when he runs and that the quarterback’s mobility creates a major challenge for Dallas.
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
“That’s a bad matchup. We got our work cut out for us. It’s a rough one,” Jones said. “We’ll be ready for them, but they’re a handful.”
The numbers help explain Jones’ concern. Dallas is allowing 173.5 rushing yards per game through two weeks, which ranks 30th in the NFL. The Cowboys have also allowed 391.5 total yards per game.
Jackson does not need a huge rushing total to affect the defense. His ability to escape the pocket can force linebackers and defensive backs to adjust their positioning. One missed assignment can also turn a routine play into a long gain.
Makes Problem Even Harder
The Ravens do not need Jackson to carry the rushing attack by himself. Derrick Henry entered Week 3 with 212 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He ranks second in the NFL in rushing yards and is tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns.
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) runs off of the field after a game against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Ravens won the game, 41-24.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
This offensive duo creates a difficult choice for Dallas. Giving Henry extra attention could leave Jackson with more room to run. Focusing too much on Jackson could mean fewer defenders around Henry.
Baltimore can also use play-action from the same looks. Through two games, Jackson has completed 13 of 18 play-action passes for a league-high 229 yards. That production shows how the threat of the running game can open passing opportunities.
The Cowboys also have injury concerns behind their front seven. Cornerback Cobie Durant, linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safeties P.J. Locke and Malik Hooker have been ruled out. Those absences leave Dallas with less depth against an offense that can attack the middle and outside areas of the field.
Feb 5, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones poses on the NFL Honors Red Carpet before Super Bowl LX at Palace of Fine Arts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
There is some good news for the Cowboys. Their offense scored on seven of eight drives during a 37-20 win over Washington, with Dak Prescott throwing four touchdown passes.
That performance gives Dallas a chance to keep pressure on Baltimore instead of asking its defense to win the game alone. The Cowboys may need another productive game from Prescott and the offense if their problems against the run continue.
Dallas and Baltimore both enter the matchup with 1-1 records, but the main challenge is clear. The Cowboys have struggled against mobile quarterbacks and the running game, while the Ravens arrive with Jackson and Henry.
Jones called it a bad matchup, and the numbers support his concern. Dallas must now find a way to keep Baltimore’s two biggest rushing threats under control.
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