The Dallas Cowboys suffered a brutal 31-13 thrashing at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens in their second preseason game at AT&T Stadium, leaving fans and analysts grasping for answers. The Cowboys’ offense was a shadow of its potential, mustering just 176 total yards compared to Baltimore’s commanding 399. With only two third-down conversions out of 11 attempts and a meager 47 plays run, the team looked outmatched and unprepared. The run defense was porous, surrendering 148 rushing yards, and quarterback Joe Milton’s erratic performance only deepened the concerns. Here, we dissect three offensive plays—or lack thereof—that underscored Dallas’ struggles and raised red flags for the 2025 season.
1. Joe Milton’s Shaky Start: A Safety and a Three-and-Out
The game couldn’t have started worse for Joe Milton. On the Cowboys’ opening drive, the young quarterback was sacked in the endzone for a safety, gifting Baltimore an early 2-0 lead and setting a grim tone. The very next possession ended in a swift three-and-out, with Milton completing just 2 of 8 passes for 14 yards in the first half. His worst moment came near the endzone, where he threw a poorly judged interception into double coverage—a decision that screamed inexperience. While Milton showed a flicker of promise in the second half with a 49-yard completion to Jonathan Mingo, his overall stat line (9 for 18, 122 yards, one interception) was far from inspiring. If Milton is to be the Cowboys’ future, this performance showed he’s nowhere near ready.
2. Run Game Flickers but Fails to Ignite
The Cowboys’ running game offered a glimmer of hope, particularly behind rookie standout Tyler Booker. The first-round pick lived up to his billing, anchoring the right side of the line and opening lanes for Miles Sanders, who managed 15 yards on seven carries. Booker’s prowess in both run blocking and pass protection was a rare bright spot, proving why Dallas invested heavily in him. However, the run game as a whole fizzled out. Phil Mafah showed flashes but lacked consistency, while Malik Davis had a promising run negated by a penalty. Deuce Vaughn’s absence from impactful plays has fans wondering if his time in Dallas is nearing an end. Without a reliable rushing attack, the Cowboys’ offense remains one-dimensional and vulnerable.
3. Receiver Woes: Missed Opportunities and Injuries
The Cowboys’ receiver corps, expected to be a strength, was stifled by Milton’s inaccuracy and bad luck. Jonathan Mingo’s 49-yard reception in the second half was a highlight, but his game ended abruptly with a shoulder injury on that very play. Ryan Flournoy, who hauled in two catches for 27 yards, consistently found open space but was repeatedly let down by Milton’s errant throws. Had the quarterback been on target, Flournoy’s stat line could have been a game-changer. Meanwhile, Traeshon Holden, coming off a strong showing against the Los Angeles Rams, failed to record a single catch. The tight end group wasn’t spared either, with John Stephens Jr.’s 12-yard reception being the biggest of a dismal first half. With the receiver depth chart still a log jam, the Cowboys may need to turn to backup Will Grier against Atlanta to properly evaluate their pass-catchers.
Yes, it’s only the preseason, but the Cowboys’ back-to-back lackluster performances raise serious questions. The offense managed just 176 yards, converted a paltry 18% of third downs, and failed to sustain drives, running only 47 plays. The Ravens, by contrast, dominated time of possession and exploited Dallas’ shaky run defense. While Tyler Booker’s debut offered a silver lining, the offensive struggles—led by Milton’s inconsistency and missed opportunities in the passing game—suggest the Cowboys have significant work to do. If they hope to compete in 2025, the coaching staff must address these glaring issues before the regular season kicks off. The upcoming game against Atlanta might be their last chance to find some rhythm.