KNEE-JERK REACTIONS: Ravens 31 Cowboys 13

How ’bout ‘dem…Ravens?

The Ravens went to Dallas and beat the Cowboys, 31-13, in Week 2 of the preseason.

RSR staff react to what we saw here.

Jason Woolbert

No team is static week to week, and this is especially true prior to the season.

Cooper Rush played much better in this game, showing accurate throws and a lot of chemistry with Tez Walker.  He bought time and delivered a back-of-end-zone TD to Keith Kirkwood that you expect from an NFL QB.  Neither of his INT were helped by the intended receiver, especially the second which went through the hands of Rasheen Ali straight to the defender.

Speaking of which – two points on Ali.  First, the Ravens need to decide what to do with him.  He looks like an NFL-quality back that can also return on special teams, and I don’t think he lasts on a Practice Squad.  So do they carry four RB?   I think the best situation for both sides is perhaps a trade.

(Edit: After the game tonight, John Harbaugh announced that Ali will be on the 53.)

John Harbaugh said that the Ravens will carry four running backs. I’ll have to recalibrate my roster projection, but my initial feeling is that Isaiah Likely will go on IR to start the year. I can’t see this team going with a 26-24 offense-defense split.

— Nikhil Mehta (@nikknowsball) August 17, 2025

Second, does coach Harbaugh have as big a doghouse for dropped passes as he does for fumbles?  That turnover that Ali gave up is exactly the kind of play that has ended the Ravens season the past few years.  Lajohntay Wester, who did not have a good game at WR, almost did the same earlier in the game.

For the second game in a row, Corey Bullock started at C.  The starting line was Noteboom – Vorhees – Bullock – Faalele – Rosengarten, with Stanley and Linderbaum sitting.  It appears the Maryland alum will make the 53 man roster.

Another player making a case for the 53 is DB Keyon Martin, who played early and played well.  The Ravens defense put the clamps on Dallas in the first half, and that’s with a QB I like in Joe Milton manning the helm (his throw to Jonathan Mingo in the third quarter exemplifies why I like him).  I also noticed DL C.J. Ravenell playing early and often.  Dallas had difficulty with unblocked rushers all game and couldn’t get much of a run game going either.  All in all, a good solid evening for Baltimore.

Nick Polinsky

Loop there it is. The 6th round rookie had more eyes on him than anyone else wearing purple, and though he missed a 50-yard attempt, he cashed on five of six, including 2 from 50+.

Two of the UDFAs fighting for the last secondary spot(s), Keyon Martin and Reuben Lowery III, both made impact plays and further strengthened their cases to break camp on the initial 53-man roster.

Both backup quarterbacks continued to look fairly pedestrian, but even with the mediocre QB play, Devontez Walker took advantage of a few early targets to have a solid showing.

Overall it was another solid showing by the Ravens’ reserves and with each preseason game we get one step closer to Week 1 in Buffalo.

Zach Orr must be pleased with his defense tonight. Cowboys had just 7 first downs, went 2/11 on third down, and averaged just 3.7 yards per play. Ravens forced two turnovers, too, which has been a huge point of emphasis in camp.

— Nikhil Mehta (@nikknowsball) August 17, 2025

Chris Schisler

Loop there it is. You’re allowed to miss one when you make five.

Devontez Walker has the goods. He can make plays on Sundays.

LaJohntay Wester impressed last week as a kick returner. His receiver skills explain why he was a sixth round pick with that incredible speed.

Zach Orr seemed to have fun tonight. He seems looser, more confident and authentic.

John Hughey

The young guns continue to step up for the Ravens, as seen in their 31-13 win over the Cowboys. Tez Walker carried a hot camp into tonight’s game. The second year receiver led the team with six receptions for 61 yards, and what should’ve been a touchdown on a missed Cooper Rush pass. Walker’s connection with Lamar Jackson has been seen throughout camp. It’s hard to imagine him not involved in some aspect of the offense this season.

If you read my article Thursday, UDFA DB Reuben Lowery should’ve been on your radar tonight.

OTL: This Year’s UDFA Gem – Reuben Lowery?

The rookie has made plays throughout camp, and shined again with a nice INT before the half, to end a Cowboys 2-minute drive. After another solid preseason performance, Lowery’s gotta be penciled into the 53-man roster at this point.

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