Baltimore Ravens fans across Maryland, including those in Southern Maryland communities like St. Mary’s and Calvert counties, had plenty to cheer about as the team secured a convincing 31-13 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in their second preseason game on August 16, 2025, at AT&T Stadium. The Ravens’ defense stifled the Cowboys’ offense, holding them to just 31 yards in the first half, while rookie kicker Tyler Loop delivered a standout performance with five field goals, and quarterback Cooper Rush showed flashes of improvement despite two interceptions. This Ravens preseason win moves Baltimore to 2-0 in exhibition play, building momentum ahead of the regular season opener.
The game unfolded with Baltimore asserting dominance early. Resting most projected starters, including quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, the Ravens relied on depth players who rose to the occasion. The defense, coordinated by Zach Orr, was relentless, limiting Dallas to under 200 total yards for the entire contest and forcing turnovers that shifted momentum. Rookie safety Malaki Starks and inside linebacker Trenton Simpson were among the few starters who played, contributing to a unit that recorded sacks, a safety, and interceptions. Undrafted free agent cornerback Keyon Martin exemplified the defensive prowess, tallying a tackle for loss, a safety on a blitz, and another strong tackle in quick succession.
Offensively, Rush, in his return to AT&T Stadium after eight seasons with the Cowboys, completed 20 of 30 passes for 198 yards and a touchdown. His fourth-down rollout throw to Keith Kirkwood for a score in the end zone highlighted the passing game’s progress, a key focus for offensive coordinator Todd Monken. However, interceptions, including a pick-six, marred his outing, though drops by receivers played a role. Wide receiver Devontez Walker emerged as a target early, hauling in six catches for 61 yards in the first half, signaling his potential role in a deep receiving corps that includes Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.
Loop, the rookie kicker from Lucas, Texas, turned the game into a personal showcase, connecting on field goals from 29, 51, 42, 36, and 53 yards. Though he missed a 50-yarder wide left late, his rebound with the 53-yarder underscored his readiness to step in for veteran Justin Tucker if needed. Family members in the stands held signs reading “LOOP! THERE IT IS,” adding a feel-good element to the Ravens preseason win. Following the performance, Ravens coach John Harbaugh confirmed Loop as the team’s kicker moving forward, praising his consistency throughout training camp.
Running back Rasheen Ali shouldered the load with Henry and Justice Hill sidelined, and Keaton Mitchell nursing a minor injury. Ali rushed for 62 yards, displaying vision and burst on an opening drive that netted 28 yards on six carries. A dropped pass leading to an interception near halftime was a setback, but his downhill style bolsters his case for the 53-man roster. Rookie linebackers Teddye Buchanan and Jay Higgins IV continued their strong summers; Buchanan recorded four tackles and a quarterback hit, while Higgins added a sack-strip, echoing Baltimore’s tradition of undrafted linebackers like Bart Scott making impacts.
Other standouts included free safety Reuben Lowery, who intercepted Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III in the end zone, and outside linebacker Malik Hamm, a Baltimore native who overcame injury-plagued seasons with a sack and tackle for loss. Wide receiver LaJohntay Wester, after starring in the first preseason game, had a quieter night with a drop and coverage struggles. The Ravens’ special teams also shone, with Buchanan contributing on coverage units.
This Ravens preseason win aligns with Baltimore’s strong exhibition history under Harbaugh, who has emphasized building depth amid injuries and roster battles. The team outgained Dallas 273-31 in the first half, running 50 plays to the Cowboys’ 19, a testament to their preparation.
Looking ahead, the Ravens face the Green Bay Packers in their final preseason matchup on August 23, 2025, before opening the regular season against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 5. Defensive depth remains a strength, with young players like Martin and Lowery vying for spots. Offensively, integrating rookies like Walker and Ali could provide sparks alongside stars like Jackson and Henry. This Ravens preseason win not only boosts confidence but also highlights areas for refinement, such as reducing turnovers, as the team eyes another AFC North title.
The victory drew praise from analysts, with ESPN noting the defense’s “relentless” play and NFL.com highlighting Loop’s “happy homecoming.” Local Maryland outlets emphasized the team’s resilience, drawing parallels to past preseason successes that foreshadowed deep playoff runs. As the Ravens continue building, this preseason win serves as a solid foundation for the challenges ahead.
