# Ravens vs. Cowboys: 5 Key Plays

> Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and RB Derrick Henry face Cowboys' weak run defense in Week 3.
- Title: Ravens vs. Cowboys: 5 Key Plays · The Banner | Shortify
- Summary: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and RB Derrick Henry face Cowboys' weak run defense in Week 3. Ravens' Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry target Cowboys' struggling run…
- Keywords: ravens, cowboys, lamar jackson, derrick henry, run defense, nfl, week 3, news, local, Key, Plays, The Banner
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/sports/ravens-nfl/ravens-cowboys-preview-week-3-lamar-jackson-dak-prescott-XUGXXBZOR5HRRCYLKOQ3INYSL4
- Author: Jonas Shaffer
- Published: 2026-09-25T14:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: ravens, cowboys, lamar jackson, derrick henry, run defense, nfl, week 3, news, local
## Ravens' Travel Plan
The Ravens fly to Rio de Janeiro for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, arriving Friday morning after a 10-hour nonstop flight.
## Lamar Jackson's Health
Jackson, healthy after Sunday's loss to the Saints, has limited rushing involvement with just one designed carry this season.

> It really would not [have] put my team in a good position if I was just running hurt
## Derrick Henry's Potential
Henry, who scored two touchdowns against Dallas in Week 3 of 2024, faces Cowboys' weak run defense with 25 carries for 151 yards.
## Cowboys' Third-Down Struggles
Dallas leads the NFL in third-down conversion rate at 68.2%, but the Ravens' pass defense struggled with third-down conversions.
## Nnamdi Madubuike's Return
Madubuike, inactive for two weeks due to a neck injury, is expected to return against the Cowboys after practicing Wednesday and Thursday.

> I think he’s a force multiplier
## Ravens' Pass Rush Improvement
The Ravens rank 10th in ESPN’s win rate and fifth in NGS’ pressure rate after improving their pass rush.
## Maracanã Stadium Conditions
The Ravens will play at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, where field conditions are uncertain due to recent complaints.

> There is a lot of just he-said, she-said kind of thing going on right now
## Cowboys' Run Defense Weakness
Dallas has the NFL’s fourth-worst run defense success rate and fifth-worst yards per carry allowed at 5.0.
## Ravens' Third-Down Performance
The Ravens' pass defense struggled with third-down conversions, allowing 9-for-10 passes for 131 yards against the Saints.
## Dak Prescott's Performance
Prescott has 13-for-17 for 107 yards with 11 first downs or touchdowns and one sack on third down.
## Ravens' Injured Players
Wide receiver Zay Flowers and left tackle Ronnie Stanley are injured and may be sidelined due to field conditions.
## Ravens' Strategy Against Cowboys
The Ravens aim to exploit Dallas' weak run defense with Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson's ground game.
## Cowboys' Defensive Weakness
Dallas has ruled out safeties Malik Hooker and P.J. Locke and inside linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, weakening their defense.
## Key takeaway

Ravens' Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry target Cowboys' struggling run defense for Week 3 matchup.